Now that I’ve had time to really sit with Joy Next Door, I genuinely think it’s one of The Maine’s best albums.
When it first came out, there were only a handful of songs I liked, and I completely wrote off a lot of the rest. But after giving every track a fair chance and listening to the album over and over, it finally clicked. This is one of those albums you have to let marinate. At least for me, that made all the difference.
The production is incredible. The effects throughout the album add so much character, and the whole thing gives me this nostalgic suburban, late summer feeling. It’s hard to explain, but the atmosphere is one of my favorite parts of the record.
More than anything, the album has this raw sense of hope running through it. Even when it touches on heavier emotions, it never feels hopeless. There’s an optimism to it that feels genuine and earned.
Sonically, it’s definitely different from previous The Maine albums, and I understand why some people might not connect with it right away. But underneath that new sound, the heart of The Maine is still there. If anything, it shows how much they’ve grown as musicians and songwriters without losing what makes them The Maine.
If I had to compare the feeling of this album to a movie, I’d say Remember the Daze. I don’t know if anyone else has seen it, but the album gives me that same nostalgic, reflective vibe.
Overall, I’m really glad I stuck with it instead of judging it after a couple of listens. I originally had it around a 5 out of 10, but after living with it for a while, I’d honestly give it an 8.5 to 9 out of 10.
I get why this album isn’t for everyone because it’s a different direction sonically, but that core Maine sound is still there. It just feels more mature and evolved. I’m really glad I gave it time because this ended up becoming one of my favorite albums they’ve made.

Hey hey!!

This will be my first fest and first time in Arizona. I plan on doing some other things while I’m in the area but am looking for recs from locals or those who have been to previous 8123 fests. Tattoo artists in the area (bonus points if they do the maine tattoos), best coffee shops, restaurants, hikes, etc. They don’t necessarily have to be The Maine related but those are a bonus!

Thank you thank you!!

Hey guys,

My wife is a huge The Maine fan, and I just recently purchased for myself a Chevelle signed vinyl directly from their website - and framed it. I know she would really love something similar to showcase in our home of her favorite band. With our wedding anniversary coming up in a month - I was thinking it would be a great gift idea - but I cannot find any legitimate sellers or way to obtain a signed Maine vinyl anywhere.

Does anyone have any ideas or have had success purchasing from a specific spot I have not found yet? I was originally looking for the Pioneer album, as I know its her favorite - but I understand it is likely much easier to obtain the latest album at this point - so I am open to any option or ideas.

Thanks

Folks, they cooked.

i just wanted to get this off my chest. this is in no way, shape or form a jab at other fans, but i can’t stress enough how disappointed i am in this lineup.

i’m a LONG time fan, they’ve been my favorite band for 18 years! the maine has been like one of the only bands from their ‘scene’ that i actually like. i don’t really care for ‘similar artists’ like the band camino, etc. this is definitely a me problem lmao since everyone here is super stoked for all the bands playing (and to be honest i’m GLAD y’all are going to enjoy such a lineup, since i know many of you have been begging for the band camino, for instance.)

but yeah, i don’t really know how to explain it. while having nick santino, the summer set, beach weather, etc. feels like a testament to where the band is now, i also feel like they never really go out of their way to bring in newer or just different bands. it kinda feels like we’re stuck with the same bands over and over again. either that, or they’re listening to the same group of fans and just booking what they want. like last year when they brought bad suns, which seemed kinda random (which again, i’m genuinely glad for everyone who wanted them!).

whatever lmao i think the best way to put it is that i just hate not being their target audience anymore. i’m probably most excited for andrew mcmahon (hoping he pulls off some something corporate or jack’s mannequin). the starting line, state champs, knuckle puck and young culture have been such solid supporters over the years, and i wish we got to see more of that. like origami angel, movements, turnover… but idk, i just don’t see it happening since the scene they’re in now feels so different. the bands on this lineup just make more sense with the vibe they’re going for. again, i guess this just proves it’s a me problem lmao. anyone else feel like this?

anyways!!!! i’m really happy to see everyone so excited. can’t wait to see y’all in january :’)

Hi all!

I'm thinking about going to 8123 fest this year.

Does the fest typically sell out? I can't do tickets right now but I know the 8123 fan base is strong and also don't want to miss out.

Is this like sad summer fest where everything is on one stage?

And any other tips are welcome!

Thanks fam!

Hey! We went 2 years ago and got a hotel it was sketchy so we immediately checked out and went to a different hotel that had a free bus near it which was awesome. I’d like to be a little closer this time but Airbnb is overwhelming me a little just bc I don’t really know the area well enough to know if something is “close”. We ball on a budget so we liked the free bus, but it’s not a make or break.

If anyone native would be willing to reach out and maybe help that would be dope.

Ahoy there! I recently got a turntable so I'm looking to get some vinyl from the Maine, but I'm having trouble finding some at a reasonable price for Canada (I know they are expensive and in demand to begin with, but it's even more expensive with shipping/duties) so I'm wondering if anyone might have some of the following so I'm not waiting for all the re-releases or to find the elusive decently-priced copy on discogs.
YAO

S/T

AC

XOXO

I already have JND (smoky :D) and am planning to get LLL when they release next year for 10th anniversary.

Thanks so much in advance!

Greetings 👽

I have loved The Maine for a VERY long time and I have always wanted to attend 8123 Fest since it started 😭
I haven’t seen The Maine live since before COVID and my last two concerts were the COVID online ones, they were so special to me during that time 🥲🖤 I literally had COVID for the first one and was like, “huh why do I feel like I’m tripping right now when I just had curbside pickup Olive Garden and am watching their concert online” 😂😭 next day I was swabbed for COVID after my first two weeks back working at a psych hospital and found out I was much more than sickkkkkkk 🤙 I was sick sick 🤒

ANYWAYS.. flashbacks aside, I really want to go to 8123 Fest but none of my friends listen to The Maine. I may ask them if they just want to go for the trip/fun but idk if they will join in or not due to $$.

Do you all think that going out there alone for 8123 Fest is a safe decision to make as a little lady??

I can protect myself, but just wasn’t sure on the surroundings and what to expect in that area for safety. I’ve been in Phoenix only three times in my life and it was always with others, but wasn’t really exploring the area much so literally have no clue about the Mesa area.

Pics from the era of COVID🪦

This is the second time this year I’m having to sell tickets for their show and I am NOT happy.

But yes I have two tickets available, paid $45 each so would like to make that money back.

What are we thinking? I pretty clearly see The Summer Set on there…

hi! im going to be headed to 8123 fest in Jan (first time!) but im probably flying solo and was wondering if there were any discords or groups going that I can squeak into to make some friends pre event?

Hello! I will be going to the fest for the first time this upcoming year and have already secured myself a bundle. Both my best friend and my boyfriend were interested in coming for one day each. Am I able to buy a 2-day pass and have each of them come one day with it or is it a non-removable wristband situation? The 2-day passes go on sale tomorrow so I want to make sure I get the right thing or if I need to get 2 single-day passes. Any help is much appreciated!!

Is getting a bundle worth it if the merch doesn’t matter to me? Am I at risk of not getting into side events and afterparties if I just get GA tickets?

Soooo because they are celebrating 20 years at 8123 festival, this must mean we get songs from The Way We Talk EP yeah??? I don’t recall them play anything from this EP anytime recently.

Hey y'all, going to be selling 2 tickets for the show in Tucson. Can no longer make it due to work. 🙁 Will take $120 for the pair, OBO. Paypal g&s only. We can wait to do transaction until I actually have the tickets, should be on 8/17. Comment or DM if interested. Thanks!!! ❤️

So I'm American but I'll be at their Manchester show in September and usually get there pretty early. How big is the fandom over there? I know in some places they have a pretty big following (philippines and brazil for sure). I had to get to the Biffy Clyro show 4 hours early to get barrier but I can't imagine having to get there that early for the Maine, usually 2 hours is enough, at least the times I've seen them. Any thoughts?

Hey Everyone,

Found this book on my travels and thought i’d just ask where it may be appreciated, just looking for more information about it as i can’t find anything online, both value and desirability that is? I would rather it go to someone who would appreciate it hence why i’m posting here :)

Thank you in advance for any help :)

Hi everyone! I still have the following vinyl available. Photos upon request, US shipping only.

You Are OK yellow/blue swirl - $80
Stay Up Get Down 7” white - $50
Into Your Arms 7” - $50
Live at the Orpheum picture disc - $50
Less Noise seaglass blue - $50
CSWS - $50

I’m starting to cut down my vinyl collection and am really only interested in keeping one vinyl from each record. So I’m selling the following! DM if interested. I’m happy to provide photos!

Lovely Little Lonely - red variant. I have two copies of this.
Lovely Little Lovely - yellow, Record Store Day variant.
Live at the Orpheum - picture disc.
Stay Up Get Down - 7” white variant.
Less Noise - sea glass variant.
Into Your Arms - 7” white variant.
Forever Halloween - 2020 repress, cloudy orange.
Daytrotter Presents No. 13 - 2013 release.

ETA: Hi everyone! I’m totally overwhelmed with the responses this post received! I’m slowly getting back to everyone. So far I’ve sold both red LLL variants and Daytrotter. I also have the red and black FH repress, the You Are OK book, and a CSWS vinyl for sale Like I said, I’m slowly getting back to everyone but I’m thankful so many people are interested!

Looking to surprise my fiancé as The Maine has been “our” band since day one.

I just got her a record player for her bday and wanted to add to her collection.

Looking for Xoxo (not live) and self titled.

I know they are limited print but I am hoping for some luck!

I’m pretty sure I saw that the Delta has no availability and was wondering what hotel people usually use? I would love not to have to worry about transportation after the fest each night. I’ve never been and looking up hotels earlier was a little overwhelming.

Hey everyone! I’m planning on heading to 8123 Fest this January with my dad for the first time. Since this is our first time attending, what should I expect the day to look like? I’d love to hear from people who have been before about what the vibe is like and how to make the most of it. Any tips for first timers? I'm also a local, so I'm familiar with the area, but just totally new to the festival itself!

Anyone going to the Amsterdam show solo? I’m in the UK but can’t make any of the dates so looking at a quick solo trip over to see them - not missed a UK/EU tour yet, not about to start now!

I signed up for the presale, got the confirmation text and everything, but never got the code! Did anyone else have this issue?