Artist You Need To Know: The Maine

Chloe Steinig

The Maine are an alternative rock quintet from Tempe, Arizona. Forming in 2007, they were quickly picked up by Fearless Records the same year and debuted a five song EP titled “The Way We Talk.” Since then, The Maine has grown into a community between themselves and their fans that they like to call 8123.

After a long string of successes on Fearless and other labels, from 2012’s “Pioneer” debuting on the Billboard 200, to gaining notoriety on the Vans Warped Tour, the band decided to leave their label to create their own, 8123, for their fourth album “Forever Halloween.” Since then, 8123 has become a record label, a fan community, and a family.

One unique thing that sets The Maine apart from other bands is their strong relationship with their fans. For their latest release “Lovely Little Lonely,” the band rounded up fans to help them market and promote their album, which was self-released, funded, and marketed by the band themselves. Fans could get their own affiliate link that would allow them to receive a percentage of each record sold that could be used in the band’s online store. The top 10 sales reps got special prizes, which included anything from lifetime tickets to shows to a personal song written especially for them.

With over ten years playing together, The Maine keeps getting better and evolving with each release, but still sounds like themselves. Every album is a ride from start to finish, with songs that will bring tears to ones that are meant for blasting in the car, windows down. “Black Butterflies and Deja Vu” is the perfect car anthem, with catchy lyrics that won’t leave the brain for weeks and are meant for screaming at the top of your lungs. Their sound is new and fresh, yet timeless simultaneously. Their latest music video for “How Do You Feel” captures this modern nostalgia perfectly, with the band donning matching suits with an early ‘60s classic rock band feel. Along with hints of ‘90s Third Eye Blind tinged rock, The Maine’s infectious melodies and moving vocals from frontman John O’Callaghan make every second spent listening to the band worth the time.

The Maine are playing at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom on Nov. 4. They will be playing their latest two releases, “American Candy” and “Lovely Little Lonely” in full. Tickets can be purchased here.