For Vinny Morales, music isn’t just a passion, it’s a lifeline. As the frontman of Grave Secrets, an LA-based band with melodic punk & hardcore influences. Morales channels his life’s struggles and triumphs into raw, emotional songs that resonate with fans who feel like outsiders. From growing up cleaning on Saturday mornings while listening to Maná, to discovering rock legends like Metallica and Led Zeppelin, Morales’ journey to music was shaped by the highs and lows of his upbringing.
Grave Secrets has quickly made a name for itself. With their debut EP I Wish I Was Sorry, the band has gone from playing small shows to performing at the iconic Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach and Orlando. For Morales, this journey is about more than just music. It’s about creating a space where fans can feel seen, heard, and understood.
In this exclusive interview, Morales shares the story behind Grave Secrets, their creative process, and the moments that have defined their rise in the punk scene.
Q&A with Vinny Morales of Grave Secrets
What is Grave Secrets, and what does it represent?
Grave Secrets is a band, but it’s more than that, it’s a community. It’s for everyone who’s ever felt like a loner, like they didn’t belong. Whether you were the kid in high school who didn’t fit in or someone who’s experienced loss or grown up without a parent, this band is for you. I call it a cult, in the best way possible. We’re like a family at our shows, a group of people escaping the world together to feel, express, and connect.
How did your love for music begin?
Growing up, music was always a part of my life. My mom was a single mom, and every Saturday morning, she’d blast Spanish rock bands like Maná while we cleaned the house. That was my first introduction to music. Later, I was introduced to bands like Metallica and Led Zeppelin, and that’s when I really fell in love with rock. I started writing acoustic songs in high school, but it wasn’t until COVID that I decided to fully commit to this dream.
How did Grave Secrets come together?
I met Kevin Gonzalez, our guitarist, at a show, and we clicked instantly. We bonded over our love for bands like Joyce Manor, Bayside, and Taking Back Sunday. Kevin had experience leading bands, and I had a ton of songs I’d been writing for years, so we decided to start playing shows together. Over time, we added Carlos Bayona, our bassist, and Dylan, who’s our new drummer and is insanely talented. It’s been a journey, but it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come.
How did it feel playing your EP I Wish I Was Sorry at the Vans Warped Tour?
It was surreal. Playing at Warped Tour felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and then we got to do it again in Orlando. The whole experience was insane. They treated us like headliners, with golf carts, trailers, carrying our instruments for us. I was so nervous, but the crowd was amazing. It’s something I’ll never forget, and I hope we get the chance to do it again.
What’s the creative process like for the band?
It usually starts with me at home, writing the foundation of a song. I can’t write unless I have something to say, whether it’s about relationships, my mom, my dad’s story, or just something I’m feeling. Once I have the lyrics and basic structure, I’ll bring them to the band. Kevin helps fine-tune the structure, and Carlos adds these amazing harmonies. It’s become more collaborative over time, but the songs always start with a story or emotion that I need to express.
How does it feel knowing you’ve built such a loyal fanbase?
It’s incredible. I’m so grateful for everyone who supports us. I try to connect with every fan because everyone has a story, and you never know what someone is going through. I’ve had fans come up to me crying after shows or tell me how much the music means to them. One girl even got a tattoo of our song Till Your Lungs Fall Out on her. Moments like that remind me why we do this.
If you could collaborate with any artist or band, past or present, who would it be?
Joyce Manor, no question. I’ve been a fan since the beginning. I even saw them play in a garage once. Their music has had such a huge impact on me and the band. A collab with them would be a dream come true.
Because we are foodies, we have to know when you’re not performing, what’s your go-to food or drink?
Beer, for sure. We all drink way too much of it. I love Corona and Pacifico, and Kevin’s obsessed with Liquid Death water…it’s literally just water, but he swears by it. Food-wise, Kevin’s all about Korean barbecue, and I’ll eat just about anything, Indian food, Mexican food, you name it. Oh, and our bassist Carlos makes these amazing musubis.
What’s next for Grave Secrets?
We’re playing California Chaos on April 11 at a new venue in Chinatown, and I’m stoked. Military Gun is playing, and I’m obsessed with them. Honestly, I’ll probably be in the crowd for their set, front and center. Beyond that, we’re working on new music, and we’re hoping to keep playing shows and connecting with more people. This is just the beginning for Grave Secrets.
Final Note
As Grave Secrets continues to carve out a place in the punk scene, their story is one of persistence and purpose. They’ve taken the pain and struggles of their own lives and transformed them into raw, unfiltered music that speaks to anyone who has ever felt unseen or unheard. It’s not about fame or accolades, it’s about building something real, something that lasts, and something that brings people together.
With new music on the horizon and more live performances lined up, the band is eager to keep building on the momentum they’ve created. But even as they aim for bigger stages and broader audiences, they remain grounded in their mission: to give a voice to the voiceless, to connect with fans on a personal level, and to remind everyone who listens that they are not alone. As Morales puts it, “This is just the beginning.”
