WE'RE HUNGRY FOR THE FUTURE
After 12 years together, American rock band The Maine sound fresh on seventh studio album You Are Ok. This summer they make their much anticipated debut at Reading and Leads.
Frontman John O’Callaghan tells ELINE JOLING about their new record, and their own 8123 Fest.
How does the phrase ‘I was on the verge of breaking down, then you came around’ reflect the general theme throughout the album?
In different ways. I fell in love before writing this record, which set the scene and had a lot to do with the lyrical content. It also relates to the title in that I’m still on my own existential journey, suspended in space – trying to find out who I am in the context of whatever this is we’re walking around in.
These days, how important is it to ask, ‘Are You Ok?’
It’s extremely important. This emphasis we’re finally beginning to put on mental health and personal well-being is so important. We need to at least pose the question and, for all intents, it’s really important for me to hear those words spoken to myself.
Tell us about closing track Flowers On The Grave?
I’m really proud, not only of the arrangements but the way the lyrics fell into place. It’s the longest song we’ve ever done and I’m excited to see how people react.
Numb Without You and My Best Habit had over a million streams in the first three weeks. How was that?
Insane. It’s really important for us to keep our finger on the pulse of people that dig what we’re doing. We try to push ourselves to make better albums every time. It’s a special feeling to be proud of the album and to know people are reacting to it in the way they are.
You’re playing the Reading and Leeds Festival for the first time this summer. Excited?
Just to be invited to the party is a really special thing. If we can translate that we’re still having fun and that we’re rock ‘n’ roll band, that’s the big things we have control over. The rest is up to the listener.
Last January you held your second 8123 Fest in Arizona, where you celebrate the people who support your band. How was that?
If there’s been one pinnacle moment in our career, that would be it. We invited bands like Mayday Parade and We The Kings to play – bands that influenced us when we started out. It felt like a gathering of a community. To be able to share it with so many different people is something we’ve always dreamt of. It keeps us hungry and excited for the future.
The album You Are OK is out today.
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