Interviewed by Cynthia
What can I say about Secret Empire? The question really should be what can't I say about Secret Empire? I honestly don't think there is anything bad I could say about him. Secret Empire is a guy named Connor Ragan from Los Angeles, California and he is simply amazing. Nothing I can say about him or his music can do it justice, so I think you all should go listen to him here. Have you ever heard the story of the One Man Band? Secret Empire is just that. On top of his musical amazingness, he is probably one of the sweetest guys I've ever gotten to talk to. Connor, if you read this, you are amazing. Keep doing it and keep being amazing.
Tell us the brief history of your band.
It appeared out of thin air.
How would you describe your music to people?
Epic, big, beautiful, dynamic.
Describe your show, visually and musically.
Different colored lights moving around and SE songs really loud.
What's your claim to fame?
My name of shame?
Why do you want to do?
That's a loaded question...
Tell us a story about a day in your life.
Like what I do on a day to day basis? Well right now I normally wake up in the morning around 10 or so, drink coffee and stuff, write and record for most of the day, and then when it gets dark I either go out someplace or drive around or something... I don't know.
What is your song writing process like?
Well it is just me who writes, so it involves a lot of programming and can take awhile. But It usually starts on an acoustic guitar.
Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
I don't think my music is influenced by the music I like that much. I don't sound like what I listen to in other words. But I love Radiohead, NIN, Bjork, The Beatles, 3rd Eye Blind, etc.
And as far as non musical goes, I am very into large spaces, human relationship, plants, love, magical things, etc.
What do you think about downloading music online, outside of iTunes?
Don't know anything about it really, but I think it's nice.
What's your outlook on the record industry today?
Again, don't really know anything about it. I've heard it's really messed up or something though.
What advice would you give to fellow bands?
I would highly recommend writing honest music.
What are some of your pet peeves?
When someone leaves the shampoo cap open in the shower?
How does music affect you and the world around you?
I have no idea honestly.
What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs?
I think the venue is irrelevant to a great show. But I guess carrying stuff is not good and playing an amazing show is the plus.
Tell us about your next tour and why we should be there.
I'm going on tour with my friends band on the east coast at the end of summer. And you should go to see Secret Empire live.
What songs are on the soundtrack to your life?
I really like the song motion picture soundtrack by radiohead and flim by aphex twin.
If you could only pick one album to listen to for the rest of your life what would it be?
Eeeee I dunno.
What's the craziest rumor you've ever heard about yourself or your band?
I haven't heard any rumors about Secret Empire...
what's the story behind your band name?
It was a map I drew when I was a little boy.
what were you like in high school?
I went to a really small school and had a close circle of friends, no biggie. But in Middle School I was the quiet kid no one talked to who walked around with a walkman and headphones on.
Tell us something interesting about you.
My middle name is Collin. Is that interesting?
where is your favorite place to play?
The key club was really fun and the venue staff were good. But I like playing at weird places a lot. I'd like to play in somones basement or on a roof.
what are the top 5 albums you can't live without?
Kid A- Radiohead
The downward Spiral- NIN
The white album-The Beatles
White Pony-Deftones
Selected Ambient Works-Aphex Twin
Do you think that the more recent technology advancements, things like Myspace, instant messenger and text messaging are having a positive impact or a negative impact?
I think it's just more power, and just like any power, it can be used for good or bad.
Do you prefer text messaging, instant messaging or talking on the phone?
Talking on the phone.
What is your favorite song that you've written?
The first track of the Secret Empire record is going to be pretty fucking incredible.
what is your favorite song to play?
I like playing a song called Alien Burial.
who's your favorite cartoon character and why?
Stewie Griffen, because he is hilarious.
Thundercats, Transformers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...which one are you?
All of them at once.
Where do you see yourself and your band in 5 and 10 years?
Touring stadiums with my best friends on my second or third record.
It appeared out of thin air.
How would you describe your music to people?
Epic, big, beautiful, dynamic.
Describe your show, visually and musically.
Different colored lights moving around and SE songs really loud.
What's your claim to fame?
My name of shame?
Why do you want to do?
That's a loaded question...
Tell us a story about a day in your life.
Like what I do on a day to day basis? Well right now I normally wake up in the morning around 10 or so, drink coffee and stuff, write and record for most of the day, and then when it gets dark I either go out someplace or drive around or something... I don't know.
What is your song writing process like?
Well it is just me who writes, so it involves a lot of programming and can take awhile. But It usually starts on an acoustic guitar.
Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
I don't think my music is influenced by the music I like that much. I don't sound like what I listen to in other words. But I love Radiohead, NIN, Bjork, The Beatles, 3rd Eye Blind, etc.
And as far as non musical goes, I am very into large spaces, human relationship, plants, love, magical things, etc.
What do you think about downloading music online, outside of iTunes?
Don't know anything about it really, but I think it's nice.
What's your outlook on the record industry today?
Again, don't really know anything about it. I've heard it's really messed up or something though.
What advice would you give to fellow bands?
I would highly recommend writing honest music.
What are some of your pet peeves?
When someone leaves the shampoo cap open in the shower?
How does music affect you and the world around you?
I have no idea honestly.
What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs?
I think the venue is irrelevant to a great show. But I guess carrying stuff is not good and playing an amazing show is the plus.
Tell us about your next tour and why we should be there.
I'm going on tour with my friends band on the east coast at the end of summer. And you should go to see Secret Empire live.
What songs are on the soundtrack to your life?
I really like the song motion picture soundtrack by radiohead and flim by aphex twin.
If you could only pick one album to listen to for the rest of your life what would it be?
Eeeee I dunno.
What's the craziest rumor you've ever heard about yourself or your band?
I haven't heard any rumors about Secret Empire...
what's the story behind your band name?
It was a map I drew when I was a little boy.
what were you like in high school?
I went to a really small school and had a close circle of friends, no biggie. But in Middle School I was the quiet kid no one talked to who walked around with a walkman and headphones on.
Tell us something interesting about you.
My middle name is Collin. Is that interesting?
where is your favorite place to play?
The key club was really fun and the venue staff were good. But I like playing at weird places a lot. I'd like to play in somones basement or on a roof.
what are the top 5 albums you can't live without?
Kid A- Radiohead
The downward Spiral- NIN
The white album-The Beatles
White Pony-Deftones
Selected Ambient Works-Aphex Twin
Do you think that the more recent technology advancements, things like Myspace, instant messenger and text messaging are having a positive impact or a negative impact?
I think it's just more power, and just like any power, it can be used for good or bad.
Do you prefer text messaging, instant messaging or talking on the phone?
Talking on the phone.
What is your favorite song that you've written?
The first track of the Secret Empire record is going to be pretty fucking incredible.
what is your favorite song to play?
I like playing a song called Alien Burial.
who's your favorite cartoon character and why?
Stewie Griffen, because he is hilarious.
Thundercats, Transformers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...which one are you?
All of them at once.
Where do you see yourself and your band in 5 and 10 years?
Touring stadiums with my best friends on my second or third record.