SECRET WEAPONS HEADLINE ROUGH TRADE

Brooklyn based band, Secret Weapons are making their ascent into the judicious arena of noteworthy pop/dance music. In a genre that is by and large, a tricky animal to command, the band manages to instill promise into an often times, abysmal market. One of the most frustrating perspectives in terms of making pop music that has actual staying power is the premature assumption that its landscape is disingenuous or creatively withdrawn. Nevertheless, Secret Weapons will be giving critics a run for their naiveté.

Before headlining a show at Rough Trade last week, we had the opportunity to get to know the members. Consisting of longtime friends, Gerry and Danny, the duo began their career as many musicians do, with a hobby that evolved into a coveted and potentially lucrative future. Having met in high school, Gerry and Danny’s mutual affinity for hassling each other quickly matured into a friendship that Gerry bluntly summarized by stating, “I was an asshole and he was really smart.” Their closeness beyond music making was immediately apparent, and without missing a beat, Gerry elaborated, “We really hate each other, this is all a front but it’s like the odd couple, we’re completely different and somehow it works.”

Secret Weapons Backstage

Secret Weapons Backstage

Secret Weapons Backstage

Secret Weapons Backstage

Secret Weapons Backstage

Secret Weapons Backstage

Initially, Danny and Gerry broke into the music scene as DJ’s but Danny explained that they didn’t exactly feel producing was their calling. “In the very beginning we started out as DJ’s and then we were like, ‘ what is this? what are we doing? We play guitar! We love guitar!’ Then one day we just wrote a track and went completely in the other direction.”

Secret Weapons photoshoot

Secret Weapons photoshoot

Secret Weapons photoshoot

In early 2014, Secret Weapons was born and in a very short amount of time they’ve received more attention than most bands manage after several years in the business. Though the duo seems to be taking their critical praise in stride and refuse to let the allure of fame and self-promotion consume them, they’re also aware that some positive developments are underway. “Things have really picked up,” said Danny, “We sold out some great venues like Mercury and then they asked us to come here, and we were like, ‘fuck yeah this is amazing!”

Secret Weapons photoshoot

Secret Weapons photoshoot

It’s hard to believe that Danny and Gerry have only been performing as a band for the last year, but it’s easy to see why they’ve garnered a significant fan base since doing so, Danny modestly acknowledges this by saying, “We haven’t released much yet, but our live shows have gotten a lot of great buzz.” With that said, the band has an indisputable ability to work a crowd and whether or not you’ve heard of them before or listened to one of their tracks yet, their energy and confidence as musicians is truly captivating to experience live.

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons Set-list

Currently the band plans to do more writing but not before throwing a Secret Weapons after party in the interest of tradition. After a stellar live performance, the band likes to pack friends and fans into a school bus (or two) for an uninterrupted celebration of the evening. With a knowing smirk, Danny justifies their reasoning by simply saying, “We just really like to throw parties after our shows.”

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons

Article: Lea Weatherby

Photos: Shayne Hanley