One might surmise that the recent release of “Imaginary Numbers,” a five track acoustic EP spawned the string of acoustic shows that would follow for Arizona’s The Maine. But after speaking with the band’s frontman, it seems like the dates were a part of the group’s plan for continued expansion all along. As the five piece approaches their seventh anniversary, they’ve found a method to creating music that seems to work to their advantage: release a full length record of all new material and subsequently a follow-up EP just months later. The process certainly seems to be working for The Maine, whose last album “Forever Halloween” debuted at number 39 on the Billboard 200- the group’s highest charting to date. And with these new songs thrown in the mix, “An Acoustic Evening with The Maine” is just the band’s first step in 2014 before heading out all summer as part of the VANS Warped Tour’s 20th Anniversary run.

Lead singer John O’Callaghan is somewhat of an overnight success story, one that if examined, is truly a piece of rock music folklore. With no real ‘experience’ to speak of, O’Callaghan asked to audition for a friend’s brother’s band, got the gig, and as we sit today, writes all of The Maine’s lyrics. The group has selected more intimate venues for this abbreviated run of acoustic performances, places that cater to more avid fans and to a more relaxed style. The decision seems to be working so far considering that a bulk of these shows have already sold out, including a stop here in New York City at The Studio at Webster Hall on February 27th. While some fans are likely to be left in the lurch, The Maine has shown no signs of slowing down with even more new material still to come in 2014 before the band presumably returns to the studio to work on yet another full length record as the year moves forward. And if you can’t be there on the 27th, your pals at LocalBozo.com will have the full rundown for you the following day.

LocalBozo.com was fortunate enough to sit down with The Maine’s John O’Callaghan for an exclusive and candid interview. Listen in as we discuss the band’s decision to release an their latest EP and acoustic tour, O’Callaghan’s views on performing in New York City, what he’s most excited for on the VANS Warped Tour, the group’s ability to constantly be churning out new material, his reflections on how far he’s come over the past seven years and of course, he recalls his early days in starting with The Maine. John O’Callaghan’s story is inspiring and real and he’s as down-to-earth a musician as you’ll hear anywhere. For more information on The Maine including tour dates, band info and merchandise, check out: wearethemaine.net.

- Jane Van Arsdale