Spread the Social Love:

The Lowdown: John O'Callaghan of The Maine

"I strongly feel our music is, and will always be, a representation of the people we were at that moment in time"

by Jemma Dodd, September 30th, 2012 and has been Read 852 times.
Last Edited by: Chris MUG5 Maguire September 30th, 2012.

Whilst on tour in Europe, we decided to check up on John O'Callaghan, vocalist for Arizona band The Maine, to see how the shows are going and what it's like to grow with your audience. Oh, and which sock he puts on first!

AltSounds: If I shouted "Marco," your reply would be...?
John O'Callaghan: Georg Marco, obviously. The Romanian chess player who ended up moving to Vienna to become the secretary of the Viennese Chess Association.

AltSounds: How are you finding touring Europe? Have you visited anywhere new?

John O'Callaghan: We are having quite a bit of fun. Had the privilege of visiting Italy and Spain for the first time in our band's history. Did some sightseeing in Germany, but nothing really out of the ordinary has happened thus far.

AltSounds: How have the crowds reacted to you on this tour?

John O'Callaghan: The support has been incredible. People showing up is always a good thing, and it doesn't hurt to be out on the road here with our good friends in This Century.

AltSounds: The demographic of your audience has changed over the years. How do you feel that people are growing up with your music?

John O'Callaghan: It's a treat to be able to grow with our audience. I believe we are all a part of something bigger than The Maine and even music, and to have the opportunity to experience this with others is something we don't take for granted.

AltSounds: Who were the bands you listened to growing up and how have they influenced your sound?

John O'Callaghan: My father is responsible for introducing me to many of the artists I listen to today. Anything from Jethro Tull to Steely Dan to Whiskeytown. Music is such a huge part of who I am and I owe much of that to him.

AltSounds: How do you view The Maine's growth from pop-punk to a more mature, indie sound?

John O'Callaghan: I don't "view" it at all. There isn't some forced ploy involved with our sound evolving, I strongly feel our music is, and will always be, a representation of the people we were at that moment in time. But our passion for creating and experimenting has grown immensely, and I think that ultimately affects our sound.

WATCH // The Maine - Like We Did (Windows Down)

AltSounds: Do you have any band rituals before you go out to perform?

John O'Callaghan: Nothing too crazy. Spiritual sacrifice of an animal, seance involving the contact of spirits, and then a quick soak in a bathtub full of cat's blood. Again, nothing too crazy.

AltSounds: Do you have any preferred "moves" when performing on stage?

John O'Callaghan: I really enjoy the jump kick. Picture Axel Rose, but better.

AltSounds: For better or worse, what's been your most memorable performance in The Maine?

John O'Callaghan: We've had so many great times all over the world, but you can never forget your first show. I almost puked on stage. I'll never forget that feeling. Good memories for sure!

AltSounds: What is your favourite Maine song and why?

John O'Callaghan: It's so hard to pick a favorite song. Part of me feels it's like picking a favorite child, and the other part doesn't view our songs in the same light as others. That being said, my favorite is...

AltSounds: Are there any songs you've tired of touring?

John O'Callaghan: Some songs get a bit stale to play, but we try to keep things as fresh as possible for ourselves. Playing a song in a new manner is a trick we've used to keep both us and those at the shows happy.

AltSounds: Following the demise of MySpace, do you find that current social networking favourite, Facebook, lacks in the same music-promoting department where its predecessor flourished?

John O'Callaghan: For as rapidly-changing as everything is, I surprisingly hear about more new music than ever before. The internet has provided a platform for artists of all shapes, sizes, and sounds alike. I think it's a great time to be an artist, and a great time to be alive.

AltSounds: Various bands have employed quirky methods in order to sequence tracks on their albums - one example being a Magic 8 Ball; do you have any similar methods as a band?

John O'Callaghan: We usually create individual lists and if there are any patterns from list to list we work off of those. The 8 ball could be a good method though!

AltSounds: If you were a character from The Muppets, who would you be and why?

John O'Callaghan: Animal. He's the only Muppet I know other than Kermit and Ms. Piggy and I don't wanna sell out.

AltSounds: And on a more serious note, which sock do you put on first? The left or the right?

John O'Callaghan: Haven't really thought about it before, but now that you mention it I think I'm a right foot kinda man.

Interview by Teri Oakshott