Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles The Maine, an indie punk band from Tempe, Arizona.

If you’re missing some head-banging in your life, then you’re probably musically compatible with The Maine. These guys have some serious stage presence and strong vocals. They recently wrapped up their North American Pioneer World Tour with Lydia and The Arkells. If their performance was anything like the one I saw in Saskatoon, then this band definitely owned the audience and stage.

Band Members: John O’Callaghan (Vocals),  Garrett Nickelsen (Bass), Pat Kirch (Drums), Kennedy Brock (Guitar, Vocals), Jared Monaco (Guitar)

Known for: This band is known for badass stage antics and strum-worthy guitar solos.

Used in a sentence: “They may be from the deserts of Arizona, but The Maine won’t hang you out to dry.”

Download now: Misery

Fun facts:  Read more…

Alexisonfire, Thrice, Bad Religion, NOFX and Less Than Jake are among the bands who will take the stage at next year’s Van Warped Tour.

More than 50 acts have been announced for the 15th annual edition of the traveling punk-rock festival, which will kick off June 26 in Pomona, Calif., and wrap up Aug. 23 in Los Angeles.

The tour’s Canadian stops are Toronto on July 10, Montreal on July 11, Calgary on Aug. 12 and Vancouver on Aug. 14.

The 2009 festival will have one main stage instead of its usual two, but all the side stages will be back.

For a full list of confirmed performers, check out the official Warped website here.