Secrets at 15: Paralyzed, Reborn, and Ready to Conquer Again

Secrets at 15: Paralyzed, Reborn, and Ready to Conquer Again

Fifteen years in, Secrets are proving that resilience and reinvention are part of their DNA. With the release of their powerful new single Paralyzed, the post-hardcore/metalcore veterans are not only revisiting the highs and lows of their journey but also stepping boldly into a new chapter. Vocalist/guitarist Richard Rogers and bassist/vocalist Wade Walters sat down to reflect on heartbreak turned into art, the return of longtime bandmates, memories of industry legend Dave Shapiro, and what it means to still be writing songs that connect as deeply today as they did a decade ago. From Kansas road trips to global tours, Secrets are embracing their past while carving out a future that feels more energized than ever.

Let’s dive right into your new single, Paralyzed. What was the inspiration behind it?

Richard Rogers: It came from a breakup with my fiancée of nine years. That experience really shaped the song.

Wade Walters: I watched Richard go through that relationship, giving it everything he had. They went through major life changes together, and then it ended suddenly. It left him in a tough place. At that point, he’d stepped away from the band for about a year. I thought writing together might be therapeutic, so I pulled him back into the studio — and Paralyzed was the result.

Richard Rogers: It definitely was. Getting back into the studio felt like therapy. Wade pulled me out of a dark place.

What’s it been like to have Richard return — and to have Connor back on drums as well?

Wade Walters: Richard’s my best friend, so having him by my side again means everything. We had some great fill-ins who crushed it, but it never felt the same. I even considered a hiatus because I didn’t want to keep going without him. When the timing was right, I called him up and said, “Let’s write about it.” He was open, and after a little push, he came back. Bringing Connor Allen back on drums felt just as important — he’s the best drummer I know.

Richard Rogers: He’s killer now. So solid.

Wade Walters: Connor’s also playing for I See Stars and Taylor Acorn, but this is his main gig. As a drummer myself, having him behind me feels secure.

Richard Rogers: Once we got both Connors back, it all clicked. Sitting down together and breaking everything down just made sense.

You’ve got a new label and a new single. What’s next?

Wade Walters: You nailed it — we’ve been in the studio nonstop. We haven’t officially announced an album, but why not drop some exclusive info here? We’ve recorded a bunch of songs, and they’re being mixed and mastered right now. Our new label, SBG Records, is incredible. They’re supporting rising artists, nostalgia acts, and new bands on every tour. The placements and radio play we’ve gotten for Paralyzed are unlike anything we’ve experienced before.

Richard Rogers: It reminds me of when we first started the band — the energy, the backing, the belief. When Velocity signed us under Rise Records, it felt like that. It’s amazing to have people truly behind us again.

Wade Walters: Exactly. With a smaller label, you get real attention. They prioritize songs, visuals, and everything needed to take us to the next level. That’s what we were looking for.

Dave Shapiro who signed you to Velocity Records. He recently passed away. What are some of your favorite memories of Dave, and how did he help you throughout the years?

Richard Rogers: Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without Dave. He shaped where I ended up in life in the strangest way. I remember him back in 2011, always on his Blackberry, tip-tapping away while still carrying on a full conversation with you. It was wild — especially for me, since I’ve got ADHD and struggle to focus. But Dave always had our backs.

Wade Walters: Dave was one of the most genuine, down-to-earth people. You could call him anytime, and he’d answer with the friendliest voice: “Yeah man, of course we can do that for you.” He essentially launched our career. Every tour he could get us on, he did. Secrets wouldn’t be the band it is today without him. He was a key piece in our development.

One of your albums, Everything That Got Us Here, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Looking back, what does that record mean to you now?

Wade Walters: Funny enough, I was just thinking about that a few days ago. That was my first record with the band — I was 22. Aaron had just quit, and I flew out to Connecticut to fill in. I only knew three or four songs, so I faked my way through the rest and crammed lyrics in a couple of days. Shortly after, they flew me to Orlando to record all the screaming parts with Tom Denny, who was my idol from A Day To Remember. Recording with him was surreal. He was moving houses at the time, so I tracked vocals in this tiny, dark closet. He kept encouraging me through the talkback mic, telling me I was good and that the band was going places. That gave me so much confidence. It’s crazy to think that was over 10 years ago.

Richard Rogers: Yeah, Aaron quit while we were on tour, so I called Wade and said, “Can you play bass and scream for us?” We flew him out, and that’s how it started. I’ll never forget driving through Kansas with him — six hours of cornfields, no phone service, and me blasting sad country songs. I put him in the hurt locker with that one.

Wade Walters: That was brutal. Sitting in the front seat, no service, endless Kansas, and Richard playing country music. Depressing as hell.

Richard, what was your experience recording that album?

Richard Rogers: Tom Denny and Andrew Wade were producing together in Orlando. Tom decided it was my time to shine, so the record leaned heavily on me vocally — a lot more cleans.

Wade Walters: Yeah, Tom and Andrew were a powerhouse team back then. They did some of the best A Day To Remember records together.

Who’s producing the new Secrets music?

Wade Walters & Richard Rogers: Us.

Wade Walters: Yeah, we’re producing it ourselves. We recorded at Ashtone Studios in Sacramento with Matt Thomas, and now we’re working through stems and producing the songs one by one. It’s been going really well. We also did a track with Taylor Larson and co-wrote a couple with our buddy Logan Gameson. This time we’re way more hands-on — not just pressing record and leaving. We’re deeply involved in structure, arrangement, adding sounds, and production details. That’s how Paralyzed came together. We had stems of the song, I took them home, arranged everything, added production, then sent it off to be mixed and mastered. Honestly, it’s my favorite Secrets song. It feels like the perfect balance.

Richard Rogers: You’ve been saying that nonstop — “I love this song.”

Wade Walters: And it’s not just me. A lot of fans have said it’s their favorite track we’ve ever released. That’s amazing to hear, especially 12 or 13 years into our career. It’s easy to get stuck in the box of “play the old stuff,” but being able to write new music that connects and even surpasses past songs is huge.

Richard Rogers: I’ve got to mention Logan again. He really helped keep us going with the writing process. He took everything I had to say and helped mold it into something powerful.

Do you plan to tour in support of this new music?

Wade Walters: Absolutely. We’re announcing some holiday shows in California. Looking ahead to 2026, we’ve got a new agent pitching us for everything we’re interested in. We definitely want to focus on support runs, branching out to headlining, and reaching new fans. We’ve got die-hard fans who’ve been with us for years, but it’s exciting to think about connecting with fresh ears around the world with these new songs. We’re looking forward to some really solid support slots.

This marks your 15-year anniversary — at least for you, Richard. What does it feel like to have been doing this for so long?

Richard Rogers: I feel lucky — very fortunate. Coming back and seeing the support we’ve had really solidified that for me. Not everyone gets this kind of love, and I don’t take it for granted. Reading the comments and seeing how much people still care has been incredible. For a while, I wasn’t feeling great about touring again. I was scared. But now I’m excited — genuinely excited — to be back.

Wade Walters: Fifteen years is wild. It’s like having a kid who’s now a sophomore in high school — that’s how long we’ve been at this. We’ve traveled the world, been to places people dream of visiting. When we look at our Google Maps and see all the pins from the past decade and a half, it’s insane to think about the time, energy, and experiences we’ve had.

Richard Rogers: Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, all over America — bang, bang, bang. A lot of people never leave their hometown, so I feel really fortunate. And I’m grateful to be welcomed back.

Do you have any messages for Secrets fans who’ve been following you all this time?

Wade Walters: From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. This journey has been ours, but it’s also been yours — watching the changes, sticking with us through everything, showing up at shows, buying tickets, merch, VIP passes. We couldn’t do any of this without you. We welcome fans with open arms. Whenever we can get to the merch table, take pictures, talk, hang out — we’re there. Hearing people’s life stories about how our music has impacted them is why we do this. We try to write songs that are relatable, about real experiences, so listeners can connect. Thank you for being part of it.

Richard Rogers: I’ll echo that. We’re very lucky to be in this position, and we’re going to keep working to give you the best music possible. We can’t wait to hear more from you and spend more time together.

IN CONCLUSION

As Secrets step into their fifteenth year, the band feels both renewed and grounded — carrying the weight of past experiences while embracing the excitement of what’s ahead. With Paralyzed marking a powerful new chapter, Wade Walters and Richard Rogers are proving that their story is far from finished. From global tours to intimate fan connections, their journey has always been about resilience, friendship, and the unshakable bond with those who’ve supported them along the way. If the past decade and a half has been about building, the years to come promise to be about soaring — and Secrets are ready to take their fans with them every step of the way.

(Interview by Ken Morton)

Secrets is:
Wade Walters – Singer
Richard Rogers – Singer / Guitar
Connor Branigan – Guitar
Connor Allen – Drums

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