SECRETWARS is the solo project of Chicago native, Jose Alejandro Rodriguez. QRO caught up with the self-proclaimed "shadow-dweller" to discuss the electronic music scene, Panda Riot, LSD vs. vitamin D, and the sights & sounds of the epic double album Double Fantasy Vacation. Watch for his upcoming EP Tropical Depression, dropping early September on Cheng City Records.
QRO: OK, basics… SECRETWARS, as a formal music project — when does that date back to? And what type of sounds does SECRETWARS kick out?
Jose Alejandro Rodriguez: Back to early 2008 – and it’s usually a mountain of bass synths, strings, pads, samples and patches that I create. As for live sounds, I’m currently working on that field for future projects.
QRO: Remind me what ‘patches’ are again?
JAR: Customized settings for synths, pads and even drum machines.
QRO: Ah, right. I see. There’s a whole world of electronica stuff I have no idea about. Someone mentioned circuit bending the other day like it was the most normal thing – had no idea really what that is.
JAR: Yeah, there’s a ton of subdivisions; it’s weird.
QRO: But you came to electronic music from a more live instrument background, right?
JAR: Yeah, I began back in 2002 with drums and percussion, then occasionally picked up the bass through 2004 and up. I never had the intention to make ‘ambient’ or ‘electronica’. But I ended up crossing paths one faithful night in 2007.
QRO: Oh yeah, what happened on this night of extreme faith?
JAR: I just got in touch with the whole Garageband format and started to uncover a variety of sounds that pleasured my ears. So, I wrote five songs that I thought were OK but not ready for the world. I felt like my time is still on the horizon. I have no idea where those songs are…
QRO: So new technology platforms became a jumping off point for a new style of music for you?
JAR: Pretty much, I never knew about this form of software until that point, since playing in and out of ‘Garage-rock’ bands I wanted to look for a chance of scenery.
QRO: What do you think about electronic music in general today?
JAR: I feel like it’s slowly changing, there’s a ton of amazing soundscapes out there that really catch my attention.
QRO: Do think there’s been a glut of new electronic music with the mass proliferation of cheap/free programs like Garageband?
JAR: Oh definitely. Now programs like Ableton and Fruityloops offer a good range of trials where the user can check out the full program.
QRO: Where do you see SECRETWARS’ place in this new outgrowth of electronic music?
JAR:
QRO: Ahhhh, the shadow-dweller… Might be a good time to mention your other project, Panda Riot, in which you play drums. I was at one of your live shows recently – I think I saw a sort of panel of buttons at the end of a pole… I’m assuming it’s a synth/drum thing?
JAR: With Panda Riot I use a handful of samples based on the song, to complement the ambiance, and also to give a smooth and easy transition from Point A to Point B. We’re debating on whether to keep [the upcoming Panda Riot album] a full length, or maybe go with an EP. We’ll definitely shoot out some details as soon as we come to terms. We always mix it up with some ‘light electronica’ but mostly it’s all well rounded to compliment our [mostly live instrumental] sounds
QRO: As a Panda Riot-er, you’re mostly stuck in the back, manning the percussion – how would you feel being the main attraction for a SECRETWARS solo act?
JAR: Yeah, I don’t mind being up front doing a SECRETWARS set, I’m setting up a couple options for myself for shows in the fall. My live experience would be more of a movie type of experience, a light show here and there and possibly ‘special’ guests.
QRO: A marvel of sight & sound? Like Cirque du Soleil?
JAR: Yeah, around those lines. Keeping it under wraps for now.
QRO: One of your other bands, Calm Palm Vapor, was known for visually engaging sets. Your partner for that band recently went on to form Sunny Shadows, which also uses the big screen effects. What do you think it says about a band when they favor the audience looking at the screen instead of the band? Are ‘film projector’ bands just boring dudes?
JAR: It depends really – usually that works out well with their type of sound. But sometimes it does drive away the attention from the actual band itself. I mean, I favor it, but then again you have to mix it up and be creative with the surroundings to keep an audience interested.
QRO: Tell me a little about the evolution of your double album Double Fantasy Vacation. Did you plan on a double album from the start?
JAR: I didn’t really think of creating a double album at first. It was just a pure joke among peers, and that joke grew on me. I guess I was pretty scared at first because it was something that was unknown, almost alien. So, I began production in December of 2010 and wrapped everything all up in June 2011, leaving singles, bands and ex-girlfriends along the way.
QRO: I’m looking at some of the titles for the tracks, which include references to skywriter, canyons, caverns. Vision upon vision of grand natural expanses. And the music itself has a sort of ‘vast’ quality as well – did the double album help preserve that?
JAR: Yeah, if I would have gone with an EP – eight songs or so – instead of a double album, the message would of been different and not in that context of it being grand. DFV was more of a gateway to emotions, frustrations and reflection on a lot things going on in between months of production.
QRO: Speaking of EPs, you have one scheduled soon, titled Tropical Depression. Is it with material from DFV?
JAR: Tropical Depression is the aftermath of DFV. For the EP I will be exploring new options, maybe some vocal work, live instruments (instead of MIDI’s) and a possible special guest. There’s endless possibilities really, I could shift this within the coming weeks, who knows.
QRO: What’s your singing style? Meatloaf? Thom Yorke? The dude from Coldplay?
JAR:
QRO: Nice! Lets wrap with some thoughts on the videos you made for DFV.
JAR: Cool.
QRO: Tell me a little but about the "Layaway" video: where did you dig up that footage?
JAR: It’s from a video archive site. I really enjoy ‘70s weather educational videos: very clean, simple and effective.
QRO: I’m watching it right now – I think it does a great job toeing that line between tranquility and anxiety. The music has a slight edge to it, as if there was one discordant synth line hidden in there. And the video itself has some ambiguous images. The arrows floating across the grainy B&W sky give off a sort of WWII bomber vibe.
JAR: I want the listener and viewer to engage in comfort, but feel like they should worry about reality. And yeah, I could see the bomber similarities in the "Layaway" video, definitely a winner for the VMA’s. [Currently] I’m in the process of making some original videos. I took some video courses back in College, so I don’t mind going around experimenting.
SECRETWARS’ video for "Layaway":
QRO: OK, time for a hard-hitting question.
JAR: Excellent.
QRO: One of your previous releases was called Beautiful Day to be on LSD – do you use LSD, or other substances, as a creative catalyst? Or for recreation?
JAR: Well, I know when I create music, I don’t partake in any drug activity; I know for several artists it enhances your ability to pick up on internal feelings. I have yet to try it. For now, it’s all pure vitamin D.
QRO: Vitamin D? Is that the new hot street drug? If so, where can I score some?
JAR: Cheng City Records will provide the goods at the next show. Say Vitamin D and you’ll get your dosage.
QRO: Sweet! That about wraps it up – we’ll look forward to checking out Tropical Depression, watching it go platinum, and seeing you on VH1’s Behind The Music ‘telling all’ about your vitamin D habit…
