The Secret Handshake

The Secret Handshake serves as the solo outlet for self-taught musician Luis Dubuc, who adopted the moniker for his performances beginning in the early 2000s. His initial forays into music involved collaborating with friends in several groups, including a stint as drummer in the metallic hardcore outfit Thirty Called Arson, whose 2003 release You're Only a Rebel from the Waist Down appeared on Pluto Records. Drawing influence from Michael Jackson and Daft Punk, Dubuc started crafting and tracking material independently inside his Dallas bedroom, relying solely on a laptop and Wurlitzer. November 2004 saw him issue his debut full-length Antarctica as a self-released project. The EP This Is Bigger Than You and I arrived less than a year afterward via Doll House Recordings. His distinctive brand of quirky electro laptop pop/rock steadily gained traction, at moments echoing Hellogoodbye's playful energy while appealing to emo audiences seeking upbeat entertainment. Early 2007 brought the EP Summer of '98—named for the season preceding his high-school years—on New York's Triple Crown Records, led by its vocoder-heavy title cut. Dubuc partnered closely with friend Cory Kilduff of the Rise throughout the recording, which also incorporated remixes from the Dillinger Escape Plan and Spank Rock's Ronnie Darko. Featuring a full band for its live performances, the Secret Handshake toured alongside Jonezetta throughout fall 2007.