Exclusive Interview with Vinny Morales of Grave Secrets - A Journey of Pain, Resilience, and Kick Ass Music

On the December 18th, 2023 episode of the Powered By Rock Podcast we dive deep into the world of rock music and explore the stories behind the artists who create it.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Vinny Morales, the lead singer of the LA rock band Grave Secrets. Their debut album, Till Your Lungs Fall Out, has taken the rock scene by storm, with its unique blend of hardcore sound, melodic punk vocals, and moody shoegaze elements. But behind the powerful music lies a story of personal struggle, resilience, and hope. In this article, we will delve into the main themes discussed in our interview with Vinny Morales, using verbatim quotes to provide an in-depth exploration of his journey and the impact of his music.

Introduction: The Healing Power of Music

Music has always been a powerful medium for self-expression and emotional release.

For Vinny Morales, the lead singer of Grave Secrets, music has been a lifeline, a way to cope with the difficulties and pain he has faced throughout his life. From a challenging upbringing to personal loss and the complexities of the world we live in, Morales has channeled his experiences into his music, creating a sound that is both raw and cathartic.

In our interview, Morales shared the inspiration behind his songs, the influences that have shaped his music, and the role that music has played in his journey of healing and resilience.

The Influence of Title Fight and Joyce Manor

When it comes to musical influences, Vinny cites bands like Title Fight and Joyce Manor as major inspirations. These bands have carved out their own unique sound, blending elements of punk, grunge, and alternative rock to create a sound that is both energetic and introspective.

Vinny admires their ability to create music that is raw and honest, capturing the complexities of human emotion and experience. He sees their music as a source of inspiration and a reminder that it is possible to create something meaningful and authentic in a world that often feels superficial and disconnected.

Vinny Morales: "Title Fight and Joyce Manor, they're fucking awesome…Check out Militarie Gun. They're like the next Turnstile in my opinion."

The Stories Behind the Songs

Every song on Grave Secrets' debut album, "Till Your Lungs Fall Out," is a reflection of Vinny's personal experiences and emotions. From the melodic and introspective "Mood Ring" to the raw and powerful "Fuck Shit Up," each song tells a story of pain, resilience, and hope. Vinny shared the stories behind some of the album's standout tracks, giving us a glimpse into his journey and the themes that have shaped his music.

"Mood Ring": A Journey of Self-Discovery

The song "Mood Ring" was inspired by a conversation Vinny had with his girlfriend about her feelings of not belonging and the challenges she faces in a world that often feels superficial and disconnected. Vinny was struck by her vulnerability and honesty, and he wanted to capture those emotions in a song. The lyrics flowed effortlessly, and he found himself pouring his own experiences and emotions into the song. "Mood Ring" is a reflection of the complexities of human emotion and the search for a sense of belonging in a world that often feels isolating.

"Fuck Shit Up": A Call to Action

"Fuck Shit Up" is a powerful and unapologetic anthem that addresses the hypocrisy and pretentiousness Vinny has encountered in his life, particularly in his experiences living in LA. The song is a critique of a society that values material wealth and status over genuine connection and compassion. It also touches on themes of religious hypocrisy, war, and the struggles of the world we live in. Vinny's lyrics are blunt and direct, leaving no room for interpretation. "Fuck Shit Up" is a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to challenge the status quo and create a more compassionate and just world.

Vinny Morales: "It's a critique of society, of LA, of the world we live in. It's a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to challenge the status quo and create a more compassionate and just world."

"No One To Hear": Finding Strength in Vulnerability

"No One To Hear" is a deeply personal song that explores Vinny's relationship with his estranged father whose twin brother committed suicide when he was young, and the impact of a tragic event on his life. The song is a reflection of the pain, confusion, and resilience that Vinny has experienced throughout his life while growing up without a father, and try to understand the emotional state of his father during Vinny's early childhood. It's not a song that let's his dad off the hook for leaving him and his mother behind, but it's Vinny's way of trying to understand how that tragedy would completely damage anyone.

The Impact of Grave Secrets' Music

Grave Secrets' music resonates with listeners because it speaks to the universal human experience of pain, resilience, and hope. Vinny's lyrics are raw and honest, capturing the complexities of emotion and the challenges of navigating a world that often feels disconnected and superficial. The band's sound, influenced by bands like Title Fight and Joyce Manor, is a unique blend of hardcore, punk, and shoegaze elements that creates a powerful and cathartic listening experience.

The themes explored in Grave Secrets' music have the potential to inspire and empower listeners. The songs provide a space for reflection, a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is strength to be found in vulnerability. Through their music, Grave Secrets invites us to confront our own pain, to embrace our emotions, and to find hope in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

Grave Secrets is more than just a band. It is a testament to the power of music as a form of self-expression, healing, and resilience. Vinny Morales and his bandmates have created a sound that is both raw and cathartic, capturing the complexities of human emotion and experience. Their music invites us to confront our own pain, to embrace our vulnerabilities, and to find hope in the face of adversity. As Grave Secrets continues to grow and evolve, their music will undoubtedly touch the lives of many, providing solace, inspiration, and a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. The journey continues, and the power of music will guide the way.

In addition to their debut album, Grave Secrets has exciting plans for the future. Morales revealed that the band has already written around 15 new songs and is planning to release a two-song EP in the next few months. They also have plans for an acoustic EP, inspired by bands like Bayside, which will showcase a different side of their music. Morales emphasized the importance of strategic release planning, ensuring that each song and project receives the attention it deserves.

Vinny Morales: "We have a studio date booked with Alex next week, and we have a bunch of demos. We'll see what song we like the most. We're also planning to release an acoustic EP this year, featuring acoustic versions of some of our favorite songs."

As Grave Secrets continues to create and release music, their goal is to connect with listeners on a deeper level and create anthems that bring people together. Morales expressed his desire to see their music inspire sing-alongs and create a sense of unity among fans. With their unique sound and powerful lyrics, Grave Secrets has the potential to make a lasting impact on the rock music scene and beyond.

Vinny Morales: "I hope we have that anthem one day. Everybody holds each other around the fire and starts singing."