Maroon5 has been gainning notoriety by increased radio play of their single, “Harder to Breathe.” They’ve been touring for the past two years with their album, “Songs About Jane.” Last Wednesday, Maroon5 played a sold out show at Roseland Ballroom in New York, and last Thursday, they did the same at the Paradise Rock Club on Commonwealth Avenue.

Maroon5, formerly called Kara’s Flowers, proceeded into the venue from the tour bus to do a brief sound check before the 9 p.m. show. Jesse Carmichael switched from guitarist of Kara’s Flowers, to keyboardist of Maroon5. The band also welcomed James Valentine to guitar.

Carmichael said the band changed their name because “the music changed so much and we wanted to have a fresh start.” Now, Maroon5 says they won’t play songs from Kara’s Flowers. The band, Carmichael said, has changed a lot in between their high school graduation and the release of their first single as a new band in the fall of 2002.

During sound check, the band played their version of Outkast’s single, “Hey Ya!” and Maroon5’s next single, “This Love.” They went on to play for the sold out show at the Paradise.

The News had the opportunity to sit down with keyboardist Jesse Carmichael the day after their record went gold.

The Northeastern News: How long have you been touring?

Jesse Carmichael: We’ve been touring non-stop for two years. I feel energetic and happy. It’s a two-year process to adjust to life on the road.

The News: Is your tour ending soon?

Carmichael: No, we’ll be touring for another year on this album. Our second single will be coming out in January, “This Love.” We made a video with our favorite director. Her name is Sophie Muller [No Doubt, “Underneath It All;” Bjork, “Venus as a Boy” and Weezer, “Say It Ain’t So”].

The News: Who have you performed with in the past?

Carmichael: Sugar Ray, Matchbox 20, Nikka Costa, John Mayer, Counting Crows, Jason Mraz, The Roots, Ludacris and a bunch of others. We just got named the number seven [performers] for live bands [by Tour Star]. I want to be the number four band by next year.

The News: Where are you originally from?

Carmichael: Los Angeles. We want to say our well wishes to all those who are displaced [by the California wildfires].

The News: How long have you been playing the keyboards?

Carmichael: I’ve been playing piano all my life, and guitar for awhile. I like keyboards, all instruments really.

The News: What do you see for the next album?

Carmichael: Hopefully, it will be a heavier record. We’d like to take people somewhere they didn’t expect to go. [Radiohead’s] ‘Hail to the Thief’ is a good example of that.

The News: Radiohead is able to change their sound and keep their fan base. Are you at all worried about losing fans?

Carmichael: We shouldn’t have to. They shouldn’t worry, we have super high standards.