Just a life in the day....

24 Hours in Brussels 

Round trip bus fair = 48e

Hostel= 20e

Food and drink = 35e

Total = a whirlwind of a trip

Belgium Beers

Huge Hamburger topped with an Egg

Casino

Club on top of a subway....like as in the sandwich shop

Place Royal

Waffels!!!!

Windmills!

Basilica!

Tradition follows through, lit one for OG and PA

More Waffels!

The Maine

         If you had asked me a month ago what my plans where while studying abroad in Paris you would have received a regurgitated list of sites I was hoping to see, countries I wanted to check off my list, and the promise that I would come back being able to speak basic French.  Never would I have guessed that I would have the opportunity to see The Maine on their 2012 European tour, let alone be able to sit down with John O'Callaghan and Garrett Nickelson to discuss their newest album, Pioneer.
         First let me set the tone for the night.  it is -4˚ Celsius (25˚ Fahrenheit), the Parisian workforce is just starting their journey home on the metro, tired and ready to escape to the quiet relaxation of their own homes, and then there is me, a frantic twenty-one year old who is running 30 minutes late to her very first band interview and is ferociously rewriting questions in the hopes of looking organized and experienced.  I got off at the Pigalle metro and instantly was hit with an energy that was the polar opposite of the exhausted drear atmosphere that I had just experienced while on the metro.  Everyone was alive and buzzing, the ages of those around me had changed as well, having gone from 35-55 to a young and eager 16-25 age group.  I ran to the venue in a furry and was shocked to see that a line had already formed down the street, I checked my watch, I was not that late, the doors were not opening for another hour and half.  I squeezed my way past the line and was able to pant my intentions for an interview to a lady who seemed in charge. Next thing I know I was being escorted onto the tour bus to sit down with John and Garret to talk music, and yes even a little bit of love.  Here is a summary of what I learned. (Please note that unless in “.”  The answers to questions were paraphrased)

Q: So this is an exciting album, it is self released, Warner having no influence in the sound.  Is the branching away from Warner the inspiration behind the album title Pioneer?

A: There is a huge misconception about this album.  This album was not created in spite of Warner, nor is the alum title related to the separation from the label.  “This album was a simply an album for ourselves”(John).  We had the tile Pioneer before the split, it was a mentality that we had; we were in a place where we were ready to start “forging our own path”(Garret).

Q: So you said that the split was not in spite of Warner, so what was the reasoning behind the split?

A: We had been recording a few songs on a farm in the middle of nowhere in Arizona and felt that there was a quality to the music and as well as the process that we wanted to continue to explore.  As a band we have always had the intention of at some point self-releasing an album, it was a goal for us.  So when we were told that our process was “not the right next step” and that “as a label we only know one way to make a record” we stopped listening and decided that the time for that self released album was now. 

Q: I can only imagine the process of self-releasing an album to be very stressful.  What was the most stressful aspect?

A: We were ready by this point in our lives/careers to handle the stress.  Sure there were days where it was a little overwhelming, but we also had the comfort in knowing that we had a loyal fan base, family, and friends who were there to support us. 

Q: What is your favorite lyric off the new album?

A: John- “I’m one pack a smokes from broke”- Waiting For My Sun To Shine

     Garrett- “Somethings are out of my hands.  I'm what, time and consequence have                                 made me”-Identify

Q: Looking back at where you guys started and where you are now, what elements have stayed the same and what has changed?

A: “We as individuals are the same, our personalities, beliefs, morals.  Our headspace is in a different place”(John).  “I would also add that we pay more attention to music, before as bad as it sounds music wasn’t the priority.  Now we pay attention to the moods that a song is able to create, how people react, we pay attention to the mechanics.  So yeah I agree, we are in a different headspace”(Garrett). 

Q: Ok I have to ask with Valentines Day being just a few days away do you have a Valentine?

A: John jokes of finding a girl on the streets of Paris, Garret stops him with a laugh and the answer of “no we do not have Valentines, you could say we are not fans of the day”.  

            After getting off the bus I slipped inside right as doors were opening.  I quickly snagged a spot on the balcony and watched the fans begin to trickle in.  After the first two opening acts I began to notice that there were signs reading “Welcome Back” in various colors being passed around amongst the fans.  It was not until The Maine stepped out on stage that I learned what these signs were for.  As the lights went up the band was greeted with approximately 100 signs, screams, and applause.  It was at this moment when I realized the love that their French fans have for them, never in my past three concerts having seen this band in the states, have I seen such a warm welcome extended.  It set the mood for the night. Their lineup highlighted their newest material while still going back and giving tribute to their first singles.  The difference between a good show and a great show is the crowd.  Everyone in attendance for The Maine’s Paris show was there to confirm their love for the band’s music and in my opinion it created an atmosphere that made the band want to give it their all, and they delivered an amazing show that left the crowd craving more…and maybe a crepe.

I live right below Pere Lachaise and have always wanted to wonder in as the gravesites are so elaborate.  Today I couldn't resist with all of the fresh snow.

My walk to school: Yesterday vs. Today

Yesterday:

Today:

The other day my friend Angela and I ventured to Champs Elysees to find a cafe to be studious in and read our assigned readings and we were asstonished by the newest store on the avenue.  Champs Elysees is known for being one of the most famous streets and one of the most expensive strips of real estate in the world.  It hosts stores such as Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Dior, and Channel.

Imagine out surprise when we saw this:

The entrance to Abercrombie and Fitch 

It is 4 stories and you can smell their "scent" from where I took this picture.

note that this is the entrance to Versaille

I think they outdid themselves....even for Champs Elysees