Secret Friend is the nom de plume of Thailand-based songwriter and recording artist Steven Fox. Formed in 2012, Secret Friend’s first album, Time Machine, was recorded in Los Angeles with Linus of Hollywood (a/k/a Kevin Dotson) producing, and Willie Wisely and Kelly Jones on vocals. The follow-up, Sleeper, takes Secret Friend in a different direction – a fusion of acoustic guitar-based pop melodies with electronica and psychedelia production. The album features guest artists including Bradley Dean Whyte, Jones, Linus of Hollywood, Steve Eggers, Wisely and Wyatt Funderburk. From: https://bigtakeover.com/news/album-premiere-blue-sky-by-secret-friend
Secret Friend is a new all star collective that includes Willie Wisely, Kelly Jones, Linus of Hollywood, and Roger Joseph Manning Jr. Organized by Australian songwriter Steven Fox, Time Machine is rooted in classic 70’s singer songwriter pop. Wisely has a cadence like James Taylor here, but the rich melody and backing make the opener “Who Am I?” a sure-fire hit. “Starting Today” is another gem with sweet harmonies, and “Never Before” has subtle strings and lyrically falls into Gilbert O’Sullivan territory. Wisely’s “Oblivious” is a note perfect pop ballad and Kelly Jones “He’ll Never Know Me” is the jazzy answer to the narrative. Each musician helps make this LP a success. Foxs’ songwriting is very much like Andrew Gold, albeit with a modern POV. Many great songs here — it makes my Top Ten list for 2013 easily! A delectable slice of adult piano pop heaven. From: https://www.powerpopaholic.com/2013/01/charlestones-secret-friend.html
