Formed during summer 2000, this retro-sounding Texas, USA-based psych rock outfit features brothers Brandon (vocals/bass) and Benjamin Curtis (drums), who were joined by Josh Garza (multi-instruments). Prior to the formation of Secret Machines, all of its members cut their musical teeth in a variety of other local acts, including UFOFU (Brandon and Benjamin) and Comet (Josh). None of their previous outfits could prepare the listener for the genre shift their next project would take, as the trio signed with the indie label Ace Fu a few months after their formation. Relocating to Chicago, Illinois for the recording sessions, respected indie producer Brian Deck took the helm, resulting in the band quickly recording six tracks. The trio also decided to beef up their sound for the recording, as they called on other musicians to contribute, including producer Deck (organ, percussion, marimba), Tim Rutili (slide guitar), plus other various percussionists. The resulting mini-album, September 000, was issued in early 2002, and instantly earned comparisons to Spacemen 3, Olivia Tremor Control, and early Brian Eno, among others.
A major label recording contract with Reprise Records ensued. The band decamped to New York city to begin work on their debut for the label, teaming up with producer Jeff Blenkinsopp in the studio. Now Here Is Nowhere was released in May 2004. In addition to their Secret Machines duties, most of their members also spend their free time in side projects, most notably Brandon Curtis and Garza in Captain Audio.
