SweetSweetMusic spoke to James Carman about The Reflectors’ debut.

Buzzbands LA writes: Coming down on the punkier side of power-pop, the album is chock full of toothy guitars, monster hooks and lyrical vignettes right out of the next summer teen caper flick. Ten songs, 27 minutes — the Reflectors get in and out of your face faster than that stick of gum you’re chewing (you’re liable to want to put a fresh one in). The Buzzcocks, the Undertones, Guided by Voices and the Nerves all come mind. And, yes, some tasteful guitar solos are involved.

 

How did this record come together?

 

The Reflectors have only been a band for about two years or so, but we’ve been writing music for a while and a lot of these songs are fairly old. This album is sort of a collective catalog of what we’ve written in the last 10 years or so. but finally getting a proper release for them. The second album is already in the works so we are extremely excited about that as well, which will include a lot of newer material we’ve been working on in the last few years.

 

 

 

 

 

As an artist, you chose to show your emotions to the world. Is it always comfortable to do so?

 

Yes it is. Music is like a painting and the painter is the composer, and you have a massive canvas to display your art and can choose to create anything you wish. Some paintings/songs resonate with people in different ways, and to have a positive impact on listeners truly means that we’ve done a significant part in providing art for the music community.

 

 

 

 

Any ideas about how to turn this one into a million-seller?

 

A catchy song or hook can go a long way! Think about Big Star’s “In The Steet” being covered by Cheap Trick on That 70’s show.

 

 

 

When was the last time you thought ‘I just wrote a hit!’?

 

In theory, every song should be approached with the idea that it could be a “hit”.. so in that sense, I think every song we write has the potential to be a hit!

 

Which 5 records would you bring with you for your stay on Mars?

 

Buzzcocks – Another Music In A Different Kitchen

Exploding Hearts – Guitar Romantic

20/20 – 20/20

Paul Collins – The Beat

The Booze – Easy Beats In Modern Time

 

Recording music. What’s all the fun about?

Creating history with your friends. A recording studio is like a sanctuary, and once you hit record on the mixing board, your subconscious takes over and the energy flows through you.

 

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The Reflectors:

James Carman – Guitar & Vocals
Nick Faciane – Guitar & Vocals
Ryan Miranda – Bass
Johnny Reyes – Drums