Reflect (aka OneSixTwo) is a young self-taught, American music producer, beat maker, editor, vocalist and songwriter from Mendocino County, California. He has been producing, creating and collaborating in music since he was seventeen. Reflect works with local renowned artists Dave Parker (a.k.a. Mercury Storm), Michael Marshall (a.k.a Mike Meezy), Deedub, Equipto, and Opio from Hieroglyphics, all of whom will be featured on OneSixTwo's upcoming album. OneSixTwo currently holds the #1 spot on the Oakland Hip-Hop charts on ReverbNation and has a rapidly growing fan base. OneSixTwo was featured on the Global Attack Mixtape Album,Vol.5 released in 2012 and currently has multiple singles climbing the national and international radio charts. Reporter Lauren Thompson recently caught up with Reflect to learn more about his story and what motivates him to record and produce such diverse and cutting edge songs.

LAUREN: When did you first discover your love of music?
REFLECT: I found my love of music when I was a kid. I would record myself on tape recorders having tons of fun telling stories. As I got into high school, my friends and I got more involved in making music and I have been doing it ever since. 

LAUREN: Your songs 'Dreamin' and 'Unconditional Love' have been big hits on radio for their third straight month. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your songs playing on radio?
REFLECT: I was very happy to hear that my music did so well. It is something that I have wanted to happen for quite some time now.

LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind 'Dreamin' and 'Unconditional Love'?
REFLECT: The inspiration behind ‘Dreamin’ is the way of the world- the history of the world is what brought the song together. For ‘Unconditional Love’, I found inspiration through making a song for someone that is down and out, and how maybe the song could help them with what they are going through.

LAUREN: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as 'Dreamin' and 'Unconditional Love'?
REFLECT: Yes they are all quite alike in their own good vibe, positive way.

LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
REFLECT: Definitely a down-to-earth type of guy that takes my music seriously.

LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
REFLECT: My father plays the piano and my sister wrote poetry.

LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
REFLECT: The most rewording part is having people tell you that your song is one of their favorites or how your song helped them out. The most challenging is to not let the problems in my life interfere with my love for music.

LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
REFLECT: Dell, Kid Cudi, Sublime, Tom Petty, Korn, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cold, Outcast, Jack Johnson and Linkin Park.

LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
REFLECT: To follow their hearts when they are writing their lyrics and to not rush it. Also it’s not always what you say but it’s how you say it. Your presentation is everything.

LAUREN: What's next for OneSixTwo? Is there a follow-up single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
REFLECT: Next month I’m going to release my new album with a lot of big names on it. It's got a good vibe to it. On top of that I’ve got my MixTape! That's coming out the same time as the album and it also has some big names on it, but also more of the local Mendocino county talent.

LAUREN: Excellent! I look forward to hearing both! I wish you continued success and good luck!

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