The Maine, aka the face of the Sad Summer Fest, is gearing up to kick off this year’s tour run with a killer lineup.
Fans can expect to see Taking Back Sunday, The Maine, PVRIS, Hot Mulligan, Mom Jeans, and Stand Atlantic across the states this summer.
Special guest performers will appear on select dates, including Andrew McMahon, Head Automatica, L.S Dunes, & Motion City SoundTrack. Cliffdiver, Daisy Grenade, & Sincere Engineer will open up select dates as well.
RELATED: Click here to see our exclusive interview with Daisy Grenade.
It is no secret sad emos everywhere are ecstatic with this performance list (including us). You can check out Sad Summer Fest dates & tickets by clicking here.
The Maine’s 2021 record XOXO: From Love & Anxiety in Real Time was a smashing hit with their upbeat drums, rocking riffs, and emotional lyrics. Since then, The Maine released “Loved You A Little” with Taking Back Sunday & Charlotte Sands as well as “Box in a Heart” featuring renforshort.
Fans are eagerly anticipating new music from The Maine, and bassist Garrett Nickelsen ensures it is on the way! We had the incredible opportunity to chat with him about all of the marvelous things in store for the band this year.
Take us through some of the highlights of Sad Summer Fest over the last few years. What has it been like being the face of such a successful festival? What are some of your most memorable moments (good and bad) from your last few summers?
I think there will always be something super special about the first year. We had so many people working so many hours to make it happen. We put on a festival every other year in downtown Phoenix so we might have been the most prepared for all the work but it is a lot different doing one weekend of shows compared to a few weeks. The fact that we even made the first year happen was such a win and now that we’re on year 4 we couldn’t be more excited. The Boston show in the first year is one I’ll never forget. It was the biggest attendance that year and the crowd was rowdy. Our set was as the sun was going down so it had a really cool vibe.
What is extra special about Sad Summer Fest compared to other tours you’ve played?
I think the big thing is the community it has made over the years. The scene hasn’t had a repeated tour year over year since Warped Tour and I feel like the tour itself has fans now. That was the goal when we started but the fact that it is now happening is fucking awesome.
What is your favorite city/state to play on SSF? Which venue are looking forward to most for this year’s run?
The first few years the NYC show at Pier 17 was amazing. I’m bummed were not doing it this year but the New Jersey show should be amazing. Last time we played the Jersey venue I got a bloody nose on stage and looked like a zombie. I’m hoping that doesn’t happen again…
Which band(s) on the line-up are you most excited to tour with this summer?
Head Automatica! I’ve been a fan of them and all things Daryl Palumbo since I was like 12 years old. I’m gonna ask him if Glassjaw really recorded Worship and Tribute in 4 days. I read that on absolutepunk like 15 years ago.
I just have to ask: How likely is it that some venues will get to see you, Taking Back Sunday, and even Charlotte Sands perform your latest banger “Loved You A Little” together?
I know we are for sure gonna play it! It might be hard to get Adam out there every night but I’m sure it will happen at some point. Also, I swear Charlotte has a teleporter cause she’ll just pop up in the most random cities and do the song with us. It is always the best time.
What would be your advice on how to have the best experience for someone attending Sad Summer for the first time? What do you hope fans will take away from this year’s run?
Wear sunscreen and drink water! It can be a long day but all the bands are so great this year. Show up early and jam to some bands you’ve maybe never heard before.
Out of your entire catalog, which song do you find the most difficult to play live and why? Is it possible for this track to make the summer setlist?
Oh god this song “F*cked Up Kids” off our record Forever Halloween. It’s not that the song is all that difficult to play, but there is just this weird chord progression that I don’t know how to explain besides it “flips” on itself. The chords go one way and then reverse back, but on the last chord because of the reverse part it plays really long on one note. I don’t know why we did that but it always messes with me and Pat. I really really hope we don’t play it. haha
What else can fans anticipate from The Maine throughout the rest of 2023?
We should be getting some new tunes out this year which I’m super super excited for! Also some random shows here and there. You never know with us, we seem to always have some crazy idea right around the corner.
Keep up with The Maine on their social media: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Keep up with All Punked Up writer Julia Pearl (JPearl): Instagram | TikTok | Website
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