American pop-rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1994 by high-school friends Adam Levine (vocals/guitar), Jesse Carmichael (guitar/keyboards), Mickey Madden (bass), and Ryan Dusick (drums). Released the album We Like Digging? (1995, self-released) and The Fourth World (1997, Reprise) before being dropped by Reprise.
The band reformed with guitarist James Valentine in 2001, changing their name to Maroon 5 and signing to Octone Records. Songs About Jane (2002) launched the renamed group's commercial breakthrough.