If you know me, you probably facepalmed when you saw this article and you knew EXACTLY who wrote it. Sure, okay, I might be a little biased thinking that they are one of the greatest bands of our generation, and sure I’ve seen them 8 times and sure I have every song they’ve ever written on my phone, but I swear they’re not just “another band.” Let me tell you why:
1. Their music has grown with them over the years.
The Maine released their first album in 2007, Stay Up, Get Down with Fearless Records and it was as angsty and pop- punk as you were in 2007. They followed SUGD with The Way We Talk and Can’t Stop Won’t Stop consecutively in 2007 and in 2008. Their first three albums were similar in sound and were exactly the type of music I was listening to in middle school. I figured The Maine would sell out along with all the other crappy punk bands I was listening to at the time. But then in 2010 they released Black and White, which had a completely different sound. Still some hints of pop in a few songs, but the music was much more raw and meaningful. Pioneer followed in 2011, Good Love in 2012, Forever Halloween in 2013, and their most recent release American Candy in 2015. Each album has gotten deeper, more meaningful and has a different sound.
2. They aren’t in it for the money.
Prior to the release of Pioneer back in 2011, The Maine was being offered fame and fortune by Warner Brothers Records if they would make music the way the label wanted them to. Warner Brothers wanted to write all of the music for the group and control what they sounded like. It was at this point that the group made the executive decision to fly solo and they traveled out to Joshua Tree, California, where they turned a house into a recording studio and recorded the album themselves. Unheard of. They continue to write and record their own music, something very unique in the music industry.
3. It’s more than music.
In particular, the lead singer, John O’Callaghan, is one of the most inspirational human beings I’ve ever met or listened to. He writes most of the band’s music but he also writes poetry. He published some of his work in a book titled Exaltation and some of his pieces are words I continually live by. John is such a thoughtful human being with a passion for people and for living life to the fullest. Don’t believe me? Check out his twitter. He tweets once a day and it’s nearly always something thought provoking. I have several of his tweets bookmarked on my laptop. The band also releases documentaries and videos after they record albums and while they're on tour to give an inside look at what they’re doing, which gives them a personal connection with all of their fans.
Poetry written by lead singer John O'Callaghan.
4. They offer a unique concert experience.
The Maine has yet to blow up (which is beyond me), but the upside to that is that they still perform in relatively small venues and their tours are always extremely affordable, running around $25 a show. The small venue atmosphere allows fans to have the experience they choose, I’ve gone to shows and had my elbows on the stage and I’ve gone to shows where I’ve been in the very back. They always have great opening acts, often bands I haven’t heard of but I tend to leave as a fan of them as well. With so much music, The Maine plays a wide variety of their records. They tend to focus on their latest album but they’ll always throw in their more popular tracks from record’s past and they do great covers of classic rock songs. Their shows are more than worth what you pay for them and it is always something different.
5. They ADORE their fans.
Last, but certainly not least, this band’s greatest quality (outside of their talent) is their undying appreciation and love for their fans. No, I’m not just saying that and no, they don’t just say that for fun. This band loves their fans so much that they stay outside concert venues after every. single. show. to meet fans until they are literally kicked off the property. And they don’t just sign autographs and take a picture. They get to know every person they talk to. John will take time to write down his poems or lyrics in his handwriting because people like to treasure them. They always do it with a smile on their face, they go out of their way to meet everyone’s needs. On top of that, they recently wrapped up a completely FREE tour for their fans which is unheard of. They did it simply because they wanted to thank the fans who had been coming out since 2007 but also give those who had never had a chance to go a chance to see them live. It is clear that they continue doing what they do because they love the people who keep them going and that’s such a breath of fresh air among the fame- crazed stars that fill the airwaves.
We are excited to announce The Free For All Tour. A 100% Free Tour for fans and friends of The Maine. Your ticket is on us this fall! Find out more at www.wearethemaine.netI can rave on these five incredible guys all I want, but listening to their music, I’m sure, will make you a fan. They’re on Spotify, iTunes and pretty much every other music streaming website in the world so go check them out. And keep an eye out for their upcoming E.P. that includes covers of “As Long As You Love Me” by The Backstreet Boys and “Steal My Sunshine” by Len that will be released in December.
A photo posted by The Maine (@themaineband) on
