The Maine are releasing their new album, XOXO: From Love & Anxiety In Real Time on July 7th and are celebrating with an epic rooftop concert in Los Angeles, "Face Towards The Sun," just a few days later on July 11th, and the band is opening up about what fans can expect from the livestream show, as well as their new release.
XOXO: From Love & Anxiety In Real Time is The Maine's eighth full-length album and follows 2019's You Are OK. The new project features ten new songs, including their hit lead single "Sticky" and other previously released tracks like "April 7th," "Lips" and "Pretender."
The band tells iHeartRadio of their new album, "I’d like to think XOXO is a healthy balance of all things nostalgic and ambitious when it comes to The Maine. I hope listeners can find comfort in the familiarity, but also intrigue in the boundaries we pushed when producing it."
Find out more about XOXO: From Love & Anxiety In Real Time and their upcoming rooftop livestream show in our interview below.
What is the meaning behind XOXO: From Love & Anxiety In Real Time’s title?
"The title, to me, represents the constant flux between good and bad thoughts. Feelings have such a selfish way of taking up most of the picture frame and love/anxiety were the heaviest of feelings felt during the writing of this record."
What were some of the themes that inspired the music on this album?
"The theme of trying to traverse the world of newfound love played a huge role. My life isn’t just mine anymore, that’s a tough pill for the ego to swallow, but I wouldn’t have it any other way."
You’re performing a special show from a rooftop in Downtown Los Angeles just a few days after the album’s release. What are you looking forward to the most?
"It’s always fun playing shows in different environments and this will certainly be unique. We have never played a rooftop show before so really looking forward to that part of it. The plan is to perform while the sun is setting and then transition into total darkness with the city lights behind us. Really looking forward to playing in such a beautiful setting."
What can fans expect from this show?
"We will be performing songs from the new album for the very first time! It is always nerve wracking and exciting all at once. We will of course play a bunch of old songs as well, but we are really excited to celebrate the new album with fans from all around the world."
How do you put together a setlist for something like this?
"For this set we are trying to plan it so the song choices fit the mood as the sun slowly sets. We will see how well our timing matches up! In general we are going to play a decent amount from the new album and a mix of familiar and rare songs from the back catalogue. There will be something for everyone."
Do you have plans to go on tour?
"Yeah! We will be on 'Sad Summer Festival' all summer with our friends in All Time Low. It’s going to be amazing to get back out there and play for everyone again. Hopefully we will see you all at a show soon!"