Luis Dubuc

Last updated
Luis Dubuc
MysterySkulls.jpeg
Luis Dubuc performing as Mystery Skulls in Dallas
Background information
Birth nameLuis Alberto Dubuc Jr.
Also known asMystery Skulls
Born (1985-01-28) January 28, 1985 (age 39)
Caracas, Venezuela
Origin Dallas, Texas, United States
Genres Electronica, indie pop, soul, metalcore (former)
OccupationsMusician, DJ, songwriter, music producer, drummer (former)
InstrumentsKeyboards, vocals, drums, guitar, programming, synthesizers
Years active2004–present
Labels Triple Crown (Formerly), Warner Bros. (Formerly), MysterySkulls Music (Independent)
Website https://mysteryskullshq.com/

Luis Alberto Dubuc Jr. (born January 28, 1985) is an American DJ, musician, singer-songwriter, record producer and former drummer from Dallas, Texas. He was a member of The Secret Handshake [1] [2] and Of Legends. [3] He is currently the man behind Mystery Skulls. [4]

Contents

History

Luis Alberto Dubuc Jr. was born in a small town in Venezuela on January 28, 1985, he and his family moved to Toronto, Canada when he was 8 years old and years later to Dallas, Texas but Dubuc went to live in Los Angeles (whose main inspiration for the song "Ghost").

He speaks Spanish fluently, but in an interview he said "I didn't want people to think I was a Latin singer like Enrique Iglesias. Not because those people are bad, because they make great music. But I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea. I wanted a nondescriptive band's name so that the music can speak for itself." [5]

Thirty Called Arson and The Secret Handshake (2004–2011)

Dubuc performing as The Secret Handshake on July 16, 2010 The Secret Handshake 2010.jpg
Dubuc performing as The Secret Handshake on July 16, 2010

Dubuc first got his start playing drums in a couple of bands with his friends, most notably in the hardcore unit Thirty Called Arson where he played in their live shows. [6] Inspired by artists like Michael Jackson and Daft Punk, he eventually began writing and recording some songs as a side project in his Dallas-based bedroom with a laptop and Wurlitzer to assist him. [6] By November 2004, Dubuc had self-released his first full-length album, entitled Antarctica. Less than a year later, he followed up with the EP This Is Bigger Than You and I, which was issued through Doll House Recordings. Momentum began building around his distinctive electronica laptop pop/rock, and The Secret Handshake developed a devoted fanbase. Another EP, Summer of '98 (referring to the summer before he started high school), [6] was released in early 2007 through New York's Triple Crown Records, [7] anchored by the vocoder-heavy title track. The full length One Full Year followed, becoming his full length Triple Crown Records debut.

In 2008 The Secret Handshake was featured on the Punk Goes Crunk compilation/covers album, where he covered Skee-Lo's rap classic "I Wish". [8]

On April 29, 2009, The Secret Handshake released his third studio album, My Name Up in Lights . The album was recorded entirely in Dubuc's apartment in Dallas. [9] In 2009, the album reached #17 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart [10] and #45 on the Independent Albums chart. [11]

The Secret Handshake opened for the Alternative Press Tour 2009, entitled The Fall Ball, which also featured You Me At Six, Set Your Goals, The Academy Is..., and Mayday Parade. [12] Luis Dubuc was featured on the subscriber-only cover of Alternative Press November 2009 issue, along with the lead singers of the other bands featured on The Fall Ball tour with a feature article. [13] The Secret Handshake toured in Australia from November 26 to December 6. [14]

The Secret Handshake finished a two-month tour in the summer of 2010 with Every Avenue, Sing it Loud, and There for Tomorrow on the Motel 6 "Rock Yourself to Sleep" tour. [15]

The Secret Handshake's fourth studio album Night & Day was released on August 17, 2010. Sound In The Signals complimented the new style found on the album, but criticized Dubuc's vocal ability. [16] Alternative Press noted the new Motown sound was a risky move but stated that Dubuc "obviously had the skills to pull it off". [17]

Luis Dubuc was interviewed in the Alternative Press October 2010 issue, in the feature article titled You Can Hurry Love. [18]

Mystery Skulls (2011–present)

In 2011, Dubuc put The Secret Handshake to sleep and began to make music under the name Mystery Skulls. [19] [20] [21] In 2013, Mystery Skulls signed with Warner Bros. Records. [22] His debut album as Mystery Skulls featured collaborations with Nile Rodgers, Adam Lambert, and Avicii. [23] Dubuc followed up with his sophomore album "One of Us" in 2017, originally envisioned to be a soundtrack for an accompanying film. In early 2018 Dubuc began airing live streams from his studio inviting fans to collaborate on his upcoming third album. Over the next several months he aired weekly videos on either YouTube or his Patreon. He released the first single from the forthcoming album "Don't F*ck With My Money" December 13, 2018. [24] The album "Back to Life" was officially released on April 12, 2019.

As Mystery Skulls, Dubuc has performed across the country and has held many shows, including a performance at Furry Weekend Atlanta in May 2019, [25] and a summer tour to promote "Back To Life". Dubuc performed the fourth ending theme of Dragon Ball Super for its English release, "Forever Dreaming", originally performed in Japanese by Czecho No Republic. [26]

Discography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nile Rodgers</span> American musician (born 1952)

Nile Gregory Rodgers Jr. is an American musician, songwriter and record producer. The co-founder of Chic, he has written, produced, and performed on records that have sold more than 500 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erykah Badu</span> American singer (born 1971)

Erica Abi Wright, known professionally as Erykah Badu, is an American singer and songwriter. Influenced by R&B, soul, and hip hop, Badu rose to prominence in the late 1990s when her debut album Baduizm (1997), placed her at the forefront of the neo soul movement, earning her the nickname "Queen of Neo Soul" by music critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Secret Machines</span> American alternative rock band

Secret Machines are an American alternative rock band, originally from Dallas, Texas, United States, before moving to New York City. The original lineup consisted of two brothers, Brandon and Benjamin Curtis, and Josh Garza (drums). Benjamin left the band in March 2007 to focus on his work with School of Seven Bells, and was replaced on guitar by Phil Karnats. The re-activated band is a two-piece, with the remaining members being Brandon Curtis and Josh Garza.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keyshia Cole</span> American singer (born 1981)

Keyshia Myeshia Cole is an American singer, songwriter, television personality and actress. Born and raised in Oakland, California, she began her career as a backing vocalist for MC Hammer before signing with A&M Records to release her debut studio album, The Way It Is (2005). It received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 20 single "Love," and earned two nominations at the 2006 Soul Train Music Awards. Established by the album's success, Cole filmed a reality television series for BET documenting her career, family and personal life titled Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is; the show ran for three seasons, and became one of the most-watched programs in the network's history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chic (band)</span> American funk band

Chic, currently called Nile Rodgers & Chic, is an American disco band that was formed in 1972 by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards. It recorded many commercially successful disco songs, including "Dance, Dance, Dance " (1977), "Everybody Dance" (1977), "Le Freak" (1978), "I Want Your Love" (1978), "Good Times" (1979), and "My Forbidden Lover" (1979). The group regarded themselves as a rock band for the disco movement "that made good on hippie peace, love and freedom". In 2017, Chic was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the eleventh time.

American disco group Chic released a number of albums in the period 1977 to 1983. After 1983's Believer the group did not record a studio album until 1992's Chic-Ism. The band has since continued to tour and release live and compilation albums. The group's first studio album in 26 years, titled It's About Time was released in September 2018. Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards produced for a series of artists in the years 1978 to 1982. They sometimes produced under the name 'The Chic Organization'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Cab</span> American rock band

The Cab is an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada. Their debut album, Whisper War, was released on April 29, 2008. They have been called "The Band You Need to Know 2008" by Alternative Press magazine. They were also featured in the '100 Bands You Need to Know in 2010' by the magazine and were one of the three bands featured on the cover page, along with Never Shout Never and Hey Monday.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sky Eats Airplane</span> American post-hardcore band

Sky Eats Airplane was an American electronicore/post-hardcore band from Fort Worth, Texas. The band was signed to indie label Equal Vision Records and most recently released their self-titled full-length album through the label in July 2008. In March 2012, the official Sky Eats Airplane Facebook fan page indicated that there would be new SEA music sometime that year, although in November it was revealed that the band appears to be in an indefinite hiatus.

<i>My Name Up in Lights</i> 2009 studio album by The Secret Handshake

My Name Up in Lights is The Secret Handshake's third full-length studio album. It was released on April 29, 2009 on Triple Crown Records. Luis Dubuc began writing songs for My Name Up in Lights immediately after he finished One Full Year and eventually ended with 60 songs to choose from for his follow-up album. Dubuc wrote, played, recorded, programmed and produced the whole record himself in his home studio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lose Yourself to Dance</span> 2013 single by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams

"Lose Yourself to Dance" is a song by French electronic music duo Daft Punk featuring American singer Pharrell Williams. Like their previous collaboration with fellow American musician Nile Rodgers, "Get Lucky", the song was written for Daft Punk's fourth studio album Random Access Memories (2013).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give Life Back to Music</span> 2014 single by Daft Punk

"Give Life Back to Music" is a song written and recorded by French electronic music duo Daft Punk for their fourth studio album, Random Access Memories. It is the opening track on the album. The song features lyrics performed by Daft Punk using vocoders. "Give Life Back to Music" also features album collaborators Nile Rodgers on guitar and Chilly Gonzales on keyboards. The song includes guitar work by Paul Jackson, Jr. and additional keyboards by Chris Caswell, with drums by John "J.R." Robinson and bass by Nathan East. The song was distributed to radio stations on 31 January 2014 as the album's fifth overall single and the final single from the album in 2014. Before this, it charted in France, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

<i>Night & Day</i> (The Secret Handshake album) 2010 studio album by The Secret Handshake

Night & Day is the fourth and last studio album from The Secret Handshake. In the album, Luis Dubuc forwent the techno dance pop sound for mid 20th century Motown soul. The album uses more traditional instruments, displaying a more matured Dubuc. The album was released on August 17, 2010, preceded by the music video for "Domino".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trees Dallas</span> Live music venue in Dallas, Texas, US

Trees is an American live music venue opened in 1990 in the Deep Ellum district of downtown Dallas, Texas. The venue has hosted international touring musical acts such as Nirvana, Snoop Dogg, The Flaming Lips, Death Grips, Daughter, The Wailers, Nick Jonas, and Run the Jewels. It has received numerous accolades from the Dallas Observer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joywave</span> American indie rock band from Rochester, New York

Joywave is an American indie rock band from Rochester, New York, formed in 2010. Their lineup consists of Daniel Armbruster (vocals), Joseph Morinelli (guitar), and Paul Brenner (drums). The band first became known for its collaboration with electronic music project Big Data, "Dangerous", which peaked at number two on the Billboard Rock & Alternative Airplay chart in 2014. After releasing two EPs, their debut album, How Do You Feel Now?, was released through their own Cultco Music label, an imprint of Hollywood Records, in 2015. Their second album, Content, was released on July 28, 2017. It was followed by their third album, Possession, which was released on March 13, 2020. Their fourth album, Cleanse, was released on February 11, 2022. Their fifth album, Permanent Pleasure, released on May 17, 2024.

<i>Mystery Skulls</i> (EP) 2011 EP by Mystery Skulls

Mystery Skulls is the first EP by American indie pop/electronica band Mystery Skulls. It was produced by Luis Dubuc, the lead singer/songwriter of the group. It was released on December 28, 2011.

<i>Forever</i> (Mystery Skulls album) 2014 studio album by Mystery Skulls

Forever is the debut studio album by American DJ Luis Dubuc for his musical project Mystery Skulls. Produced by Dubuc, Cory Kilduff and John LaMonica, it was released on October 27, 2014, through Warner Bros. Records as the project's major label debut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magic (Mystery Skulls song)</span> 2015 single by Mystery Skulls featuring Nile Rodgers and Brandy

"Magic" is a song by American musician Luis Dubuc, recorded for the debut studio album Forever (2014) of his electronica project Mystery Skulls. It was written by Esjay Jones, Dubuc, and Mike Elizondo, and produced by Dubuc and Cory Kilduff, featuring additional contribution from musician Nile Rodgers and R&B singer Brandy. "Magic" is a disco track with violins and a progressive thrust, with Rodgers on guitar and a vocal in which Dubuc sings alongside Brandy. The song was released as the album's fourth and final single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghost (Mystery Skulls song)</span> 2013 single by Luis Dubuc

"Ghost" is a song written, recorded, produced and performed by American DJ and musician Luis Dubuc for his solo project Mystery Skulls. The track was released by Warner Bros. Records as the lead single off the project's debut album Forever described as an electro retro funk track, written, produced and performed by Dubuc, is about him wanting to "disappear completely and start over" after he didn't let anyone know about him moving from Dallas to Los Angeles, as reflected in the song's chorus. The official music video for the track, directed by Josh Thomas, was released in February 2014 by Vice Media's electronic music channel Thump. However, a second, animated music video for the song, which garnered over two million views in less than a month, helped put the track in the top 20 of the American Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The song was also very well received from music critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fonzi Thornton</span> American singer-songwriter

Alfonso "Fonzi" Thornton is an American vocalist, songwriter, producer and vocal contractor. In a career spanning 40 years, Thornton has sung backing vocals for top artists across many genres of music. His vocal credits can be found on the recordings of Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Mick Jagger, Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, Chic, Diana Ross, Garth Brooks, Ray Charles, Mariah Carey, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Robert Palmer, Patti LaBelle, Al Jarreau, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Phoebe Snow, Scritti Politti, Bette Midler, Lady Gaga and many others. In 2008, Thornton joined the musical entourage of Aretha Franklin as backing vocalist and vocal contractor and continued to accompany her in concert, on recordings and TV until her death in 2018.

"Agua" is a song by Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee featuring Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro on vocals and American musician and producer Nile Rodgers on guitar, being their first collaboration with each other. It was released on March 24, 2022 simultaneously with Daddy Yankee's eighth and final studio album, Legendaddy, among various other singles from the record. It was accompanied by a music video directed by Dominican filmmaker Marlon Peña. It was written by Daddy Yankee, Rauw Alejandro, Nile Rodgers, American-Colombian singer David "Raey" Fajardo, Venezuelan singer Rafael "Reggi El Auténtico" Aponte, American singer Raúl "Rey Santana" Treviño, Gary Walker, Mexican producer Scott Summers, American-Nigerian producer Emmanuel Anene and American production duo Play-N-Skillz members Juan Salinas and Oscar Salinas. It was produced by Daddy Yankee, Play-N-Skillz and Scott Summers.

References

  1. ↑ "Interview with Luis Dubuc of The Secret Handshake | The Aquarian Weekly". Theaquarian.com. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  2. ↑ "Luis Dubuc Music Videos". Ovguide.com. 1985-01-28. Archived from the original on 2017-08-30. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  3. ↑ "Alternative Press". Altpress.com. 2011-02-24. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  4. ↑ "Reporter Online | EP Review: Mystery Skulls by Luis Dubuc". Reportermag.com. 2012-01-13. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  5. ↑ Tarradell, Mario (2009-04-20). "Secret Handshake's Luis Dubuc likes that his stage name doesn't tell you much". The Dallas Morning News . Vibe Media Group. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  6. 1 2 3 Apar, Corey. "The Secret Handshake". allmusic. Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  7. ↑ "The Secret Handshake discography". Allmusic . Retrieved 18 March 2009.
  8. ↑ Mueller, Chelsea (2008-04-09). "Notes: Punk Goes Crunk, Handshakes and Highfives on iTunes - Dallas Music - DC9 At Night". Blogs.dallasobserver.com. Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  9. ↑ Freedman, Pete (2009-04-23). "The Secret Handshake - My Name Up in Lights (Triple Crown)". The Dallas Observer . Vibe Media Group. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  10. ↑ "Heatseekers Albums: Up and Coming Musicians Chart". Billboard.
  11. ↑ Charts, Billboard.com
  12. ↑ "The Secret Handshake added to the AP Tour Fall Ball". AltPress.com. 16 July 2009. Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  13. ↑ "Picture" (JPG). 29.media.tumblr.com. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
  14. ↑ "// AP: NEWS - The Secret Handshake plan Australian tour". Altpress.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-01. Retrieved 2010-06-06.
  15. ↑ Smith, Raewyn (2010-07-12). "Every Avenue - "Rock Yourself To Sleep"". Hollywood Music Magazine. Vibe Media Group. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  16. ↑ "soundinthesignals.tk". soundinthesignals.tk. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
  17. ↑ "The Secret Handshake - Night & Day". Alternative Press . 16 August 2010.
  18. ↑ "Alt Press: Magazine #267 (The State of the Scene)". AltPress.com. 19 August 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-07.
  19. ↑ Rushing, Brenna (2012-03-06). "The Secret Handshake folds; new project Mystery Skulls takes over | www.pegasusnews.com | Dallas/Fort Worth". www.pegasusnews.com. Archived from the original on 2013-12-12. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  20. ↑ Abbate, Jake. "Mystery Skulls will perform songs inspired by past influences". PSU Collegian. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Mystery Skulls - Biography & History". AllMusic.
  22. ↑ "Warner Bros. Sign Mystery Skulls - News Article". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  23. ↑ "Twitter / nilerodgers: @AdamLambert and @MysterySkulls". Pic.twitter.com. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  24. ↑ Mystery Skulls (13 December 2018). "Mystery Skulls - Don't F**k With My Money". Archived from the original on 2021-12-21 – via YouTube.
  25. ↑ Furry Weekend Atlanta - May 11-14th 2023 [@FurryWeekend] (February 14, 2019). "Ahoy mateys, the Mystery Guest is revealed! Furry Weekend Atlanta is beyond excited to welcome @MysterySkulls to rock the boat and make waves on our Main Events stage on Saturday night! #fwa2019 💀 https://t.co/ROsrZkASbM" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 14, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2023– via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ↑ Mystery Skulls [@MysterySkulls] (October 13, 2017). "Im on Dragon Ball Super tmrw night singing at the end of the episode <3" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2023– via Twitter.
  27. ↑ "EP, by Mystery Skulls". Mystery Skulls.
  28. ↑ "Mystery Skulls - Chart history - Billboard". www.billboard.com.
  29. ↑ "Mystery Skulls - Chart history - Billboard". www.billboard.com.
  30. ↑ "Mystery Skulls - Chart history - Billboard". www.billboard.com.
  31. ↑ "Ultra Rare Vol 1, by Mystery Skulls". Mystery Skulls.
  32. ↑ Music News Desk (June 23, 2017). "Mystery Skulls Ventures Into Dystopian World with New Album 'One of Us'". Broadway World. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  33. ↑ "Mystery Skulls Comes 'Back to Life' with New Album". The Montclarion. 2019-04-24. Retrieved 2019-04-27.
  34. ↑ Mystery Skulls [@MysterySkulls] (April 16, 2020). "The 1st Single from the NEW Mystery Skulls Album, NOW OR NEVER comes out May 1st 2020 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 https://t.co/i2lnwqWJjB" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2023– via Twitter.
  35. ↑ Mystery Skulls [@MysterySkulls] (December 25, 2020). "Ultra Rare Vol 2 is OUT NOW! https://t.co/VslifJvt0h Merry Christmas!" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2023– via Twitter.
  36. ↑ Loza, Larissa (4 February 2014). "Exclusive: Mystery Skulls Reveals His "Ghost," Talks Warner Bros Deal, Nile Rodgers Collab". Vibe . Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  37. ↑ Barkan, Jonathan (5 February 2014). "Mystery Skulls Spoofs 'The Exorcist' With "Ghost" Music Video". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  38. ↑ "EXORCISE YOUR DANCE DEMONS WITH MYSTERY SKULLS' NEW VIDEO". Vice. Archived from the original on October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  39. ↑ "Ghost". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  40. ↑ Young, Killian (29 July 2014). "A Grim Basketball Game Sets the Scene for Mystery Skulls' 'Paralyzed' Video". Spin . Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  41. ↑ Daw, Robbie (22 October 2014). "Mystery Skulls, Brandy & Nile Rodgers Just Dropped "Number 1," The Best New Track You'll Hear This Week: Listen". Idolator . Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  42. ↑ Augustin, Camille (22 October 2014). "New Music: Mystery Skulls Links With Brandy & Nile Rodgers For 'Number 1'". Vibe. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  43. ↑ Anderson, Trevor. "Mystery Skulls, Lion Babe & Zella Day: Emerging Picks of the Week". Billboard. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
  44. ↑ Daw, Robbie (24 October 2014). "There's Another Mystery Skulls, Brandy & Nile Rodgers Song, And It's Appropriately Titled "Magic": Listen". Idolator. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  45. ↑ Mystery Skulls [@MysterySkulls] (April 13, 2021). "Mystery Skulls - Movies (2021) https://t.co/57re0V8wHq" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 30, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2023– via Twitter.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.