8123 Interview Series Part 3 – Philippine Concerts Interviews: The Maine

 

The Maine is no stranger to Philippine shores. It comes as no surprise either what with their strong fan base and the talent that they have. The Maine is constantly pushing creative boundaries with what they can achieve as a band and it never disappoints. Philippine Concerts was able to chat with John O’Callaghan and delve deeper into the band’s artistic process.

Philippine Concerts: What did you enjoy the most while recording Forever Halloween?
John: Having the pleasure of working with Brendan Benson is something I’m rather thankful for. He opened our eyes to not only a new approach with the recording process, but tons of good tunes as well. It’s pretty neat being able to rap with someone you greatly respect!

PC: How was the song writing and recording process like for Forever Halloween? How was it different from previous records apart from the fact that it was recorded live?
J: The writing process remained relatively consistent with that of the past. I had handfuls of ideas and brought them to the table once we knew it was time to make an album. The recording process varied from previous albums we’d done in many ways one being we did it in Nashville, TN and had never before recorded music there. Having a producer who also creates rock music himself was a different approach from a few of the people we’ve worked with in the past. I really believe being a fan of Brendan’s music instilled a mutual trust in the five of us that allowed for a healthy environment to create expressive tunes.

Read Part 1: PhilConcerts Q&A: Nick Santino

 

PC: Was it harder because you only had one go to record a song, which meant you had to start over once someone made a mistake?
J: Of course it was a bit more difficult, but it just meant the preparation needed to be more meticulous and we had to really break down the songs member by member to achieve what we wanted to. The atmosphere remained way relaxed though, which felt nice. Once we heard the first track back through the speakers a wave of confidence came over us and we just vibed from there on out.

PC: What was the most out-of-the-box thing you did during this record to elicit the sound the band envisioned?
J: To be honest, recording it live and to tape was a real stretch in our minds prior to recording. The process we went through is honestly what molded the sound of the album. The album has a heartbeat and it’s all thanks to the technology of yesteryear.

PC: Whenever the band is stuck in a creative block, what do you do to re-ignite inspiration? Do each of you have your own way of sparking that motivation?
J: I can’t really speak for the other dudes, but for me a step away usually does the trick. I try not to beat myself up over a roadblock. If the idea is truly special, I believe it will return…hopefully.

PC: It took a lot of guts, grit and courage to pursue things independently with Pioneer, and again with Forever Halloween, what was the main driving force to leave the safety of a label and continue on your own?

J: The freedom. The complete creative control is the absolute only thing that leaves us suspended in the independent universe. It’s neat being your own boss.

PC: You’ve recorded an album independently, released a live album, and a few documentaries, what’s the next step for The Maine? Would you look into exploring other media more like having a YouTube series?
J: A YouTube series might be a bit out of our area of desired creative expression, but I rule nothing out. The beauty of being independent is allowing plenty of room for spontaneity. Inspiration has every right to creep into our heads and I’m extremely excited to see when and where it will come again.

PC: One of the most special parts of your set is John’s speech about life and the future. What do you feel is a lesson or message that people need to be made more aware of in this day and age?
J: I’m not sure I’m qualified to be giving life advice, but I feel inclined to speak my mind when I have a microphone. Today, I’ve been thinking about how important it is to project kindness. It’s quite a rudimentary concept, but I’m not sure it’s one that’s being reinstated outside of the home. We must learn to live together before we address more complex problems that could prevent our children from enjoying the same earth we’re enjoying now.

PC: 8123 is a project that is very close to you. How did it feel to come all the way to the other side of the world to top off the tour in Manila?
J: It being our fifth time to Manila, we’ve already established relationships with many people over there, so it just seemed fitting that it would be the first territory outside of the U.S. that we take the tour to. Everyone had signs that said “8123 means everything to us” and during one of our tunes they all held them high in unison. The love we felt that night is exactly why we brought the tour over!

 

Just for Fun: Let’s take a break from the heavy questions and get a little silly.

PC: Who in the 8123 family do you think would be the sole survivor of a zombie apocalypse?
J: Hard to say really. I would have to go with Jared simply because he has the largest frame. He is also really good at video games, which I think could help in an apocalypse of the zombie nature.

PC: Who in the group has the [well, we wouldn’t say the girliest but the] most tedious morning routine?
J: I probably take the longest to get going in the morning not because of my routine, but because I wake up extremely slowly.

PC: You guys encounter less-than-calm fans everyday, but we want to know… what or who are you guys huge fans of?
J: We are huge fans of the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Tom Petty, David Bowie, Wilco, on and on and on. If we saw any of said dudes we’d most likely pee our pants and be not-so-calm.

From Joyce: What’s one thing you love about Manila?
J: The love and kindness that the whole land mass exudes. It is a sincere, genuine kindness. Manila can teach the world a thing or two about how to treat one another.

PC: Got one last shout out for our readers? Tell them here!
J: Thank you all so much for your love and support! Hard to believe we’ve already visited you guys 5 times! Let’s make it 5 more!! Can’t wait to see you all soon. Behave yourselves and keep rocking and rolling.

Read Part 2: PhilConcerts Q&A: This Century’s Joel Kanitz

Article by Izzy Matias

Izzy Matias is an avid concertgoer with a penchant for the arts. Though she is soon completing a business degree, she immerses herself in the creative world: music, fine arts, literature and photography.

Follow Izzy on Twitter @izzmatias

Edited by, photos by Carla Barretto

Carla Barretto is a busy bee that eats, sleeps, and breathes concerts. When she’s not shooting shows, she’s planning them herself! Her production and multimedia backgrounds blend into this peculiar mademoiselle with a love for live music.

Follow Carla on Twitter @heycarlaaa