Pat Kirch Of The Maine On All Things 8123, Navigating Rising Costs Within The Music Industry & The Power Of Soundtracking People’s Lives - Artist Interview - By The Fans Magazine

Interview & Words: Grace Wearn

Photography Credit: Lupe Bustos

Fresh off the back of their European and UK Tour, Pat Kirch of The Maine caught up with By The Fans Magazine to chat all things 8123 community and their creativity, navigating rising costs within the music industry and the power of soundtracking people’s lives.

“The Maine! Thank you so much for your time today. You’ve been a band for almost two decades, which is something incredibly special in itself. When you look back at the roots from where The Maine started compared to where you are now, on reflection, what part of your journey do you think would surprise your younger selves the most?”

I think the biggest surprise would be that we are still here. All of the bands we looked up to when we started only had 2-3 albums and that was it. So our thoughts on what was possible was based around much smaller expectations. The cool thing is that it still feels like we are just getting started. 

“You’re now on double digits - album number 10 in your incredible discography with ‘Joy Next Door’.  After sharing so many chapters as a band, how did you all collectively shape how you wanted this chapter of The Maine to sound and feel?”

The big focus for this album was to really be able to hear each of us playing. We wanted to keep things as natural as possible, lots of acoustic guitars and piano. We also did our very best to not think about how it would be perceived or what the single would be and just make something we loved and we definitely accomplished that. 

“With ‘Joy Next Door’, there are beautiful themes of both presence and self-reflection. Did the process of writing and creating this album bring any subconscious truths or personal revelation’s to light for you all?”

With the general themes of the album I think it has bled out into how we are as a band at the moment. It has brought out an extra sense of appreciation for what we have accomplished together. We’ve been trying to live in the moment more and experience everything we are doing at the fullest. 

“On the subject of albums, from ‘American Candy’ - ‘English Girls’ is not just one of our favourites here at By The Fans Magazine, but also a recurring track for your London shows in your setlist rotation. I read that the song was inspired by an experience you had on a night out in London where you overheard a conversation. You’ve travelled and played in many incredible places globally, do you find that the different cultures that you experience; and the different crowds you play too - naturally intertwine their way into your inspiration and songwriting?”

Yeah anything can inspire you and you never know when it will pop up. We are always taking little bits of inspiration from every experience we have. When you’ve made this many albums you always need a new angle or perspective and getting outside of our bubble at home is really helpful for that. 

“You’ve been the soundtrack to so many different stages of people’s lives. ‘American Candy’ was a huge part of mine growing up as a teenager in the South Coast of the UK. It was a staple on repeat album for me personally throughout my college years. Do you have a memorable fan moment or experience that has stood out for you?”

That’s amazing to hear!! It feels like there are too many moments to count. Every day on tour we have a cool interaction with someone telling us what the music has meant to them and how the band has shaped a part of their life. This band really is built around the fans. 

“I was fortunate enough to photograph your London show, and have also been fortunate enough to see you guys play Brixton in London twice prior to your Roundhouse show. What’s always stood out to me about your shows - whether that’s a headline set or a support slot, is how wholesome and joyous the atmosphere feels in the room. When you’re on stage, how much does the energy of the audience impact your approach to a show?”

The crowd has a massive impact on the show. You try to do your best to put on the best show possible no matter what but the truth is the energy of the room subconsciously changes a lot. We want the show to feel loose and like anything can happen at any moment. The interactions with fans really keep us on our toes and keep things exciting. 

“8123 has become much more than just a number associated with The Maine — it’s evolved into a community of belonging and the creation of lifelong friendships. What do you think it is about The Maine and your fans that has opened the space for the community to grow alongside you- for so many years?”

I wish I knew the answer to that, it’s magic I guess. There is a special bond that has been built and you can really feel it in the room at every show but I would be lying if I said I had any clue how we built that. We are lucky that the music attracts great people and they sort of build their own community. We feel so lucky to be a part of it, it’s beyond anything we did to create it. 

“The 8123 community are constantly evolving creating and moulding their visual identity inspired by the bands they love. At the London show; I met fans who had spent hours upon hours patch-working and customising denim jackets specifically around The Maine and their music. It’s so special to have such an incredible community, how does it feel seeing your community create and mould their visual identity around The Maine?

We are always blown away by how creative the fans are, the projects they do the custom merch they make. It’s so cool!!!! 

“You’ve just wrapped up your Europe and UK leg of the tour. At your London show, you opened up particularly around the increasing costs of international touring. Aside from fans buying a ticket, how important are factors like buying merchandise, physical albums and other music formats outside of streaming - in helping bands continue to tour and make art in their form of creating music?”

The fans are what drives the whole thing, they make it possible for the bands to do what they love and that is why we do our best to make it known that we couldn’t do it without them!! I think everything in life is just more expensive and that certainly bleeds into touring but that’s a part of it. We are very lucky to have such a loyal fanbase. 

“Is there something from this leg of the tour that you’ll carry with you onto the American leg? Such as an experience, a city, a fan interaction or something behind the scenes?”

So many cool stories I heard on the tour will stick with me. People coming from all around the world to be together at the shows. So many different countries and fans from places we have never been. That is so cool and really makes you realize how many people are a part of this family even if they aren’t at a show every year.

“Finally, if you could describe how a The Maine show is - to someone who has never experienced a show of yours. What would you want them to feel and understand about the people they’ll find in that room?”

I would just say that it is a beautiful experience that you really can’t describe in words but when you feel it you feel it.