Daytrippers… Reflekter are Seb McNish, Isaac Bloomfield, James Gooch and Adam Mitchell. (Photos: Sam Nahirny)
Nottingham’s Reflekter have stormed the music scene with their new song 75 Trips. Lead vocalist and guitarist JAMES GOOCH talks to KERRY McGHEE about his hopes for the future.
Reflekter are four lads from Nottingham: James Gooch (vocals / guitar), Adam Mitchell (bass), Seb McNish (drums) and Isaac Bloomfield (guitar). Formed in 2018, the band released Caught In A Storm earlier this year, gaining over 25,000 streams on Spotify. BBC Introducing featured the group among its coveted Ones to Watch list for 2019.
All four have been involved in music to some degree most of their lives. They each bring raw musical talent and a real sense of dedication to the success of the band. Their influences include The Rolling Stones, The Stooges, The Black Keys and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, all of whom can be heard in the new song.
75 Trips is psychedelic rock characterised by an overwhelming nostalgia which builds and oozes with swagger. A constant drum beat mixes with the lyrics ‘You’ve only got 75 trips around the Sun’ and peaks with a guitar solo that represents a person living their life to the full and leaving a mark.
“I think it’s something everyone should think about and live their life by,” says James via email.
75 Trips perfectly suits the stage Reflekter find themselves. Self-confessedly ambitious they are taking the success of their song and running with it.
‘I think we have always had belief we could do something big with the right approach,” James agrees, “and we’ve now got more support than ever to help us achieve that success.”
“To make a living from music is obviously the first goal, but you’ve got to believe you can go further and be up there with the best. We love to travel and see new places, so hopefully some day we will get to do that through music.”
Reflekter have had a busy year, attending local festival Bingley Weekender and others such as Y Not? Festival in Derbyshire’s Peak District and Hardwick Live.
“We’ve been on some amazing lineups over the summer with the likes of Miles Kane and loads of great upcoming bands. Loopallu [in Ullapool] in Scotland was definitely a highlight this year as it’s full of great people and the views are amazing.”
The band play Oporto this Sunday. They have never played the city before as a band, but it was important to them to put Leeds on the tour.
“We definitely wanted to come … as we have some friends and family here and have heard good things about the music scene! I have had a few nights out in Leeds and end up in the Stone Roses bar, but hopefully we’ll get a chance to have a wander round.”
The lads believe that the support of their management team and fans on social media is key to their success. “We’re in a good place right now and are very great-full to everyone working with us and getting behind it. We’re ready to give it a good go that’s for sure!”
“I think the most important thing is to always keep working hard and to keep your feet on the ground. You rely on each other a lot for that so it’s important to work as a team.”
Reflekter appear at Oporto this Sunday 13th October at 7.30 pm. Details here.
Interview with Stellar