The Maine is currently immersed in the creative process of a new album, all while delighting fans with unexpected appearances alongside the Jonas Brothers.
“There’s still a lot of exciting material left to unveil,” John O’Callaghan, the group’s lead vocalist, shared exclusively with Us Weekly during the “LadyGang” podcast’s LadyWorld Festival in sunny Florida on September 26. “We are currently deep in the studio, well into the album-making phase.”
O’Callaghan, 37, alongside guitarist Jared Monaco, hinted at their eagerness to discuss the upcoming music, though they chose to maintain an air of mystery for the time being. This forthcoming record marks the band’s significant 10th album.
“Taking this little break has been refreshing, allowing us to create some emotional distance from our intense work. I’m looking forward to returning home to refine our creativity further,” O’Callaghan added. “Rest assured, this new music will definitely be out next year.”
Catherine Powell
Monaco, also 37, cheekily stated that they were attempting to stay “vague” while still wanting to share juicy details.
Meanwhile, what remained unspoken was their thrilling plan to join Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas on the stage at the Greetings From Your Hometown tour stop in Phoenix—the band’s origin city—scheduled for September 29 at the PHX Arena.
O’Callaghan, Monaco, and the rest of the band members—guitarist Kennedy Brock, bassist Garrett Nickelsen, and drummer Pat Kirch—warmed up for their surprise duet of “Black Butterflies and Déjà Vu” from their 2017 album, Lovely Little Lonely.
This sudden collaboration occurred just days after The Maine performed at the LadyWorld Festival, where they supported Jac Vanek, Monaco’s wife.
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“Given that I’ve known Jac since 2007, it’s quite special to participate as a fan this time,” O’Callaghan reflected. “It truly helps me appreciate our community more deeply. It’s been a unique experience that I couldn’t be happier to be part of.”
Vanek is a key member of the “LadyGang” podcast, co-hosted by the spirited Keltie Knight and former E! News star Becca Tobin. The trio hosted the inaugural LadyWorld Festival this year, celebrating a decade of their podcast launched in 2015.
“They’ve poured their hearts into organizing this event for two years,” Monaco stated. “Witnessing it all come to life is genuinely exciting, and we’re thrilled to contribute in some small capacity. The energy is just right.”
The Maine is well-acquainted with the festival circuit, having graced stages at various notable events—think Warped Tour and Sad Summer Festival. They approached their performance at LadyWorld with the same dynamism and excitement as any other show.
O’Callaghan emphasized the importance of assuming that festival audiences might not be familiar with their music. “That perspective helps us engage in a way that resonates, knowing full well we might either wow them or leave them indifferent,” he explained. “We strive to create a playlist that caters to a diverse audience.”
Catherine Powell
Monaco added that performing at LadyWorld gave them an advantage since “most attendees were likely already familiar with our work.”
“Approaching this performance just like any other is crucial because, ultimately, it’s about staying true to ourselves,” Monaco said. “Our setlist is akin to what we’ve been doing at recent festivals, and I perceive that as a positive.”
