The Secret Handshake Members, Gear & Sound

The Secret Handshake is the musical project of Luis Dubuc, a multi-talented musician hailing from Dallas, Texas. Known for blending neon pop punk, electropowerpop, and alternative pop rock, Dubuc started The Secret Handshake in the early 2000s as a solo endeavor. With a background as the drummer for metallic hardcore band Thirty Called Arson, Dubuc ventured into creating music that fused catchy pop melodies with electronic elements. Drawing inspiration from artists like Michael Jackson and Daft Punk, he initially crafted his sound using just a laptop and a Wurlitzer in his bedroom, resulting in a distinctive style characterized by vocoder-heavy tracks and quirky electro-pop arrangements.

The Secret Handshake's sound is characterized by vibrant, punchy synths and rhythmic electronic beats, often creating an energetic and infectious atmosphere. Dubuc's use of vintage synthesizers, such as the Aelita 3-VCO and Formanta Polivoks, adds a layer of nostalgic warmth and texture to his compositions. The incorporation of dynamic drum machines like the Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer provides a driving force that underpins his tracks with a danceable groove. The overall vibe is a melodic yet electronic fusion, where vibrant synth lines and rhythmic beats converge to create a sound that is both modern and reminiscent of retro pop influences.