Second Hand Noise Releases "Goosebump Center" and Connects with Us to Share the Inspiration Behind the Track
- STAFF
- Sep 5
- 7 min read
By: Staff
“Goosebump Center” is a mesmerizing journey that fuses ethereal beats and hypnotic synths into pure magic.
New Horizons in Sound: Goosebump Center by Second Hand Noise
The long-anticipated track Goosebump Center from Second Hand Noise has arrived, and it’s nothing short of mesmerizing. With an intoxicating blend of hypnotic synths, ethereal beats, and a hauntingly rich atmosphere, this song isn’t just music, it’s an experience.
Drawing from rock roots and layered with the depth of electronic innovation, Goosebump Center pushes the boundaries of what we know about sound and sensation. We spoke with the mastermind behind this sonic journey to uncover the inspiration, process, and moments of magic that brought this track to life.
In our conversation, we dove deep into the fusion of genres that defined his sound, exploring how an evolving journey led to the creation of Goosebump Center and what it means both personally and musically. From discussing the challenges of blending rock and electronic influences to reflecting on the visceral, almost physical qualities of the track, the artist shared unique insights into his creative evolution. How did he end up in this distinctive space between genres? What drives him to create music that feels both otherworldly and profoundly intimate?
Find out the answers to these questions and more in our full interview with the artist behind Goosebump Center.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Second Hand Noise, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. We loved the opening notes of "Goosebump Center." The reverberated beats and captivating synths felt otherworldly and hypnotic. Was this always your musical styling, or has your journey been one of evolution that started as something different?
A. I would say yes. I have always enjoyed listening and creating lush synth patches and atmospheres. It’s a never ending journey when you experiment with all kinds of reverbs, delays, sound effects and always creating this magical parallel universe of getting to places that you might have never been sonically.
Q. Your bold use of the beautiful blend of rock and electronic feels so fresh and new. What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned from merging those two worlds creatively?
A. Well one of my favorite things is to be unexpectedly surprised because of a sudden turn of events while listening to a song, watching a live performance, movie, play, etc. You can do those kind of “surprises” in both genres . In a way, electronic music is very similar to rock. Drums, bass, vocals, pianos, synths, guitars, etc. Both genres can be relaxing and chaotic and when those two worlds collide, magic happens. From past experiences I have learned and now believe that electronic music and rock belong to each other. Definitely a connection there.
Q. How did the process and inspiration for the track unfold? Did it take any other shapes or directions before you landed on the version we hear now?
A. Right before “Goosebump Center” started to exist, I was working on another track that was at 138 BPM. So, I told my imaginary assistant, “Now let’s do something veeeeery sloooow just because we can”. I wanted like a Portishead meets FKA Twigs kind of vibe with a sudden twist at some point. So since the beginning of the creating process I was aiming at taking different shapes and directions. After 1:01 of the track, you will be able to notice this… Surprises !!!
Q. In Goosebump Center, there’s a strong focus on physical sensation. Were there any moments during the production where you could feel the sound around you?
A. Oh yes, yes, yes !!! I create mostly with headphones and try to achieve positive feelings and sensations on my skin with certain delays and reverbs. Like self inflicted goosebumps. Just like meditation, this connection of sounds with your skin can lead to self healing moments as well. Specially in 432 Hz. It just feels better.
Q. The track has a cinematic, immersive quality. What was the inspiration when creating the soundscapes of Goosebump Center?
A. The inspiration was to create something that felt like moving sideways in slow-motion. To decompress, to expel negative news and visuals. I get inspired a lot by artists like Depeche Mode, The Chemical Brothers, Max Cooper, Emika, Hania Rani and many more when it comes to immersive and cinematic qualities.
Q. People often describe your music as unpredictable. Can you recall a moment during the making of this track where you stumbled upon something unexpected that shaped the final result?
A. Yes in Second Hand Noise I try to sneak in unpredictable elements and in “Goosebump Center” there are multiple moments when that happens.
Starting at 1:07 the beat shifts into breakbeat neighborhood, funky bass bending, synth psychedelia, and classical string arrangements.
Q. Coming from a rock background, was there a turning point when you realized electronic music could give you the emotional range and depth you were searching for?
A. Absolutely !!! If you enjoy hard rock and metal, there is usually a place for you in let’s say… Drum n Bass. Both genres aim for emotional range and sonic depth. Unfortunately in the rock scene in general atm there’s few bands that are willing to experiment into unexplored sonic territories. That’s why I think with electronic music, producers can get more emotional range, more depth and edginess.
Q. With Orlando Mendez and Rafael Anton Irisarri contributing to the mix and mastering, how did their involvement shape the final sound of Goosebump Center in ways you hadn’t initially anticipated?
A. Their involvement is vital to the overall sound of my first batch of singles. Orlando is a good friend, uber talented guitar player and sound mixing genius. I’m a super fan of local legends Circo, which is the band where he plays. Orlando besides working on the mix also co-produced some of the parts. I am so grateful that he accepted to work with me. Rafael Anton Irisarri (Black Knoll Studio) is just world class when it comes to mastering. Just check out his clients catalogue and you will see why. So talented. Best of the best from Puerto Rico.
Q. Into Coherence seems like the launchpad for the Second Hand Noise evolution. What new directions do you feel your sound is taking as you work on the upcoming EP?
A. To keep experimenting will be the continuous new direction. Experimenting with different music genres. It can be Trip Hop, Breakbeats, House, Electro, Techno, Drum n Bass, local sounds from the island, Tropical Salsa piano rhythms, island’s cuatro… Oooooh !!! And my vocals will be part of the experiment too. Hopefully, the algorithm won’t get confused by all of this lol
Q. You create Second Hand Noise from your studio in Puerto Rico. Are there specific local sounds or cultural influences that have shaped your music along the way?
A. Yes, there are for sure influences from local sounds. I will use a cuatro in at least one of my upcoming singles. Also percussion sounds like panderos, bomba chants and get playful with audio samples that represent our culture.
Q. As a teaser description, what would you tell someone about this song to intrigue them about its meaning if you only had one sentence to spark their interest?
A. I will describe it as a musical representation of sound waves touching your skin, causing it to rise.
Q. When someone asks what kind of music you make, what’s the first thing you say?
A. Electronic music !!!
Q. There is a lot of technology available today, and some artists have described it as overwhelming or too much. With computers being more prominently used for both creation and correction, do you feel this has a positive or negative impact on the end result for music?
A. I think it can have both positive and negative. If you go into the rabbit hole of options regarding plugins it can be time consuming although sometimes you end up creating sounds that are very unique because of that. In some cases avant-garde sounds and that can be rewarding, positive and even influential to others. Technology can be negative if you as a producer start to overpolish certain elements and over-dilute the rawness and its true essence but if that’s your sound well maybe it can work.
Q. What do you want this song to say about you as an artist right now?
A. That I can go in different directions, explore infinite possibilities and surprise you.
Q. We’d love to dive deeper into the story behind your artist name, Second Hand Noise. Now that we’ve had a chance to experience your music, it’s clear that your fans will be equally curious about the meaning behind the name that accompanies your sound. How does Second Hand Noise connect to the music you create, what significance does it hold for you personally, and what is the origin or backstory behind the name?
A. This project really lets me express the diversity of my influences in music. It helps re-imagine these influences and transform their sound from my point of view. It helps me explore and connect with the relationship of something peaceful with something intense. Something slow merging with something fast. Black and white with gray in between. A sunny day with rain. Ying Yang. I am a gemini and so is SHN. The name idea came one day while I was talking with a bartender that used to be at the restaurant where I work at. He is a rapper and was complaining about lots of cars playing loud reggaeton in every corner of the island and also doing the same thing with boomboxes at the beach. Then we started joking that it was like second hand smoke from cigarette smokers. Then “Yeah like second hand noise !!!” And after that I told him: “Hmm, I like that, well that’s going to be the name of my project”. Uninvited soundwaves that get to you, you know lol
Q. And finally, we can't thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! So, what's next? Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? We’d love to be the first to share the news!
A. The video of “Goosebump Center” will be very trippy and colorful !!! The BPMs will get faster on the upcoming singles for sure. In November I will release a track that flirts with the indie dance spectrum and has some funny controversial audio in Spanish. Yes, it will be very fun. Can’t wait for that to be released !!!
Second Hand Noise, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Second Hand Noise’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
