In 1994 , he joined with Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and Micky Madden , current basist , and formed Kara 's Flowers . Carmichael first started playing the guitar in junior high , rather than the keyboards ( for which he is known in the band Maroon 5 ) . Along with friends Adam Levine , Ryan Dusick , and Mickey Madden the group Kara 's Flowers was formed .