With many influences spanning from ambient Indie music to deathcore, Secrets Don't Sleep is a different take on metalcore with carefully crafted lyrics from the heart, big sing along hooks and hard and heavy riffs.

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Secrets Don't Sleep? How long has the band been around?

Zach: Prior to Secrets Don't Sleep,  Lev and I played in a band together when we were younger, and I've been playing in and out of various bands since I was 16.

Billy: Sam and I struggled for years trying to find people as dedicated as we were to make music. It wasn't until we met up with Zach and Lev that we actually had the opportunity to make or join a band. So this is our first band for both of us.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Lev: I was listening to the song “Shadow Moses” by Bring Me the Horizon and the line “Secrets Don’t Sleep…” stuck out to me. To me that line meant be who you are, no need to hide anything and be someone you're not. I know that in the song…that line means something totally different, but that’s what it means to me.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Zach: Typically I will write out an idea for a song including guitar, bass and an idea for drums. Once I have the structure down, I'll send it to the guys. I then work very closely with Lev and Sam individually so that they both really put their own style and touch into each song.  Lyrically and vocally the songs are written by myself and Billy about 50/50.

Billy: Writing the lyrics with someone else was new to me, but really insightful.
 
Zach pays a lot of attention to little things like phrasing, and how the lyrics correspond to what’s going on musically in the song. Even though we come from two very different backgrounds musically, the process was still very comfortable. We really tried to write based on our personal experiences that  we feel people can relate to. Each song on our EP “For What I’m Worth” generally symbolizes the coming-to-peace with an inner struggle.

Zach: Because we write based about our own lives and experiences, as we move forward and our lives changes, I think our music will too.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Billy: There are a few bands all of us listen to like like Northlane, Blessthefall and Fit for a king, but personally I listen to a lot of deathcore bands like Whitechapel and Rings of Saturn.

Lev: A little bit of a throwback but I’m a big Avenged Sevenfold fan.

Sam: As a drummer I’m always listening to bands that do some interesting stuff rhythmically, and recently I’ve been enjoying a lot of like Animals As Leaders, and Veil of Maya. I also really like Snarky Puppy.

Zach: Steely Dan

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Zach: I had an older brother who introduced me to metal as a young kid. When we were younger we played music together until he hurt his shoulder and couldn't play anymore. When he passed away last year I decided that I wanted to play music much more seriously, as a way to experience things he wanted to, but didn't get the chance to.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

Billy: Tea and Honey.

Zach: Because we have a pretty active show where we move around a lot, stretching before the show for me is huge. If I don’t, I feel like I got hit by a train the next day.

Lev: Stretching,  warming up my fingers just running through the songs.

Sam: To warm up I just use a practice pad and warm up my hands with a few old marching band exercises.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Zach: In the short period we've been together We've had the good fortune to work with some really amazing people. Everybody who has gotten involved with the band-shooting video, artwork, recording, everybody has been unbelievably passionate about what we as a band were doing.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Lev: Bring Me The Horizon. Musically, I admire what they did with changing their style and they continue to produce incredible work. They also have experience and have been successful at everything they do. I would love to learn and get advice from them. And sharing close time on the road would be a great way to do that.

Billy: Whitechapel, because Phil Bozeman.

Sam: Periphery because they’re amazing.

Zach: Coheed and Cambria. I think Claudio Sanchez is a genius and he's actually from the same area Lev and I are from.