My name is Garrett Nickelsen and i play bass in the band The Maine. Pat John and I started the band back in 2006 and our guitar players Jared and Kennedy joined about six months later. Our fourth album entitled Forever Halloween was released on June 4th (and June 7th in Australia and New Zealand). We recorded it in Nashville Tennessee with producer Brendan Benson of The Raconteurs.
What have you found are the differences (positive and negative) through producing a record with a company and making one with your own funds?
Well the biggest perk of making a record with a label is the whole money thing. It cost a good chunk of change to release a record on our own. Also the connections the label has with press outlets & radio we just can’t get because we have never worked with certain people before or have the money to spend. I think the positives out way any of that though. Everything is in our hands and that the best thing you could ask for. We get to release the music we want whenever and however we would like. I don’t think a band could ask for better situation.
Do you think you’ll remain independent for future albums?
At this point it is looking like that is the plan but who knows what the future holds.
What made you decide to record the album live through analogue tape without the use of computer editing techniques? How would you describe this affecting the overall sound/atmosphere of the new record?
Doing the album live was all Brendan’s idea. That is how he has recorded most of his albums and we quickly realized why. Recording this way brings such a great emotion to the music you can’t get using a computer. I think if you listen to the album you can hear all the feeling we put into it.
What track is your favourite/the one you’re most proudest of and why?
My favorite track would have to be ‘Take What You Can Carry’. This song was one that stuck out to me since the demos. It changed a good amount in the studio and turned into the song we always knew it would be. It kicks off the record on a high note!
Your records have been moving from a pop sound to a more rock feel, why the progressive change in sound?
The sound change has seemed very natural to us. Rock n Roll is the music we have all grown up listening to. We are a band that really doesn’t like doing the same thing over and over. I’m not sure what we will do next but as of right now this seems to feel right.
The first music video for the album is the ‘These Four Word’s’ clip, which is really quite simply but effective, what was the reasoning behind the decision to do such a simple piece?
The song is a pretty simple song, not anything going on besides vocals and a piano. The one shot idea we thought would fit the song the best. John came up with the idea and it ended up being the easiest and most effective video we’ve ever done.
What is your band’s music the best soundtrack for?
I think this album is a great one to listen to while you have your headphones on laying in bed late night. It could also be a great late night driving record.
What’s on heavy rotation on your iPod right now? And how do you find new music?
A lot of The Replacements and The Rolling Stones. I think the best way I find music is from talking with friends and searching influences of records I really enjoy. Everyone stole an idea for some other type of music so i really enjoy researching the influences on my favorite records. I find great music doing that all the time.
What and where was the first gig you went to?
I saw Hootie And The Blowfish when I was about 5 years old with my family. haha I started going to local punk rock shows when I was 12 years old.
When can we expect to see you in Australia next to show us these new songs live?
We are hoping to get over to Australia before the end of the year! I love it there and really can’t wait to come back.
Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?
We do a stomp clap chant thing before every show. Its hard to explain, you might just have to see it. haha It is a must before every show since 2008!
Though the new album has only just been released, are there any thoughts about future projects yet?
I think the plan will be touring for the next year or so!
The Maine 2013 Australian Tour Dates
Supporting Anberlin
Wednesday 4 September – The Hifi, Brisbane – 18+
Tickets from thehifi.com.au or 1300 843 443
Thursday 5 September – The Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast – 18+
Tickets from destroyalllines.oztix.com.au or 1300 438 849
Friday 6 September – Panthers, Newcastle – Lic AA
Tickets from destroyalllines.oztix.com.au, Moshtix outlets, The Venue or 02 4926 620
Saturday 7 September – The Hifi, Sydney – Lic AA
Tickets from thehifi.com.au or 1300 843 443
Sunday 8 September – The Palace, Melbourne – 18+
Tickets from destroyalllines.oztix.com.au, Ticketek.com.au or 13 28 49
Tuesday 10 September – The Gov, Adelaide – Lic AA
Tickets from moshtix.com.au, venuetix.com.au, The Venue or 8340 0744
Wednesday 11 September – Metropolis, Fremantle – 18+
Tickets from destroyalllines.oztix.com.au, Heatseeker outlets or 1300 762 545
