by Adam Keen…
Stream the new track ‘Hand in Hand’ from Secret Towns’ upcoming EP “Small Hours”. The track is a steady, airy and heavily instrumental entry featuring played down and hauntingly warming lyrics. Its a slow tempo leading to a slightly less slow crescendo, unique and beautiful.
Bio from Facebook: “Secret Towns is an Indie Rock band from Atlanta, GA. Ranging from catchy dream pop to atmospheric rock genres, Secret Towns’ music is there to make you think of places you’ve been to and maybe some you haven’t. Calling to mind bands like Yo La Tengo, Blur, Real Estate, Deerhunter and Warpaint, Secret Towns is fronted by Luke Thornton on guitar and vocals, Sam Pena on bass, Matt Petino on lead guitar, and Harry Dulaney on Drums.”
In the interview below we touch on the band’s writing process, what they hope fans think of their music, whether the band finds it important for artists to speak to the current times in music and art, and most importantly, skinny jeans. Below the interview you’ll find a free download from Secret Towns! + info on their album release show.
Secret Towns on FaCeBoOk
THE INTERVIEW:
B: Who is in the band and what do you play? How do you know each other?
My name is Luke Thornton, I play rhythm guitar and vocals. Harry Dulaney plays drums, Sam Pena plays bass and Matt Petino plays lead guitar. I know Harry through jamming with him the past couple of years. Sam is one of my really good friends who I’ve know for a while and knew he loved music too and was interested in doing something. Me and Sam went to see one of my favorite bands called Deep Sea Diver at the Earl a couple of years ago and got really inspired about making new music. I’d been wanting to set up a band for a while so I was glad that I knew enough people in my life at this point who were also open to it.
Soon after me, Harry and Sam started playing together and started Secret Towns. A few months ago, our original guitarist left and we were looking for a new guitarist right before we had a few shows to play. We meet Matt at Kite High House in Decatur and things soon clicked after that.
B: Is this your first album? What is the title?
This is our very first EP and it is called “Small Hours”.
B: What do you hope a potential fan is thinking after listening through the entire album?
Luke: I hope a potential fan thinks about the way they felt with the places and people they’ve spent with in their own life and the meaning unique of those unique experiences, good or bad. Hopefully its puts them in a certain atmosphere.
B: How do you describe your music in 3 words?
Luke: Night. Time. Friends.
B: Is your album music different than your live music? If so, how? Or does the music translate from album to live easily?
Luke: I think our music translate well from the EP but I think live it has a different type of energy.
B: Do you have a collaborative writing process? Or do you find that each, or just one, member writes pretty full songs and then the band contributes? Can you tell us a bit about your writing process?
Luke: I usually come in with an idea or full song and then me and the rest of the band build on it and shape it. Also someone else brings an idea or if something comes out of jamming that we like and feel it has some potential, we build on that idea as well.
B: How do you feel about the Atlanta “music scene” currently? Do you think Atlanta has a fostering atmosphere for new bands and artists?
Luke: I think right now Atlanta has so many different types of music scenes going on it makes it an interesting place to go out and play music into. From the more garage rock side of things, there’s country, indie rock, ambient, hip-hop, metal. Depending on where you look I guess you can get a lot of support and encouragement from other musicians playing like I’ve experienced from bands like Shantih Shantih, Nikki and the Phantom Callers, Chrome Castle, and Feverst and others. Occasionally there’s some gatekeeping but for the most part there’s a feeling of everyone just trying to make the best version of their own music and get excited for others going the same.
B: Does your music include any political or social activists elements?
Luke: Some of our newer songs we have begun to be more about those causes. I think climate change especially and the way Atlanta has changed in some ways has started to be more of a theme for me. We’re exploring that more.
B: Do you feel its important for musicians and artists to speak to the current times when releasing new music?
Luke: Absolutely, I think it’s hard not to right now. I think music is cathartic in dealing with these large issues and I think it’s important for that reason.
B: Where is your favorite place to eat in Atlanta?
Luke: Wingbar, Poke Burri, and Argosy in EAV are great. Taqueria del sol is definitely one of the best places to get Tacos. Cafe Bombay in north druid hills is my favorite Indian restaurant. Love going to the Porter in Little 5 if I can find a seat. I hold a lot of personal affection for Yacht Club too,
B: And finally, what are your thoughts on skinny jeans?
Luke: As long as there is enough room for healthy blood circulation. A good fit should compliment but not be obvious ya know.
FREE DOWNLOAD: ‘High Five’ from Secret Towns, released in July 2019. As always, pay something if you can. Support Local Music.
See Secret Towns at their EP release show at Mother Bar & Kitchen on Thursday 2/6/20. RSVP and DETAILS HERE.