8123 Fest Preview

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8123 Fest, the music festival curated by Arizona rock band The Maine, is making its highly anticipated return in January 2025. For the first time ever, the festival will span two full days, packed with incredible performances, exclusive events, and more. Taking place at the Mesa Amphitheater on January 17–18 2025, the festival offers a celebration of music, nostalgia, and community that fans won’t want to miss.

To highlight everything that is taking place during this two-day festival, I thought it would be cool to connect with some of the bands who would be performing. In this article, I have interviews with members of The Maine, Real Friends, and Bad Suns. Each of the bands I interviewed shared what the 8123 Fest means to them, the new music they are working on, as well as what fans can look forward to from their bands in the new year. 8123 Fest tickets are on sale here.

Pat Kirch of The Maine

Thanks for your time today, Pat, and it’s great to see you again! The Maine have put together another great 8123 Fest lineup card for January 17 and 18th of next year in Mesa, Arizona. Can you walk me through the process of choosing the bands for this lineup, and what qualities did you and your bandmates look for when you made those selections?

Oh man, it’s always an interesting process. You come up with a big list of artists, and then you kind of start piecing it together. And with this year, having it be a two-day festival for the first time kind of had us thinking of it in a different way. Let’s give a one of a kind experience on the first day and then a different kind of experience on the other. And we wanted all these bands because they’re awesome. And for us, I just would pay to go to watch The Starting Line play! So the fact that we got them is awesome. And then, there’s a mixture of friends and bands that we toured with before. And then, we reached out to see who’s available. So yeah, we’re very excited, and I think it’s gonna be an awesome show. We’re freaking pumped.

That’s awesome. So the fest also includes some fun after parties, meet and greet sessions with The Maine, live karaoke, and much more. How did you and festival organizers go about planning this upcoming festival to make sure it’s worthwhile for everyone?

Yeah, we understand that there’s a lot of people that come to Phoenix for the first time, or they come for the festival with, with a group of friends. So the idea is that if people are going to make a trip to come, to make it so they have something to do the whole time that they’re here. We don’t want to just do the show, and that’s it, you know? I think of 8123 Fest as the “Comic Con for The Maine”. Like this is where the most hardcore people all come together. And yes, it is about the show, but it’s also really about all of us being in one place, and kind of just like the energy in town…you can feel it. Everywhere you go, you’re gonna bump into someone that’s a fan, so that’s cool. And I think that the fans really enjoy that part of the experience.

That’s great, and it sounds like it’s gonna be a worthwhile lineup. Your band is headlining both days of the 8123 fest. Have you decided how you’re gonna break up the material in each headlining set?

So the first night, we’re gonna play American Candy in full for the 10 year anniversary, and we’re also going to play the self-titled album in full to kind of end that chapter of the band. So we’re going to perform those two albums back to back on the first night, and then the second show is going to be just kind of a “best of” that we think encapsulates everything that we’ve done as a band, and also has some deep cuts that the hardcore fans don’t get to hear a lot. And then, at the same time, touch on the big songs that feel great to sing along in a group of a bunch of your friends. I think the first show, with the two albums, that’s for the people that want to hear Track 6 on the album that they wouldn’t ever hear before. And then this second day is kind of like our big…if you’ve never heard of our band before, this is going to be the show to attend. So I think, from a production standpoint, we’re putting on the biggest thing that we’ve ever done. And I think we’re kind of getting ready to wind down for a bit after this. So we kind of want to go out with a bang, with the biggest set that we’ve ever put on.

That’s really cool to hear. So this year, The Maine released a single called “Touch” that came out in mid July. How did the direction of that particular track come about? It’s quite different from what you guys have done in the past…

That was an idea that John had, And I think when he wrote it, he originally didn’t think it would work for us as a band. A lot of times, he just writes songs without any intention of it being for anything. And when we heard it, we’re like, this is awesome! Let’s work on this as a band. We attempt to do it every time, and not be concerned with what we’ve done in the past, and just do what feels good right now. Don’t try to write something that fits into the box of what we think that people expect of us. Just do what is inspiring to us in that exact moment.

Yeah, that’s a good way of looking at it. So do you think “Touch” has any bearing on the future creative avenues that The Maine want to explore next?

I don’t think so…I mean, I guess it does in the sense that we wrote that song feeling like we can do whatever we want, so we’re gonna make the next album with that exact same headspace. Whether it’s going to be in that direction or not, I don’t really know. I don’t think that we’re going to specifically say we’re going to make an album that feels like “Touch,” but we’re going to go in with that same kind of a spirit of we’re gonna make whatever we feel inspired by at that time. And we’re not at that point yet where we know what that is. So at some point that’ll come to us, and until that happens, who knows?

So you mentioned the band is going to be kind of winding down in 2025. Do you have any goals in mind for the rest of the year, or things you guys kind of want to do or try?

To take the time to make a record, we want to have the mental capacity of not playing a bunch of shows so that we can just put all of our attention on making the best best album we ever have. And I think that the goal is that Album #10 is our best record yet. So we’re not going to quit until we think that has been accomplished. So I think it’s just going to be a bunch of time spent just writing songs, being in the studio experimenting with sounds and to see what happens.

The last question I have for you is, can you provide a quick “sales pitch” for the 8123 fest? If a fan is mulling this over, and maybe hasn’t bought their plane ticket yet…What’s your last good reason on why they should attend?

Yeah, I think if you like our band at all, this is just the ultimate weekend for you. So I think if you’re a super fan, or a passive fan or whatever, but you enjoy any of our records…this is the weekend to experience the best of what The Maine can do. From a performance standpoint, from a show standpoint, from the merchandise to all the all these different things. Every element of the festival is based around us, from the drinks you can get at the bar, to the food, everything. It’s all based around tiny things about our band. So we’re just pumped for anybody to come and check it out and put on a good show for them.

That’s awesome. I hope it goes well for you guys! The next time you come through DC, you know I’ll be there.

Oh, we will be in Maryland for the Let’s Go Fest too next year.

Oh yeah, that’s right! Cool, I hope to make it to that in the new year.

Thanks, Adam!

Kyle Fasel of Real Friends

First of all, thank you so much for your time today, Kyle! Real Friends were announced on the lineup for the 8123 Fest next month in Mesa, Arizona. What does it mean to you and your bandmates to be included on this incredible lineup, and what can attendees expect from your band‘s set?

Yeah, we’re very stoked to be a part of it. We are managed by 8123 as well. So we do have close ties and we’ve always been really good friends with The Maine as well. We toured with them back in 2015, played more tours with them a few years ago, and we consider them close friends of ours, so it’s cool to be able to be a part of that with them. And yeah, the lineup is awesome. Specifically, The Starting Line is one of my favorite bands, so it’s always an honor to play with them. We’re stoked!

Do you know how long your set is going to be and what type of material you’re gonna try to include in it?

Yeah, I think we’re playing for about 30 or 40 minutes. And yeah, for something like this, we try to put in a more career-spanning set. We have a new album that just came out, called Blue Hour. So we will probably play a couple songs off that, and play a couple songs off of our older stuff as well.

Cool! So you guys released an incredible album this year called Blue Hour. It’s been extremely well-received by fans and critics alike from what I’ve seen. So, at what point during the writing and recording process did you guys realize you were creating something pretty special here?

It took a couple weeks because we actually hit a wall, a couple weeks into recording, where we were like, ”I don’t know if we’re gonna do what we set out to do…” Because we were very much figuring it out as we were going. I feel like we did a lot of the writing in the studio while we were recording it. We had bits and pieces of ideas and stuff, but it really started to come together in the studio. So I feel like after a couple weeks where we definitely hit this wall, where everyone kind of freaked out, and that pressure, I think, almost made it happen. I feel like sometimes you need that. And, yeah, we just kind of got over that hump. And once we started hearing all the songs really start to come to life, hearing multiple songs, not just like one or two, because this is our first full length album in six years…so all of our other stuff was either singles or EPs. Once we started to hear it all come together, and we made the tracklisting in the studio as well, so we were listening to it in sequence in the studio, I felt like we all really felt like we made something special, and something that we all said that we’ve never said before when recording an album was when we were done. We’re like, ‘We love this album, and we hope our fans love it. But even if for some reason if people don’t like it, we’re still so proud of it.” But thankfully, it has been received very well!

And I think people were digging it on tour too. So that kind of leads me to my next question…You guys recently wrapped up a headlining tour in support of Blue Hour. After playing songs from this album live, what did you learn about the connection fans had to the new material?

I think after playing a lot of the new songs live, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly some of the songs have gone over. Because honestly, even some of our biggest songs in our career, it sometimes takes six months to a year to really make it like a staple in your set and everyone’s singing. So I was a little nervous going into the tour, but we opened with two new songs, and as the tour went on, just the reactions for the songs got more and more better. People singing along, people jumping up and down and stuff. So yeah, that was cool to see. But I will say something that was really, really cool with this tour is we have a song called “Waiting Room”, and that’s about my dad passing away, and I talked to so many people every night that literally have shared tears with them., People are coming up to me and being like this song has helped me. Or, it reminds me of my grandma or my mom or my dad that I lost. And it was just so special to have that every day with people, and just hearing how much of a song of ours, especially a newer song, has impacted people in such a positive way. And it’s a very dark, deep song, but it’s making people feel like they’re not alone in grief. And with that song, every night I look into the crowd and there’s a couple of people crying, and that’s a good thing, because it means it’s connecting with people. I feel like there’s very few times in our career in songs where you look in the crowd and people are crying. I feel like you gotta really hit the heartstrings for that to happen.

Yeah, definitely. And I think you posted on your socials one of those instances I think at the 9:30 Club, where it looks like somebody on the front row is like singing and bawling and really connecting with that material. So it’s great that the song “Waiting Room” is connecting so deeply with people like that. How would you describe the band chemistry of Real Friends since vocalist Cody Muraro joined?

Since we’ve released Blue Hour, I think that is our best definition of the band. We’ve been really open about it. But I think everything before Blue Hour was us kind of figuring it out, you know? And it’s been kind of a whirlwind process. In 2020, once Cody joined, and it was made public in 2021 but he joined in 2020, it was like there’s no guide to this. Changing a vocalist, especially almost 10 years into a band…even our management and stuff were like what should we do with this? Just little things along the way. No one really knew, but we kind of figured it out along the way. And I feel like now we’re stronger than ever when it comes to the sound and also our chemistry too. I think Cody kind of came into kind of a unique situation, because it’s me and the three other guys. We’re like brothers. We literally have been through so much together, since 2010 and being a band. We toured all over the world together, and we have this strong connection. So there definitely has been some growing pains at times. Because I can literally look at everyone else and be like, I know what you’re thinking. I know what you want. It’s like we’ve finished each other’s sentences. But with Cody, walking into a situation like that, I could see it being a little intimidating. But, I mean now, honestly, I would say over the last two years, it has really felt like he’s really a part of that. Now, even when we were writing stuff, the chemistry of us and the connections, we were all on the same page.

That’s great, and it really shows through on the new record, too.

Thank you!

Sure thing, can you talk a little bit more about the 8123 fest? Anything behind the scenes, or if you’re gonna do any meet and greets?

Specifically, not really. I don’t really know if we’re doing the meet and greets or not, honestly, but in general, the Phoenix area has always been one of our most favorite places to play. And our guitar player, Dave, lives in Phoenix, too. So we always kind of consider any Phoenix shows kind of a hometown show for us. So yeah, we’re just really stoked to be a part of it.

That’s awesome. So the last question I have for you guys is, what does 2025 have in store for Real Friends besides this incredible 8123 Fest?

Our goal for 2025 is to spread the new record as much as we can. Something that has been really important to the band for a long time is getting in front of new people. We have some tours in the works and stuff that align with that goal. So we are very, very stoked for when we are able to announce those tours. But yeah, a lot of just getting in front of new people, a lot more international touring as well. We’re crossing our fingers on a couple things that have been confirmed already, plus working on other stuff. So yeah, just just really spreading our name as far as we can!

Very cool! And best of luck to you guys. And next time you come through DC, I hope to make it to a show!

Awesome, brother. Thank you!

Christo Bowman of Bad Suns

Thanks for your time today, Christo. Bad Suns are a part of a great lineup of the upcoming 8123 Fest next year in Mesa, Arizona. What does it mean for your band to be included in this festival, and how do you plan on crafting your band’s set for the fest?

Thank you! We’re happy to be a part of it. I’ve known the guys in The Maine for a while now. We’ve hung out at various shows over the years. John and I have often talked about wanting to do something together, and we were finally able to make that happen. They’ve cultivated a really great community with 8123 and we’re glad to have been invited. It’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone.

And do you have any idea about the length of your set and how you’re going to navigate that process?

We’ll be playing for just under an hour on day one of the fest. Our plan is to play as many of our favorite songs as we can; It’ll be a great time for longtime fans of the band, as well as those experiencing Bad Suns live for the first time. We’ve spent this past year writing and recording a new album, and we’re all eager to get back on stage.

That’s awesome! This year, Bad Suns released a cool cover of The Cardigans’ classic “Lovefool.” I loved hearing that. And last year, the band released an EP called Infinite Joy. So why is it so important for your band to continue to release new music each year for your fans?

We really do love writing and recording music. Creating Infinite Joy was another integral step in getting us to where we are today. At the beginning of 2023, we had a lot to work out. We knew we weren’t quite ready to begin work on our fifth studio album, but we were eager to get in the studio and turn the creativity on. Then we hit the road in the fall of last year and played some truly unforgettable shows. This was our first time on stage as a trio and, in the spirit of trying new things, we started covering the song “Lovefool” as an outro to our song “Salt” – I’ve loved that song and the Cardigans forever; Nina Persson has such a beautiful and distinctive voice.

I was in the grocery store a few years back. This song came on over the speakers, and I pulled out my phone and recorded a voice note reminder to myself, saying “We should cover ‘Lovefool’ by The Cardigans”. The cashier overheard me and said, “Oh, that’s a good idea!” And while I never went back to listen to that voice note, I never forgot that funny little moment. Now flash forward to the summer of 2024: We were in the middle of making this new record – which has been like an intense labor of love – and we just wanted to give our fans something nice to listen to, as a reward for their patience during this process. So we shifted gears for a few days and recorded that cover.

That’s awesome. And it sounds like it kind of rejuvenated you guys as like a three piece too along the way as well.

Absolutely, yeah.

Where do you and your bandmates find inspiration in writing most of your music?

Inspiration comes from everywhere. The foundation of our band’s sound is our own particular spin on the musical chemistry between the guitar, bass, and drums. It’s a classic palette, and our approach to it is very deliberate and particular to who we are. You could say it’s a reflection of each of our tastes and personalities which fuse together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Gavin, Miles, and I have fostered this musical language together, over the past 15 years, and it continues to grow. Then, there’s a highly architectured soundscape of synthesizers, electronics, and sample-based ambience, fused into that. It’s a multilayered expression. Then finally, you have my voice sitting on top of all that in the mix.

I’ve been writing songs since I was 10 years old. I’m listening to a steady flow of music everyday; always reading books, watching films, going to shows, and living my life. I try to keep myself in a state of perpetual discovery and wonder. This has proven to be crucial for staying inspired and creating authentic artistic expressions. I’m inspired by artists and songwriters whose works feel, simultaneously, timeless and as if they could only have come from that particular artist’s unique perspective. When you put a great song together with a great sounding band, something magical happens where 1+1+1 = infinity. That’s the magic of great music.

And it sounds like each of you have an important “cog” to the Bad Suns machine at that point too, so to speak. You each bring in something unique to the writing process.

Absolutely, it’s a beautiful thing.

That’s awesome. Bad Suns have released four full-length records, and two EPs as well, since your band formed. When you look back on your band’s discography, what are you most proud of accomplishing?

All of it. I’m very much a firm believer in this idea that every moment and every event has its own specific purpose along the way in life, and maybe it’s hard to see it that way as it’s happening, but you look back and it becomes clear. We’ve really put ourselves into all of what we’ve done along the way in our career, and we’re now reaching these new creative heights which I find incredibly exciting. From “Cardiac Arrest” onwards, I’m proud of all of it.

That’s awesome. And I know people connected to a lot of the songs you mentioned before, “Cardiac Arrest” and more, and I’m one of them too. I grew up with these records, so to speak. So I really look forward to seeing what you guys do next. You guys are going to be supporting Finneas on a US tour coming next year. What do you think you guys add to that show, performing with such a marquee artist?

Well, first of all, thank you very much, Adam. That was really nice of you to say, and it’s great to hear. I’m very excited for this upcoming tour with Finneas. He’s such a dedicated, driven, amazing producer, songwriter, and performer. It’s very inspiring. We became friends in 2017, around the time Billie’s first EP came out. I heard it and was blown away by every aspect of it. I came to find out Finneas was a fan of ours as well, and we’ve been in each other’s corners ever since. Plus, he just made a killer album which Miles plays the drums on.

Oh, nice! I didn’t realize.

I think it will be another lovely experience for us as a band and as people. I love playing headlining shows; being in a room full of our fans – It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world. There’s also something exciting and inspiring about being in the position to win over a new audience. We always want to give new people the opportunity to fall in love with what it is we’re doing. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. There are people out there in need of a new favorite band at all times.

So that probably keeps you motivated at that point too to win somebody else over. And I think you guys will do that on that tour for sure, too! The last question I have for you is are there any key goals in 2025 for Bad Suns?

We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to connect with Bad Suns, all over the world. And we’ve got a plan for exactly how we’re going to accomplish that we’ll share in time.

That’s incredible to hear! It sounds like 2025 is gonna be a great and big year for Bad Suns. I am really looking forward to seeing what you guys cooked up. And just on a side note, you have a really clear direction for your music. Just having this conversation has been very enlightening for me as a fan of your band, too. So I greatly appreciate your time.

I appreciated talking to you, Adam.

It was great talking to you too, Christo! Have a good one.

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