The Maine give the word “busy” a whole new meaning. On top of the upcoming release of their sixth studio album, the band, who is currently celebrating their 10th year together, will also be hitting the road later this month in support of the release, all after just wrapping up their own 8123 Fest earlier this year – and it’s only March. Not only does the upcoming Lovely Little Lonely, out April 7th represent a milestone for the band on this important year, but it also found The Maine working outside of their comfort zone to push the envelope once more.
We recently caught up with up with guitarist Kennedy Brock to talk about the band’s ten years together, their upcoming tour and most importantly, what the future might hold for The Maine. Read the interview and check out their music video for “Bad Behavior” below!
Interview by Shannon Shumaker
You guys have one hell of a 2017 ahead of you with tour dates throughout July planned and your new album, Lovely Little Lonely dropping in April! There’s a lot to look forward to, but what are you most excited for in the coming months?
I can’t wait to take these songs to the streets! We got a taste during our 8123 fest a month ago, but we are really desperate to get back on the road. I’m just excited to finally be back at it!
2017 marks 10 years together as a band. Looking back on these years, did you ever think you’d be where you are now, getting ready to release your sixth album and touring all over the world?
It’s a remarkable thing to be here 10 years in. I always hoped to make this a career but I never imagined what we’ve been able to achieve. We are more driven than ever before.
Asking what some highlights of the last 10 years are would be unfair, but what about monumental moments for The Maine? Are there any memories that really stand out as defining moments in your career?
8123 Fest! It was a culmination of all the good things that have ever happened to us. all of our biggest fans and our best friends in one place. I may have been a little emotional onstage looking out on what we have built and the people who have made it all possible.
Because it falls on such a landmark year, I’m sure that creating Lovely Little Lonely was really special for you guys. What was one of the most rewarding moments while working on the album?
It was incredibly rewarding and influential to be able to record cliffside, on the coast, with my of best friends. Sometimes you’ve got lift your head up along the way and take in the view, even while you are moving foreword. This was one of those moments where I’ve been able to really understand the magnitude of our accomplishments. What a time to be alive.
Did you have any major goals in mind when you were working on those songs? Any stories you wanted to tell?
We wanted to be more objective with our writing, and more focused. We spent less time playing full band this time and more time constructing songs in the box. It is always our goal to push ourselves and we create the best work outside of our comfort zone.
The first song you released from Lovely Little Lonely was “Bad Behavior.” What makes this song special to you?
For me, this was the turning point of the writing process. To shake things up a bit, we spent about a week writing in New York City. In a grungy practice space, we started working on an outcast idea and something clicked. It was probably the spirit of New York coming through. All I know is it made the whole trip worthwhile. I didn’t know then that this song would turn into one of my favorites of the album, but it certainly has.
What would you like listeners to take away from Lovely Little Lonely?
Whatever they need. This record is a emotional rollercoaster and I think there is a healthy amount of the ups and downs to be taken from it. I want this record to be there when you need it. Happy or sad and everything in between.
The Lovely Little Lonely tour kicks off here in Denver later this month! What can fans expect from this upcoming show and the countless dates following?
Energy! We’re actually constructing the setlist right now. It’s full of lots of new and old songs, a few you may not of heard us play before, and a new spin on a song or two. As you can tell, we have thought this out down to the last detail. I’ve been building set props for weeks on the band snapchat @wearethemaine in my show “Arts and Farts and Crafts” and things are coming together.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Come say hello, we’ll be on tour forever this year!
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US TOUR DATES:
3/30 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
4/1 – Salt Lake City, UT – Club Sound
4/2 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory Concert House
4/4 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
4/7 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
4/8 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
4/9 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
4/11 – Tucson, AZ – 191 Toole
4/13 – Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey Bar N Grill
4/14 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
4/15 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
4/18 – St. Petersburg, FL – State Theatre
4/19 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues
4/21 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
4/22 – Birmingham, AL – WorkPlayTheatre
4/24 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
4/25 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre
4/27 – New York, NY – Webster Hall
4/28 – Boston, MA – Royale Boston
4/29 – Montville, CT – Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun Resort
4/30 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony
5/2 – Philadelphia, PA – The TLA
5/3 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
5/5 – Pontiac, MI – Crofoot Ballroom
5/6 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues
5/7 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
5/8 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theatre