Maroon 5
In a era when music stars rise and fall at the whim of Internet downloads, Maroon 5, a band that combines well-crafted pop music with an R&B sheen, has sustained a solid fan base since its 2002 debut album Songs About Jane, featuring the hit singles “Harder to Breathe,” “This Love” and “She Will Be Loved.” The band’s follow-up, 2007’s It Won’t Be Soon Before Long, was another multi-platinum hit topped by the single “Makes Me Wonder.” Released this past September, the band’s third studio album, Hands All Over has been a critical success. The All-Music Guide calls it “[Their] best album, capturing their character and craft in a cool, sleek package.”
Before launching a 2011 international tour, the band will perform a New Year’s Eve set at Showboat’s House of Blues. Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine talked with Atlantic City Weekly about the band and the show.
How did you get into music?
My older brother had a band and they rehearsed in the basement. I’d sit at the top of the stairs and listen to them and that was really exciting. Once I heard a cassette tape of Rush, I really got interested in playing the guitar. We all [his band mates] came of age during the grunge era, specifically, the record Ten by Pearl Jam. That really taught me how to play guitar.
Is Hands All Over a new direction for the band or an extension of what you’ve done previously?
I think it’s a continuation of what we’ve been doing. I think over the years we’ve created a certain sound and we’re exploring it further on this record.
How would you define that sound and what do you think makes it successful?
The best way to describe it is soul-influenced rock. It’s resonated with people because of the themes of the songs. Adam [Levine] always talks about relationships and heartbreak, which are universal themes. Adam’s voice, too, just connects with a lot of people.
You’ll be here for a New Year’s Eve show. Have you done them in the past and are they crazy?
I love New Year’s Eve shows. Ever since I started playing music, I always seem to be working on New Year’s Eve. There’s an extra energy in the air — everything could easily go off the rails and it usually does.
You’ve played Atlantic City before. Are you looking forward to returning now that all this added excitement has been added by the TV series Boardwalk Empire?
I haven’t been able to get into Boardwalk Empire yet, but I guess that will be my preparation for [playing in town] getting caught up on that show. We played there on New Year’s Eve about four years ago. I remember the weather was really poor and we were trying to get back to New York City for a party with friends. The roads were icy and we barely made it back.
Just as Atlantic City Weekly columnist David Spatz suggested back in February, Maroon 5 has been booked to perform at Revel’s Ovation Hall on Friday, May 18, 8pm.
The Atlantic City stop was full of surprises, including a guest spot by comedian and celebrity roaster Jeffrey Ross, who treated the crowd to an unscheduled, and pretty harsh live roast of Sheen.
Article:
Florence's Fine Tuned Machine
Article:
Atlantic City Weekend: Impressive Lineup
Article:
Golden Vibes: Beach Boys Celebrate 50 Years
at Borgata
Article:
Sonny Fortune: Still Chasing the Trane
Article:
First Bartender Awards
Nominees Announced!
Article:
Queens For A Year
Article:
Banding Together for Autism
Share this Story: