How Four Numbers Can Be So Important To Someone

I have a personal philosophy that everyone should have something that’s important to them, something that they can hold pride in. Whether it’s an idea, an experience, or a tangible object, everyone should have the chance to establish a connection that defines their personalities and their passions. For me, that connection comes from music, especially live music. I’ve spent the last few years wrapped up in a cycle of attending concerts and discovering new music as a way to keep my passion for music aflame. And as of last spring, I found the band that I’m positive will always be important to me: The Maine.

2018 was a whirlwind of experiences and emotions, to say the least, but I was lucky enough to have The Maine and their 8123 community as a constant-- The Maine was a guiding light for me and my self-discovery. I felt an instant connection with the band once I learned more about the admiration they had towards Arizona-- the place where I’ve spent my whole life-- and I couldn’t help but take pride in being from the Grand Canyon state as well. Not only did I find a geographical connection, but I found comfort in 8123 and the messages behind each song.

The team and community from 8123 describes it as “a number you can’t explain, but don’t really have to because the people you love already feel it too.” I’ve never heard anything more honest than this. After spending an entire weekend at 8123 Fest devoted to those four numbers and The Maine, it was obvious for me to see why I’m not the only one who calls this community home.

The Maine makes the type of music that can save someone’s life. While this might sound exaggerated, it couldn’t be more true. Each and every album conveys the ideas about living in the moment, finding your way out of life’s difficult detours, and feeling at home with the people you love most. It’s easy for anyone to feel as if one of The Maine’s songs were made just for them. For me, a couple of their songs that put me in that special position are “Don’t Give Up On ‘Us’” and “(Un)Lost.” The first song I listened to leading into my sixteenth birthday was “Don’t Give Up On ‘Us,’” and barely five minutes after the clock struck midnight, tears started streaming down my face. But with these tears came a huge smile; as I sat on my bed listening to the lyrics “I am weakness, I am greatness,” I reflected on everything that led me to the moment I was currently living in. Through months of highs and lows, I experienced multiple periods of self-discovery and realized how I wouldn’t be who I am today without bands like The Maine. Five months later at 8123 Fest, I went through this same process of realization again when I heard “(Un)Lost” live for the first time (and when I say that I went through this process again, that includes the part where I burst into tears of happiness). Though this might sound cliche, in that moment of hearing “(Un)Lost” it felt like I was the only person at that show and the band was singing just for me. I felt more at home than ever before and I have 8123 to thank for it.

Throughout the festival, I took note of every tattoo, shirt, and handmade piece of art that was centered around 8123. It amazed me and made me genuinely happy to see that hundreds of people felt the same connection that I had. 8123 may seem like just a number from the outside, but it holds so much significance on the inside. Everyone was unified under four little numbers and their happiness was so evident during the festival. Groups of friends and individuals from all kinds of locations came together to support something that means the world to them, and to me, that support is the most incredible thing in the world. Music creates families that aren’t related by blood, but by experiences and passions instead. Music is a powerful force that brings the most memorable connections and opportunities. Music brings people communities like 8123, which have grown exponentially and are guaranteed to continue providing a home to anyone who ever needs to feel “(Un)Lost.” Through all of these moments and feelings, it’s clear to see how both The Maine and 8123 as a whole have become so vital in defining the lives of others.