One of the world’s most beautiful couples became parents last week, and I like what the dad, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, had to say to US Weekly: “When you are doing this for the first time, everybody loves to tell you what you should be doing. So, we’re kind of tuning a lot of it out, and we’re just going to do it how we do it.”
Well said, Adam! Do you think he and his wife Behati will raise their daughter Dusty Rose Levine in a 5-element way? Time will tell. But one thing is certain — the birth prompted me to do a little thinking about Maroon 5.
Maroon 5 is one of my favorite bands, and I am not alone. The Grammy-winning group has millions of fans around the world, and they have been together since 2001, which makes them one of the longest-running acts in the pop music world. They have stayed together for over 15 years, which is epic, especially when you realize that the original four members first got together as Kara’s Flowers — the band they started in high school back in 1994!
So what makes them different from other bands, who often get a few hits and then break up or retire? I thought about this and realized that they are a cool balance of the 5 elements.
I’ll start with the lead singer, Adam Levine. He is known to be funny, charismatic, outgoing, and creative. I would say he is a FIRE type, as he co-wrote their first hit album, Songs About Jane, based on his on-again, off-again relationship with a young woman named Jane that he dated in high school. His emotional upheaval led to massively relatable lyrics and stunning musical composition. What better way to capitalize on his nature than to produce a hit album after a roller coaster emotional experience? I also would say he has some WOOD qualities as well, as his goal-driven, ambitious planning set the band in motion and he refused to give up after some initial setbacks with Kara’s Flowers. He also trusted his rebellious instincts and highly confident nature when he performed “Moves Like Jagger” with Christina Aguilera on The Voice, despite being cautioned by NBC that it would not be a good idea, as he stated in a Howard Stern interview. His instincts were spot on, as that recording sold millions and revived the band, catapulting them into the mainstream among fans of all ages.
So enough about Adam already, right? Let’s move on to Jesse Carmichael, Adam’s best friend since middle school and co-founder of the band. Jesse originally played guitar in Kara’s Flowers, and then keyboards after they recruited James Valentine to play lead guitar. Then after taking a break during their fourth album, he came back to the band as a guitarist. What happened there? While he was gone during the recording and touring of Overexposed, PJ Morton replaced him on the keyboards, and when Jesse returned, he realized that PJ’s piano and backup vocal style fit the band’s better than his, so he graciously agreed to go back to guitar. It all worked out and they all play beautifully together, and this story illustrates that Jesse is clearly an EARTH type. He put forth the time and effort to learn both instruments when the band needed him, and he didn’t let his ego screw up the harmony of the band. Classic example of EARTH, and a classic example of a true professional who works for the good of the band.
James Valentine, lead guitarist, got recruited in 2001, as the other four members of soon-to-be “Maroon 5” saw him perform live with another band. They were so impressed with him that they started talking to him and invited him to their jam sessions as a means of pulling him over to form Maroon 5. While James was trying to make it as a guitarist, he taught private guitar lessons from his home. So we know he is a logical thinker — not above teaching to help pay the bills — and that his technical skill at guitar-shredding dazzled seasoned musicians. I would say he is a METAL type.
The bass guitarist, Mickey Madden, also a co-founder and friend of Adam’s since middle school, has stated that he likes being in the background, playing a supportive role. He says he is not comfortable in the spotlight, whether in the band or in his everyday life. His role as the bass player suits his personality that way. This is typically a WATER trait, and is an absolutely necessary component in any band or professional organization.
Another WATER member is Matt Flynn, the drummer. The reason I say he is also WATER is that he didn’t pick up a drumstick until he was 14, and that is somewhat late compared to other musicians with superstar talent. WATER types are sometimes delayed in their interests and ambitions, but when they are ready, they catch up quickly.
Do you have a child who sings or plays a musical instrument? If so, leave a comment, and keep the 5 elements in mind if your child is looking for bandmates!
