Hailing from Arizona , USA , The Maine formed in 2007 after bass player Garret and drummer Pat’s old band broke up. Through Pat’s elder brother, lead vocalist John was added to the line-up, and Kennedy (guitars and vocals) joined the band replacing a member, as did Jared (guitars). The band’s fresh pop-punk sound quickly garnered them many fans, so much so that they played their first live show to a crowd of 600 fans, among them record label scouts. Soon after the band signed onto indie label Fearless Records (Mayday Parade, Sugarcult, Plain White T’s).
The July 2008 release of the band’s debut album ‘Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop’ has been the cause of much of the online frenzy surrounding the band. With frequent plays of their music online, and their tracks appearing on hit MTV show ‘The Hills’ and the trailer for upcoming Lindsay Lohan movie ‘Labor Pains,’ The Maine continue to draw fans from all corners of the earth with their infectious, 90′s alternative influenced sound. The album is a collection of irresistibly catchy tunes about girls, heartbreak, love and everything in-between. It’s sincere enough to be relatable and guaranteed to brighten up those dark and dreary winter months. ‘It’s a party through and through’ Kennedy says of the record. ‘The main message is to stay positive.’
Underlying the upbeat message of The Maine’s music is a real sense of unity within the band. The song-writing process allows the chemistry between the band members to be channelled in creative form. ‘ John does a majority of the writing; he will come to the band with an idea, usually a chorus. Jared then will work with John to structure the song, then the band will all put our two cents in to make the song complete.’
Asked when they know that a song is to be given “the OK.” Kennedy responds, ‘Generally, everything clicks. We all have very similar views on our sound and songs flow pretty smoothly through us.’
The band also show off their fun side in the recently shot ‘Everything I Ask For’ video, which shows the guys messing about with some female models in what appears to be the backstage of a pageant catwalk show. ‘We had a lot of fun with this video, I think it really shows some of our sen
Whilst the band utilize the net to communicate with fans globally, playing live is what they relish the most. ‘Its a chance to show kids that you really can play your songs, and hopefully give them something far more exciting than just listening to the album in their bedrooms.’
Live performances also give the band a chance to communicate with fans face-to-face, as they did when they ventured over to the UK in autumn last year for some shows. On the subject on how fans either side of the Atlantic compare, Kennedy replies, ‘The fans are similar. I think that if anything they are a little more excited, just because they don’t get to see us every month or so.’
Although they have accomplished much in their two years together, The Maine refuse to rest on their laurels. With plans to tour this year, the band is continuing to build on the success they have achieved by communicating with current fans, and reaching out to new listeners. One thing’s for sure, if The Maine have made as great an impact in such a short time, then there’s no limit to what they can achieve in 2009 and beyond – keep your eyes and ears peeled for these guys.
www.myspace.com/themaine
