Four albums and two EPs later, Arizona rockers The Maine are slowly but surely conquering the British music scene. Having previously toured across the pond with All Time Low, the five-piece are back and performing up and down the country with Hit The Floor favourites Deaf Havana.
Eager to hear about the band’s newfound sound and how UK fans responded to it, we caught up with Garrett Nickleson. Speaking to him before their intimate one-off show at Unit Nightclub in Southampton, the bassist dished about the band’s previous festival experiences and how US crowds differ to UK ones. Here’s what he had to say.
HTF: Hi Garrett! How’re you?
GN: I’m great! Just a few weeks into this UK tour and it’s going great!
HTF: How’s that been going?
GN: Amazing! Every show has been really great. I think it has been all of our favorite time over here. Plus the Deaf Havana guys are really great guys. We couldn’t be having more fun.
HTF: Is there a particular city or town that’s stood out at all?
GN: Honestly every show has been so great. London is always a great time and this was no different. We are very excited to be apart of this tour.
HTF: So how have the UK responded to your newer material like Imaginary Numbers and Forever Halloween?
GN: Well we actually haven’t been playing anything off Imaginary Numbers. The songs we’ve been playing off Forever Halloween are some of the best parts of the show. Not everyone knows the songs but when you see everyone clapping along and bobbing their heads you know things are going good.
HTF: Are there any songs that are a particular fan favourite?
GN: We have been playing a semi different version of a song called Growing Up. It is full of energy and for me that might be the highest point of the show. People seem to really enjoy it.
HTF: Some of your UK fans will remember you from your old pop punk-style albums like Can’t Stop Won’t Stop and Black and White. Do you feel you’ve had to win any over with your old rock and roll sound in Pioneer and The Good Love and Forever Halloween?
GN: I’m not sure if we really had to win anyone over. I feel like we are fortunate because a good amount of people who have listened to us for all these years have grown with us. They seem to appreciate all of our albums. Also with this tour it’s seems like we are gaining some new fans too. That’s always a good thing!
HTF: Do UK crowds differ from those in the US at all?
GN: The crowds aren’t too different! Great shows happen all over the place. We just love playing music in front of people.
HTF: You’re also playing at Hit The Deck whilst you are here. What’s your previous experience been like playing UK festivals?
GN: The only festival we’ve played in the UK has been Warped Tour this past fall. That was a great time so we’re very excited to play Hit The Deck.
HTF: How important is the festival atmosphere for you? How does it contrast to smaller shows in indoor venues?
GN: Both types of shows are fun in their different ways. Festivals are great because of the big crowds. Smaller shows are full of energy and fun too. I can’t pick one over the other – I like both!
HTF: Any tips for festivalgoers who plan on watching your set? What can we expect?
GN: I think they can expect a energy filled show with a bunch of upbeat songs. Hopefully they walk away having a great time.
HTF: Finally what’s next for The Maine?
GN: We are putting out a new DVD of our live show from the acoustic tour we just did back in North America. Also we are putting a deluxe version out of Forever Halloween with some b-sides that didn’t make the album. All of the info regarding both releases and the rest of our future plans will be up on our website – which is www.wearethemaine.net.
Interviewer: Emma Matthews
