Secret Masters debut release The Lost Dub Tapes was hailed as ‘a landmark Australian dub album’, presenting the listener with a futuristic vision of dub. Released on their own Master Tunes label, the album had its roots in 70s Jamaican dub (think King Tubby and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry) yet pushed the boundaries of the genre. With a heady fusion of dub, reggae, world and electronica elements set against powerful vocals and strong melodies, the album was topped off with heavyweight production values.

Taking advantage of homegrown vocal talent, Secret Masters utilized the skills of Melbourne singers Kylie Auldist (The Bamboos) and Damajah plus the UK’s Professor P, as well as sampled vocals to create an album full of imaginary force and dubwise surprises.

Borne out of a mutual admiration for dub and reggae music, Secret Masters were formed in 2002 by Melbourne musicians Pieter Bourke and Donnie Dub (aka Brian Westbrook). Donnie Dub has been an active player in the Melbourne reggae/dub scene as a promoter, producer and musician since the mid 80s and has embraced all styles of Jamaican music.

In an era of laptop electronic performances, Secret Masters instead hit the stage with a full blown dub studio and live guitars, creating swirling dub mixes that go to the heart of the genre. Joined by Kylie Auldist and backed by interactive projections from visual artist John Power, Secret Masters present a unique and original live experience.

‘Dub has always been a favourite of electronic artists, but some do it way better than others. Enter Secret Masters. With deep, rumbling bass lines nestling against global influences and infused with dancehall, The Lost Dub Tapes is more than an ambient side-project. Secret Masters have taken Australian dub to another level.’ Systa BB, The Age

‘This is the real deal, a blazing collection of tracks that listens like a dope-fuelled journey through space on a tricycle - a combination of live and sampled instruments that’s damned close to perfect.’ Alex Roche, Scene Magazine

‘The Lost Dub Tapes is one of the strongest dub artist-albums to surface in the Antipodes. The lad's lay down some of the thickest bass and heaviest production I've heard locally. It's consistently strong, with authentic vocals and some impressive writing making it a standout.’ Paris Pompor, Drum Media