[May 24, 2013] Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton juggles group with solo career Tweet May 24, 2013 (St. Louis Post-Dispatch - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- St. Louis has a special place in its heart for singer-musician PJ Morton. Two years ago when Maroon 5's Fair St. Louis concert under the Gateway Arch was canceled because of a storm, keyboardist Morton decided the show must go on. He staged a last-minute concert of his own at Lola the same night and packed the joint (though some undoubtedly were there hoping Adam Levine would show up). "That was the first time I ever did anything like that," Morton says. "I got on Twitter and asked what club I could play and we got it done. The audience was amazing. But we have an actual planned show this time." Morton, son of gospel singer Paul S. Morton, is at Lola on Thursday promoting his new album, "New Orleans," before falling back into full Maroon 5 mode later this summer for its tour. It kicks off Aug. 1 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. What is "New Orleans" all about It's exploring the themes I've always explored: life, love and all the things that go along with it. ... I went for something modern, something current, as well as being a throwback at the same time. I wanted to let people know I'm a real musician, have fun with the record and not make it anything too deep. ... I don't think any of my records are the same. What's it like being with the majors for the first time (he's now with Young Money Entertainment) I'm seeing things I've never seen, having a machine behind me, like getting played on the radio. I was watching VH1 and my name popped up on the screen. This is new. How easy was it getting Adam Levine for your album That was pretty easy. We recorded his vocals in his hotel room and tour bus while we were on the road. How about getting Stevie Wonder on the album He's my ultimate. I always knew I wanted to work with him. I didn't think it would happen this quickly. He liked the song, and that's why he did it. That's why he does anything. He's not financially driven or career driven. He doesn't need that. And I'm forever grateful. You're working with rappers for the first time -- Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne. I enjoy what those guys do, and I'm a guy who listens to all types of things all the time. What's it like juggling your solo career with Maroon 5 It's a challenge, but I tell people it's a good problem to have. The band has been really supportive, and now that I have this new record they're allowing me to do double duty. Scheduling-wise, if I have to do something with the band, I can't do something solo. But overall we've been able to make it work." What made you decide to audition for Maroon 5 while you are already establishing yourself as a solo act I felt that independently I had exhausted everything. I built as much as I could as an independent. I was burned out and needed to do something different. And this wasn't just work for hire. I would be one in a band where all the faces are recognized. That was important to me, knowing I would be visible. What PJ Morton --When 9 p.m. Thursday --Where Lola, 500 North 14th Street --How much $20 --More info Ticketweb.com ___ (c)2013 the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Visit the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at www.stltoday.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]