Reference List/Notes Page

The Maine:

http://altpress.com/features/themaine_family.htm

http://www.redefinemag.com/music/interviews_music_2.php?artist=The-Maine&id=115

http://www.shockhound.com/videos/389-interview---the-maine

http://www.facebook.com/themaine?ref=search&sid=751445724.3066230369..1#/themaine?v=wall&ref=search

http://www.myspace.com/themaine

---Used these websites to gain information about the band, such as how they interact with fans to what type of music/sound they produce to how they behave/perform interviews.

The Icarus Account:

http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2009/08/23/the-icarus-account/

http://www.myspace.com/theicarusaccount

http://www.facebook.com/theicarusaccount?ref=ts

--Used these websites to gain information about the band, such as how they interact with fans to what type of music/sound they produce to how they behave/perform interviews.

Lyrics (The Maine)

Baby, I was tired of waiting

For you, you kept debating

Whether you’d fall for

Me, too.

I hate to say it (oh wait, it won’t bother me)

But I’ve found someone new (and she’s all I see).

Lucky me, this new girl has it all

I already got pictures of her on my wall

You shoulda said something sooner

I didn’t think you’d lose to her.

But you did and now it’s her and me

Sorry, baby, but I’ve moved on

Maybe you should do the same.

We had something great

And I found something (someone) better

I was tired of your stupid game.

Baby, stop calling my phone

I know you’re alone

But I’m home

With the new love.

We’re laughing and dancing

Nothing too fancy

She’s now (you’re too late)

All I think of.

Lyrics (The Icarus Account)

I’m lying under a blanket of insecurities

The scariest part is that honestly,

I’m warm.

It’s just that I’m so used to being here

That it comes and passes (this fear)

Like a storm.

It’s tiring watching everything end up nothing less

Than what you expect, taking affect

In perfect form.

If I was tired of being alone

I would try to go home

Where I know someone’s there

But I’m taking a chance

I want something new ( today)

But no matter where I look

She steals it away from me,

I’m haunted by this crook.

I can tell you right now how this will end up

We’ll be staring at our walls thinking

How did this fall apart?

If we’re still wondering about each other

Then how did this happen?

It’s true. I won’t lie. I’ve been thinking about you.

And don’t tell me you haven’t been thinking of me, too.

CD Review: Can't Stop Won't Stop by The Maine

Track Listing:

1. Everything I Ask For (2:37)

2. We All Roll Along (3:49)

3. Girls Do What They Want (3:13)

4. I Must Be Dreaming (2:46)

5. Into Your Arms (3:59)

6. Time to Go (2:55)

7. This is the End (2:54)

8. Whoever She Is (3:41)

9. Count ‘Em One, Two, Three (2:48)

10. Kiss and Sell (3:07)

11. You Left Me (3:29)

12. We’ll All Be… (5:29)

In their first full-length album, The Maine, a quintet from Arizona, truly gives the listener “everything they ask for.” From start to finish, the twelve-song album carries catchy lyrics surrounded by fun instrumentals. On the opening track, “Everything I Ask For,” the band establishes their catchy rhythms. Front man John O’Callaghan’s vocals drag the listener into the album as backup vocalist and guitarist Kennedy Brock makes the song an enjoyable tune. “We All Roll Along” shows signs of well-developed guitar riffs and bridges as it differs a little from the melody of the opening track. The next song, “Girls Do What They Want,” focuses strongly on catchy and steady beats, very similar to the structure of “Everything I Ask For.” Fourth, “I Must Be Dreaming” relates most closely to “We All Roll Along,” in which the quintet expands on their understanding of musical balance, as each instrument is favored at one point or another in the song. “Into Your Arms,” the single released from The Maine, is the most impactful song on the album. O’Callaghan’s vocal range is exemplified by the song, which is a deep, powerful song including a strong piano piece in addition to the guitars, bass, and drums. The following two songs, “Time to Go” and “This is the End” have their slow parts and their fast parts, and guide the listener through the middle of the album without losing attention. Eighth, “Whoever She Is” displays the band’s versatility. This is an acoustic piece that adds depth to their album, showing within the catchy, upbeat rhythms that they can produce a well-sustained slow song. “Count ‘Em One, Two, Three” and “Kiss and Sell” go back to the band’s creativity in catchiness, generally resulting in the listener tapping his or her foot to the beat. The most odd, piece on the album, “You Left Me” is definitely worth a listen. Its synthetic sound is a fun listen and can be a fun sing-a-long. “We’ll All Be,” by far the longest track on the album, lets the listener go with a sense of closeness to the band. The last 30 seconds are non-instrumental, with the entire band singing a unified chorus and some talking and clapping in the background. It lets one’s mind slip away with the band as they end a phenomenally composed album.

Lyrically, The Maine addresses several general themes throughout the album. A most common topic is the wide-ranging relationships between girls and boys. Lust, love and loss are all addressed in a catchy fashion. Tracks 1, 3, 9, 10, and 11 have strong backup vocals, which tends to cause the listener to sing along, consciously or subconsciously. While most of their lyrics discuss the sexual or lustful side of relationships, songs such as “Into Your Arms,” “I Must Be Dreaming,” and “Whoever She Is” imply deep feelings of lost love or desire to obtain and maintain the level that one feels with that special someone. The Maine balances the two sides to the relationship well lyrically throughout the album.

Overall, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop is an extremely enjoyable album that has the listener either singing along passionately or listening with close intent to hear what The Maine have to present next. The combination of catchy lyrics and steady, danceable beats have skyrocketed The Maine onto the mainstream front stage. Every young listener should give this album a try, especially if they want to have a reason to sing loudly and dance the night away. Heck, even adults should give it a try; it would remind them of the innocence of youth and recollect great memories of partying it as a carefree youngster.

CD Review: Mayday by The Icarus Account

Track Listing:

1. Dear Love (4:26)
2. Anchors Away (3:57)
3. Only One (3:21)
4. East Coast (4:37)
5. Proud (5:21)
6. More to Me (5:50)
7. Jasmine (4:58)
8. Up, Up, and Away (3:15)
9. Symphony (2:53)
10. Mayday (4:24)
11. Closer to You (4:07)

In their second album to date, twin brothers Ty and Trey Turner (The Icarus Account) kick off Mayday with powerful songs “Dear Love” and “Anchors Away.” With only acoustic guitars and their voices, they bring a strong energy that catches the listener’s ear. Ty and Trey harmonize their voices very well in “Dear Love” and carry beautiful melodies with their guitar in the first two songs. “Only One” transitions the energy from a cathartic power into a more soothing listen in the following songs, “East Coast” and “Proud.” Ty’s virtuosic vocal range is truly exemplified in “Only One” and Trey’s talent with the mandolin is heard in “Proud.” Next, “More to Me” and “Jasmine” also carry the soft melodies from beginning to end as the brothers establish a depth to their songs in the middle of this album. “Up, Up, and Away” reminds the listener of the more powerful rhythms of the first two tracks instrumentally; while it brings back Ty’s superior vocal range during a crescendo three-quarters of the way through the song. The title track, “Mayday” is one of the most sincere pieces that The Icarus Account produces. This piano-driven song pulls at the heartstrings of the listener, making you want to belt out the lyrics next time you hear it. The band finishes how they started, with a dominant energy in “Closer to You.” The Icarus Account leaves the listener wanting more as they drive the album home with more catchy melodies and harmonics.

Lyrically, The Icarus Account carries a well-developed theme throughout the album. Obviously, the focus is on the word mayday. Ty and Trey see it as a cry for help, whether it is spiritually, emotionally, and/or physically. The actual word mayday is heard in the songs “Dear Love,” “Up, Up, and Away,” and “Mayday.” Track 1, 2, 8, and 10 convey messages of distancing from a significant other and having to deal with the pain caused by being apart. This theme of needing to be saved appears as the lyrics reveal the narrator is hurt by what is happening in his life. The other tracks provide insight on the opposite side of the spectrum, presenting the listener with images and thoughts of what it is like to be with someone who you really care about. However, each of these songs lyrically hints at commitment issues as the subject pessimistically analyzes his relationship situations. While he is happy and relieved to be with someone who he loves, he realizes he might need saving from his negative thinking (that things might go wrong).

The Icarus Account’s creativity and talent are demonstrated in Mayday. Their strong, melodic guitars and pleasing, harmonizing voices combine to make eleven tracks each of distinguished greatness. Lyrically, the music matches each piece, and to truly appreciate the depth of their work, the listener must take a look at the lyrics. Brothers Ty and Trey Turner work well together and find a perfect balance of powerful and slower songs. A job well done for two guys who were not afraid to take a big step and put their hearts into their music and get it out there for the public to enjoy, which they most certainly will…

Interview with The Maine

In today from The Maine are front man and lead vocalist John O’Callaghan, lead guitarist Jared Monaco, and drummer Pat Kirch. They are going to talk about their music and rise to mainstream stardom and how they have tried to stay level-headed throughout the whole process.

I: Interviewer

JO: John O’Callaghan

JM: Jared Monaco

PK: Pat Kirch

I: What’s up guys? So, three years ago… sitting in your guys’ basements, did you see yourself here?

JO: Hellllllll no. Three years ago I didn’t even think about pursuing a musical career! If it wasn’t for Pat’s brother who came up to me after hearing me sing one day and asking me to try out for his brother’s band, I never would have known.

JM: I knew I wanted to do music, but never expected to be this fully involved and experience this much so fast.

I: So... it’s been two years since your first release and what have you guys done since then?

PK: We have been on 4 major tours, including Warped Tour and the AP Tour, been on fronts of some magazine covers and sold tons of records. It’s been a hell of an experience.

JO: In the process, we’ve put out one full-length album and three EP’s.

I: What’s been your favorite experience so far?

JO: I’d have to say playing live on the major tours. When you look out and thousands of fans are bouncing to the same beat, echoing your every word… it sends chills down my spine.

JM: I’d go with touring with some of the other bands. We’ve played with bands like Boys Like Girls, Paramore, 3OH!3, it’s pretty frickin’ sweet.

PK: You guys are so stereotypical. Telling everyone what they want to hear. I say screw everyone else, recording MY stuff has been the coolest! (laughter) I’m just playing, the tours and fans are awesome, I couldn’t ask for more with those. But just being in the studio, making your own music from scratch, it’s such a cool thing.

I: Definitely, definitely. Well, I know you guys have had some pretty crazy shows… what is some of the craziest stuff that’s happened at your shows?

JO: At one show in Denver, we played with 3OH!3. They always get the crowd going and girls going nuts. Turns out they did that all too well. All of a sudden when I was singing, an article of clothing was thrown at me and landed on my mic stand. It was a bra. Soon enough, hundreds of bras filled the stage; it was difficult for me to keep singing… (laughter)

PK: I’ve been hit by a shoe while drumming. That kinda hurt.

JM: Unlike these guys, I sit off to the side of the stage and actually put on a good performance so nothing every crazy happens to me besides a hundred girls rushing to me after the show. (laughter)

I: You guys obviously are extremely popular, how do you stay humble and do you have more plans?

PK: At the end of the day, we are just five guys doing what we love: playing awesome music. The fans and albums and tours are just a bonus. We still realize what’s important to us: friends, family, stuff like that. So we check ourselves every day and make sure we are not forgetting about what keeps us grounded.

JO: Exactly, and…as for the future… I can’t exactly reveal what we have planned, just know we’ve had a lot of fun doing what we do, so expect more from us. We also just released a book that documents our Warped Tour experience, you should all check it out.

JM: I want to keep playing as long as I can. These guys are my best friends and it’s easy to get up every morning and have work be the one thing you love. And yes, we have more stuff coming, fans, don’t worry.

I: So secretive, but I guess it’s understandable. Don’t want your music to get leaked. And we all know fans would just eat that stuff up. Good luck with your upcoming productions, guys. Sorry, but looks like we’re out of time, thanks for swinging by.

JO, JM, PK: Thanks.

Interview with The Icarus Account

Today, we have Ty and Trey from the Icarus Account here to discuss the release of their new album, Love is the Answer, as well as discussing the fan’s impact on their motivation and their plan for the future.

I: Interviewer

Ty (The Icarus Account)

Trey (The Icarus Account)

I: Hey guys, so December 1^st was a big day for you, huh?

Ty: Yeah, definitely, our new album, Love is the Answer, was released in various stores and on iTunes. We were so pumped, couldn’t sleep all night the night before.

I: Tell us about the album.

Trey: Well, Love is the Answer really depicts how we feel about the role of love in our lives. Obviously, we believe love can solve anything. Our first releases, Hold on for Dear Life and Mayday were more of a cry for help, and focused on the struggles in our lives. Love is all about the solution to those problems. We found with the help and support of those around you, anything can be accomplished. Simply, love and you will be repayed. Spiritually, physically, emotionally, however it may come, love will always help, never hurt.

I: Obviously this had to be a fun album to make, you guys are brothers and stuff, young, aspiring.

Ty: Working with your brother has its pros and cons. We’ve been through everything together, so, ups and downs, we know what to expect from each other. However, the focusing when it comes to recording and stuff is a struggle sometimes. Working with someone you know makes it less professional, and, after all, it is our career, so there are times we need to buckle down and it takes us a while.

I: A career, really?

Trey: At first, we started just making music because it is our passion. All our lives we had been exposed and inspired to music all around us. However, during our production of Love is the Answer, we realized the potential for success. Our first two releases saw success and profit, and we hadn’t even put much effort into those. So, we dropped out of school and now are completely focused on our music.

I: What about a record deal? Any labels you’ve been talking to?

Ty: Right now, we are unsigned, which is cool, because it gives us freedom when it comes to music. We feel we thrive when it comes to creativity and independence. Our music is different from the mainstream, it’s true, everything that’s written and heard is real. However, to succeed in the music industry nowadays, a label is necessary, so we feel we will have to make that change eventually.

I: So how are the tours, good turnouts? How about fan mail and stuff like that?

Trey: The tours are awesome. There’s nothing like sitting in front of people and having them sing along with what you’ve made for them. We love our fans and being on the road.

Ty: Except right now, our main fans are our friends basically. We are still pretty small so we can keep in touch with a lot of people, we haven’t gotten to the point where we can’t keep up with the incoming mail and messages on Facebook or Myspace yet.

Trey: We feel this album will push us to that level. Of course, we love talking to our fans more than anything, not being able to keep up with them would mean our music has spread across the nation. That’s our main goal: to spread the word. Not to achieve fame or wealth, but because we truly believe love is the answer.

Ty: It’s a message that today in our world goes very unnoticed. Everything could be simplified if people could just love and be loved back. We just want everyone to know that there will be hard times, but knowing this can get you through.

I: Thanks guys, that’s all the time we got today, but fans, be on the lookout for The Icarus Account’s Love is the Answer! Thanks for stopping in, Ty and Trey.

Ty: No problem.

Trey: Thanks.