 
|
|
|
|
|
 Dave Matthews: Death Becomes Him
Elliott Smith: One Of Us Is On The Moon
Train: Back On Track
Howie Day: Cutting Class And Kicking Ass
Michelle Branch: She's 'Everywhere'
|
|
|
Browse Bands by Name
|
|
Or enter a band name below to search:
|
 Bands Main
|
|
|
|
|
|
The next 18 months were spent developing the group. Kara's Flowers changed their name to Maroon 5 in the fall of 2001 to signify their fresh start while recording Songs About Jane. When the album hit shelves in June 2002, it sold about 600 copies in its first week. Diener and Berkman told the bandmembers they'd probably sell even fewer the next, but that that wasn't the point. They were in it for the long haul. Plus, the bright side was there was plenty of room for improvement.
Which is exactly what happened. Six months after its release, the album was moving more than 1,000 copies a week. By April 2003, when J Records, home to Alicia Keys and Ruben Studdard, gave Songs About Jane major-label distribution, the LP was selling close to 5,000 copies a week. By September, the weekly draw reached 16,000.
"It's not like we were unhappy to be at the bottom, it was actually really exciting," Levine said. "Because now it feels like we've earned it, and really paid our dues and did everything right."
"We were really lucky that we had a record company that had the patience to develop us over a long period of time, which is what you have to do," Valentine said. "Major labels today just throw a bunch of stuff against the wall to see what will stick, but we actually had time to go out on the road and get real fans."
Until the inevitable force of gravity begins to halt Maroon 5's skyward trajectory, the bandmembers are making the most of their climb. Since they've called the road home for the last two years, they haven't had many chances to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Levine and Valentine bought a new apartment but haven't spent a night there since it remains unfurnished. Until the time comes to buy new clothes, new cars and houses for their mamas, the group is happy to simply enjoy the ride while it lasts.
"This whole thing is incredible," Levine said. "Everyone keeps saying it never feels the same. There's only one rise. Whether you stay or fall is really inconsequential. At this point, it's all about enjoying the way up, and that's what we're doing."
That's not to say he doesn't take cursory glances toward the future. After Maroon 5 wrapped up recording "Everyday People" and posed for yet another photo shoot, their label surprised them with platinum plaques to certify the sale of one million copies of Songs About Jane. A giddy Valentine joked that he was going to hang it over his bunk so he could fall asleep looking at it. Levine's jest was a little more telling of his confidence and pride.
"This is bullsh--," he said. "When's double-platinum?"
|
|
|
|
Photo: Octone/J
|
|
|
|
|
