MAJORS Drive Their Golf-Punk Vision Further On Self-Titled Debut Album
What started as a passion project between veteran punk musicians and lifelong golf obsessives has quickly grown into one of the most unique concepts in modern pop-punk. With the release of their self-titled debut album, MAJORS, the Ottawa- and Charleston-based band has fully committed to their golf-fuelled universe, delivering 13 tracks packed with huge hooks, driving guitars, and stories that range from disastrous rounds to moments of redemption on the course. Balancing humour, sincerity, and a genuine love for both punk rock and golf, MAJORS have created something that feels equal parts novelty and completely serious artistic endeavour. We caught up with lead vocalist Justin Camarena to talk about the making of MAJORS, pushing the concept further than ever before, and why embracing a niche has become one of the band’s greatest strengths.
Congratulations on the release of MAJORS! Now that the album is finally out in the world, how are you feeling about it?
Justin: We’re stoked! It was a year and a half of writing and recording and I was very happy with how it turned out. We wrote 35 songs for this record and trimmed it down to the 13 that are on the album. This idea has turned into way more than expected and I can’t believe we made these songs when I listen to it.
The golf concept is obviously a huge part of the band’s identity, but this album feels like it expands beyond the joke and into something much bigger. Did your vision for MAJORS change at all while making this record?
Justin: That is a great question; our vision remained the same, to write the best songs we can, but still have the theme of golf on every one. We really thought we would start running out of song ideas, but they just kept flowing.
Yes, it is a silly premise, but we are dead serious about this.
You mentioned pushing your songwriting further than ever before. What were some of the ways you challenged yourselves creatively on this album?
Justin: The hardest part for me was saying goodbye to some of the songs that didn’t make it. We had songs that had really cool parts, but as a whole, the song just didn’t get us excited after 10-15 listens.
If a song ever lost our attention at any point, we would rework it. Again and again, and after a certain point, you just have to accept defeat and put it on the back burner.
Our first EP, Songs in the Key of Golf, were, pretty much, the first seven songs we wrote. I love those songs, don’t get me wrong, but on “MAJORS,” it was much more calculated with the songs we wrote and chose.
One of the things that stands out about MAJORS is how you balance humour with genuinely great songwriting. Is it ever difficult to make sure one doesn’t overshadow the other?
Justin: I don’t think so. For us, the humor part is really only there when we have an idea for a song…. Or lyrics for a certain part of a song. We will really crack up during song writing sessions with that.
Once that wears off, it’s all about making a catchy song and that really takes over.
It’s only months later when you listen and think, “Did we really include a song on this record about getting piss on your pants?”
Do you find that fans discover the band because they’re golfers, because they’re pop-punk fans, or is it increasingly a mix of both?
Justin: It really is both. I like to say, if you like this genre of music, I think you will like us. If you really like golf, I think you might be into us as well.
If you like BOTH of those things, then hold on to your butt, because you are about to have some serious fun.
If someone has never swung a golf club in their life, what’s the one song on MAJORS you’d play for them first?
Justin: Just straight heat with these questions….. We have a healthy mix of positive songs about golf, and
just as many negative ones about the game as well. Anyone who golfs can appreciate both sides of that spectrum.
The first timer though? I would say “Hell Day.” It’s about a horrific day of golf where you wonder why you even started playing the game.
It really can be like that when you are trying to figure out the golf swing.
Finally, now that the new album is out, what’s next for MAJORS? More shows, more golf, more music—or ideally all three?
Justin: Yes! All three! The number one priority will be golf for now, the rest of the band is in Ottawa and these are some precious months for the Canadian golfers. Also, me and Bricks (MAJORS drummer) have our annual golf trip next week with a couple buddies. We’re heading to Victoria this year, and to say I’m excited for that is an extreme understatement.
However, there is always time for new songs and shows. The plan is to do this all over again and start working on our new record when the weather starts getting crisp.