Singer and songwriter John O'Callaghan of The Maine joined Audacy's Emo Nite this week to talk about the Arizona band's new single, "Sticky," as well as their 2021 release XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time which dropped on July 9.
Listen to your favorite Alternative music now on Audacy and check out our all new Emo Kids exclusive station
The band has seen nothing but positive reviews since the release, but it still feels "weird" to John, who after releasing eight studio albums and more EPs than you can count, is used to being on the road "face to face with people" by this point in the album cycle.
Although being without the luxury of feeding off of the "tangible energy" of a live crowd has been a challenge, "the bubble has been extremely pleasant and very, very humbling, he says. "They've been very supportive of this record so far... So, I'm excited to see how they feel about it in three months and when we get back out on the road."
Related
Incorporating unique visuals for their records has been a theme for the band for a long time, and the new record saw the band follow suit, taking it a step further with a listening party and pop up shop. As for whether the band foresees what those visuals will be when writing their albums, the short answer would be "yes." John says, "I always think about, not to put ourselves in the same sentence as David Bowie but I always think, 'was 'Ziggy Stardust' the actual interpretation that David Bowie wanted to put out?' I'd like to think that there was a lot that wasn't ever seen that was thought. I'd like to think that you sort of adapt and evolve the idea along the way. That's very much the case with our band."
"It starts with an idea, it generally starts with songs," he adds. "The visuals and the supporting feelings and the look ends up evolving and adapting to what the songs are calling for."
The Maine have also been confirmed to be performing at the upcoming Emo Nite Vegas Vacation -- a three-day travel experience happening from October 14-17 featuring pool parties, emo nites, shows, and "other wild s***." Now that the cat's out of the bag, John is happy to say he's "really excited to see familiar faces and to hug friends again. Also, just being in Vegas isn't half bad."
Related
Listen to the full interview above and click here for a list of The Maine dates starting in August with All Time Low. Plus, be sure to pick up The Maine's brand new album, XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time, out everywhere now.
Emo Nite is not a band, and they’re not your usual DJs – Host Morgan Freed throws epic parties and now has a radio show for the music they love. Listen Sundays from 7PM - 8PM on your favorite Audacy Alternative stations
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram