Maitland, a two-man band consisting of Josh Hines and Jeff Mach, of Williamsport, recently released a new album, "From a Cabin in the Woods," which was recorded in a cabin.
"Recording the album at a cabin was a very great experience. It was peaceful and free of the time and money restrictions that people normally encounter in a professional studio. We didn't lock ourselves in, but we would often stay for a couple days at a time and record at our leisure," Hines said. "We didn't stress about getting the album done. Instead, we took our time and enjoyed the experience."
Hines and Mach met while attending the Uptown Music Collective and have been playing together ever since.
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"Being in the Collective is kinda like being in one big band sometimes," Mach said. "I never really thought it would come to this though. It's nice we get to continue all the playing we did at Uptown on our own."
As a band, Maitland has opened for Akron/Family, Slaraffenland, and Jeffrey Lewis and the Junkyard. The band also has performed in Pittsburgh, New York and Boston.
For this album, Maitland had been playing the songs, so recording them was a familiar and comfortable process.
"It was nice to get away and be free of distractions. This album is a collection of eye-opening realizations, youthful confusion and struggling friendships," Hines said. "There isn't an obvious reoccurring theme. I just hope that people take what they need from the songs. Whatever that may be."
Maitland's music has been compared to that of Bon Iver and has a more mellow, soothing feel. As far as a favorite song on the album, Mach's favorite is "Clouds."
"It's the most relaxed song on the EP, and I'm happy we got to throw the trumpet on it," he said.
"It's hard to choose because each song is such a part of my life," Hines said, "but I think I would have to say 'Sleepyhead' because it sheds some light on the album and leaves the listener with an idea of what's to come in future albums."
As far as the future, Maitland wants to keep playing music.
"We just want to play music for people that enjoy hearing us play. Wherever that takes us is where we want to be," Hines said
For more information on Maitland, visit their Facebook page or the website www.maitlandmusic.net.
"From A Cabin in the Woods" may be bought at www.maitland.bandcamp.com.
