Revealing a sharp songwriting instinct and unfolding a distinct indie rock influence, the Secret Machines unveil singular scenarios and refined tunes within the alternative pop/rock scene. Guitarist Benjamin Curtis, Drummer Josh Garza, and Brandon Curtis (vocals, bass, keys) formed the Secret Machines in the midst of summer of 2000, in Dallas, TX. The trio swiftly managed to create its own sounding marks, mostly due to a common musical and band experience. Before forming the Machines, the Curtis brothers played with the punk rock squad Ufofu; in addition, Brandon’s also a regular headliner of the Dallas underground music scene, namely through his active participation in projects such as captain audio alongside Garza. After several months of rehearsals and recording sessions in Chicago with engineer Brian Deck, the Machines offered their debut disc, the EP September 000, in March of 2002. After touring throughout much of 2002, the band returned to their adopted hometown of New York City and began recording the debut full-length for Reprise with producer Jeff Blenkinsopp. The album Now Here is Nowhere was released in May of 2004. This was then followed up by their second full length album Ten Silver Drops, released in April 2006 to mixed critical responses.
While working on their third album, Benjamin left the band to continue his work with School of Seven Bells, a new project with members of the disbanded On!Air!Library!. Josh and Brandon have been joined by guitarist and vocalist Phil Karnats, restoring the band to a three-piece.
The Secret Machines are featured on the soundtrack for Universal’s movie musical, “Across the Universe”.
In 2008, the Secret Machines joined the ranks of other iconic artists such as NIN, Radiohead, and Pearl jam, who are putting their music out without the support of a major label. Having recently parted ways with Warner Brothers, their follow up album to 2006’s Ten Silver Drops will be self-released on TSM Recordings on October 14, and features 8 new tracks: ‘Atomic Heels’, ‘Last Believer’, ‘Drop Dead’, ‘Have I Run Out’, ‘Underneath The Concrete’, ‘Now You’re Gone’, ‘The Walls Are Starting to Crack’, ‘I Never Thought To Ask’ and ‘The Fire Is Waiti
After much press speculation and heresy, er...hearsay... here's the REAL story, as only the band can tell it. As they prepare for their upcoming UK/EU tour and to celebrate the release of their third album, Secret Machines (featuring 2 bonus tracks), in the UK - the band have spoken publicly for the first time since the departure of former guitarist Benjamin Curtis.
"Secret Machines is supposed to be a vehicle for us to be ourselves and play and do what we wanted to do, and that's why Ben left." - Brandon Curtis
"I wouldn't have joined them if they hadn't been open-minded in that way." - Phil Karnats
"We wanted someone who could just grab it. We're really tough musicians, if you can play, cool - if not, get the hell outta here. Phil can hang." - Josh Garza
Released today on the band's social network www.thesecretmachines.com, the uncensored video clip of Brandon, Josh and Phil - who speaks out for the first time on camera - reveals what really happened, why Benjamin left, and how they rose above uncertainty to continue the musical revolution known as The Secret Machines.
Check out the never-before-seen-footage , Part 1 in a series. Shot in hi-def by Susan Stahman and Howard Berger, courtesy of PalmDoorFilms.
https://secretmachines.lnk.to/awake
Light's On
Secret Machines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everywhere you go you leave a trace
You're curled up under the light
With shadows of the fallen
And everyone you've known
That's been replaced
But the light's on
And you're waiting for the signal
The light's your place to hide
The light's on
You don't know just who your friends are
The light's on
And its light you'll never know
Hanging from the rings around your finger
Hiding from the hammer holding fist
The light's on
The opening lines of "Light's On" by Secret Machines paint a picture of a world where our every move is monitored and recorded. The idea of being tracked and traced wherever we go can leave us feeling exposed and vulnerable. The imagery of being curled up under the light with shadows of the fallen creates a sense of a person feeling alone and scared amidst the chaos of the world around them. The line "everyone you've known that's been replaced" adds to this feeling of isolation, suggesting that this person doesn't have any close connections or relationships that they can rely on.
However, amidst all of this darkness, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of the light that's on. The light represents a safe haven or refuge for this person, a place where they can hide and feel protected. The line "you don't know just who your friends are" speaks to the idea that in a world where everyone is a potential threat, it's hard to trust anyone. The light provides a sense of certainty and stability in an uncertain world. The final line "hanging from the rings around your finger, hiding from the hammer holding fist" adds to the sense of danger and instability that permeates the song.
Overall, "Light's On" is a powerful and evocative song that touches on themes of isolation, trust, and safety in a world where our every move is monitored and recorded.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere there's a record of your whereabouts
There's a record of where you've been and what you've done that you're unaware of
Everywhere you go you leave a trace
Your presence is noticeable and leaves lasting impact
You're curled up under the light
You're hiding in plain sight
With shadows of the fallen
You're surrounded by the consequences of your actions
And everyone you've known
That's been replaced
The people you've been close to in the past have moved on
But the light's on
And you're waiting for the signal
The light's on
You're waiting for something to happen, while hiding in the light that provides comfort
The light's your place to hide
You use the light as a place of refuge and comfort
You don't know just who your friends are
You're uncertain about the people you can trust
The light's on
And its light you'll never know
There's a part of the light that will remain unknown to you
Hanging from the rings around your finger
You're stuck in the same situation or mindset
Hiding from the hammer holding fist
You're trying to avoid the consequences of your actions
The light's on
The light is a constant presence in your life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind