Releasing not one, but two brand new songs on the same day? You’ve outdone yourselves, The Maine. Often described as the band being a little extra – whether it be selling branded light up cowboy hats as merch or throwing their own entire music festival in Phoenix – today is no exception. The Maine releases brand new songs “blame” and “how to exit a room” – introducing fans to the first taste of the new music off their upcoming album.
“In lieu of being too wordy, “blame” was written to myself from myself. This tune is more or less about both placing and accepting blame for things I wish I could redo. The only rub is I can’t go backwards, only forwards.”
-John O’Callaghan, The Maine
The song debuts with an accompanying music video – “blame” was shot and directed by Guadalupe Bustos in the band’s hometown of Phoenix. The authentic energy displayed in the crowd shots was delivered by none other than the band’s fans themselves.
The Maine has announced their highly anticipated ninth full-length record, coming this summer. The band has been building up to the announcement through teasing cryptic posts across social media, following the evolution of the band through highlights and throwbacks from each previous album’s era. The Maine’s new album The Maine (Self Titled) is set for release on August 1st 2023. For the first time in seven years, the band returned to producer Colby Wedgeworth (Lovely Little Lonely and American Candy), who the band describes as practically their sixth member.
The album’s release date can also be written as 8.1.23. The significance of the date is a once in a lifetime alignment of numbers that hold a lot of meaning to the band. Originally, 8123 were the numbers on a parking garage where the band members and childhood friends would hangout growing up. Fast forward to today, and 8123 has been used in their song lyrics, is the title of their own music festival held in their desert hometown biennially, can be seen inked onto many of their fans, is the title of their own record label and also serves as the fanbase’s nickname – the 8123 Family.
The band will celebrate the album’s release day with their fans in Denver for 8123 Day – where The Maine will headline the Fillmore Auditorium with support from former tourmates Real Friends and Knuckle Puck. Alongside the show, fans can shop the 8123 Pop Up Shop the day before (July 31st) as well as on show day. Special guests, additional events, and more details will be announced at a later date.
For now, fans can can enjoy entering this new self-titled era of The Maine by spinning “blame” and “how to exit a room” on repeat. The Maine (Self Titled)releases August 1st 2023 via Photo Finish / 8123 Records.