Full Breakdown
12/OC: Rising Stars in Country Music Prepare for Hometown Show
12/4/2025, 3:47:14 AM
Brothers' Musical Journey
Will and Reid Nichols, the brothers behind the country band 12/OC, began their musical journey in their childhood, performing at family gatherings and local events. By the ages of 10 and 13, they had already played their first bar gig at Grateful Grain Brewing Company in Monmouth, Maine. Their early performances earned them modest earnings, with Reid recalling feeling "rich" after a gig that paid them $30 each.
Upcoming Major Performance
On December 20, 2023, 12/OC will perform a significant show titled “A Hometown Holiday with 12/OC and Friends” at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine. This event will feature Nashville-based country acts Kelsey Hart and Troubadour Blue and is expected to draw a crowd of approximately 5,000 fans. The band has been based in Nashville for about a year and a half, where they have been actively networking with other country artists and songwriters. Following the Portland show, the band plans to announce their biggest tour to date, which will include performances alongside an undisclosed “A-list” country star.
Band Origins and Name
The Nichols brothers grew up in a musical family, splitting their time between Portland and Alna, Maine. They were influenced by various artists and genres, initially starting with bluegrass before transitioning to country music. Will serves as the lead guitarist, while Reid plays acoustic guitar, sings lead, and plays the cajon. The band’s name, 12/OC, originated from a carpentry mishap during a family project, where they humorously miscalculated the spacing of floor joists.
Balancing Local and National Aspirations
Reid Nichols expressed the challenges of the local music scene in Maine, noting, “There’s sort of a ceiling. There’s only so much songwriting here you can do.” He emphasized the advantages of being in Nashville, where they can collaborate directly with other musicians. The band aims to expand their reach beyond Maine while maintaining their roots, as they continue to perform in their home state. Their previous sold-out holiday show at the State Theatre, which accommodates about 1,900 people, reflects their growing popularity.
Official Statements & Responses
The Nichols brothers have highlighted the excitement of performing in larger venues, with Reid stating, “Playing big venues is way more work but it’s also way more fun.” They are committed to their musical journey and are eager to share their music with a broader audience while cherishing their Maine connections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We want to do what we’ve been doing in Maine, but all over the country.” — Reid Nichols, 12/OC
- “We just weren’t thinking. We started with 24, which is severely underbuilt, then we went to 12, which is severely overbuilt,” — Will Nichols, 12/OC
As 12/OC prepares for their upcoming performance, they embody the spirit of local talent aspiring to make a mark on the national stage, blending their Maine roots with their Nashville ambitions.
