Formerly affiliated with Sony BMG, New York-based Octone Records is shifting to the Universal Music Group and will be re-branded A&M/Octone. The new label's first release will be the follow-up to Maroon 5's debut album, "Songs About Jane," which has sold 4.3 million units in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

A release date has not yet been announced, although it is expected to be in May. Guitarist James Valentine said during an online chat last Friday with fan club members that the project is titled "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" and that the first single will be "Makes Me Wonder." Other tracks mentioned during the chat were "Can't Stop" and "Won't Go Home Without You."

"It's like 'Songs About Jane,' but more danceable," Valentine said of the new album, adding that "the beats are definitely harder" but that there are "also some mellow vibes."

The group isn't expected to begin a full-scale tour until September but will play spot dates beforehand, "I know we are going to be doing some smaller shows in the bigger cities," Valentine said.

First up is a March 27 show in Los Angeles at part of Nissan Live Sets, followed by a March 30 performance at the third annual Musicians on Call benefit at New York auction house Sotheby's. Proceeds from the latter will go toward MOC's efforts to enrich the lives of patients in healthcare facilities with music.