Culture Magazine, Australia - April 2012

Photography by Brantley Gutierrez
Noise
I
SEE MORE ON
IT’S NOW OR NEVER.
t’s quite remarkable sometimes, the difference
in sound from a recorded track to the live
version. Almost too common these days is the
expectation that a band will play differently in
concert. So it’s a rare treat when the live performance
can actually match the recorded standard and
expectations of fans. And it’s an even rarer feat (and
sensory experience on a new level) when the band can
enrich their sound beyond the recorded edit. This, dear
culturists, was indeed one of those magical moments.
By Ilsa Wynne-Hoelscher
Just Quickly:
Incubus is: Brandon Boyd (vocals/lyricist), Jose Pasillas
(drums), Mike Einziger (guitar), Ben Kenney (bass), Chris
Kilmore (DJ).
Green Room aroma: You can smell the rock. Not crack
rock. But rock… and roll.
Hospitality rider: Seven retired astrophysicists, six
strippers stripping, five golden rings... four bottles
of organic peanut butter, three French horns, two
turtledoves, and the entire Partridge Family.
Favourite new track: ‘If Not When, Now’. I think it’s
special. Like holding hands.
Favourite track to play as a band: I can’t pick favourites
between my kids. They’d rebel and become republicans.
Pearls of wisdom: Read! When you’re finished that book,
if you enjoyed it look in the references for someone that
inspired the author and read their work. Repeat this formula.
For those Incubus fans out there, you’d be all up in the
know – and by know, I mean all tracks by heart including
the new ones from Incubus’ latest (and seventh album
– yes, you read right). You’d also be thinking along the
lines of, ‘hey… this record doesn’t sound like the Incubus
I know’, as many of the die-hard fans have already overtly
expressed. You would also be hot contenders to back up
my opening thoughts. And for those Noise lovers who
aren’t up to scratch on the latest, or greatest, of Incubus’
sonic delights, then please read on. I too am a new
devotee – thanks to their new album If Not Now, When?
When I was luckily assigned the task to chat with front
man Brandon backstage at their Australian Tour of If Not
Now, When?, I was initially concerned by my personal lack
of Incubus knowledge. Of course I could sing along to hits
such as Drive and Wish You Were Here (who couldn’t),
however the newer tracks and other golden oldies I’ve
missed – I didn’t have the faintest! Let alone any sort of
grasp on the band’s persona and history.
It certainly makes for a classic example of winning new
fans with new work. Sifting through Incubus’ canon,
there’s an undeniable organic journey via an array of
30 | culture www.culturemag.com.au
relatable tales. However, gaining new listeners based
on new style and new taste may just mean some fans
are also jumping off the bandwagon? Pondering these
thoughts, I was ready for my inquisition of Brandon.
Talk about sensitive and new age… I was surprised by
the state of their Green Room. Clean, friendly faces, no
hustle, no bustle, no strippers – so, not rock band 101
then? Meeting Brandon – again, a pleasant surprise. An
incredibly well spoken, poetic, insightful and inspiring
artist, who came across in person as more the wise-soul,
balanced hippie-headed health nut, than he does so on
stage as the tattoo-adorned, magnetic front man. What I
saw was nothing short of a diverse person with a smart
business mind and a balanced lifestyle, and never once
pretending or posing. A true and honest performer, but
also an individual intrigued by the many facets of existence
and art – music, visual, literature or fashion.
But on with the questions! Brandon talks fans: “I think our
listeners that have been along for the ride for the past
15-20 years were surprised by this album upon first few
listens,” he muses. “I know some were disappointed
when they first heard it because it didn’t take them
back to the days of SCIENCE – a common request, and
even at times a demand, that is made. So herein sat an
opportunity to truly challenge our audience and bet on
their intelligence!”
And what about their reactions; an insight into this
balancing act with the fans? “Strangely, many of the same
people that were certain that we had ‘betrayed’ them with
this new album have since given the new jam some time.
And many of the same listeners seem to be as enthusiastic
about this record as any of them! And yes we have seen
lots of new faces out there,” he states with honesty.
So, surely the new sounds have more to do with the
evolution of the band and its members, rather than
being a conscious decision. “As far as the album is
concerned, it began and carried out in its process not
too much differently than any of our other albums,”
explains Brandon. “Interestingly though, with each
successive album made, the stakes have increased –
creatively, but also within the sets of expectations that are
existentially present. It’s a highly unusual and unique set
of circumstances to introduce into a creative space. It can
be really heavy at times and distracting! Then at other key
moments, you dig in and it ends up inspiring you to push
harder than you would have otherwise.”
Perhaps the long break between albums added stimuli,
new milestones in life, new stories to tell? “Time away
from home is inspiring for many reasons,” Brandon offers.
“We’ve spent our fair share of time away from home over
the past couple of decades! But the time at home and
away from the bubble of touring has indeed provided
some much needed inspiration. Planting roots has proven
to be the burst of reality that my creative process has
needed for some time.”
To me the new album offers an added element of
heightened reflection. Sure, you can connect to their
past albums of course, but If Not Now, When? makes
for a truly atmospheric journey from track to track. It
floats through light and shade, soft and heavy, and its
topics are close to the Incubus storybook of yore. It’s
like you’re listening to a philosophical musical mash.
The lyrics are sweet and somewhat simple making it
extremely relatable and relevant. The music is an open
sound; longer, freer, with room to breathe. And the
musicianship is honest and surprising. To touch on my
opening remarks – their live production of sound is
impeccable. The music was alive, the band lived each
moment, the audience was endlessly engaged.
For a band to match their recorded sound (or in this case,
through my ears, exceed it), I begin thinking logistics. Is
it because they record in a live sense, skipping out on
layering and studio trickery? “We’ve always been a live
band and we’ve worked really hard for many years
to achieve a certain level of consistency and clarity in
what we do,” says Brandon. “Tricks that have become
commonplace within some bands, but we employ almost
none of them. There’s no ‘cheating’ as I lovingly refer to
it as. The fanciest ‘trick’ we use is one that we concocted
years ago, wherein Chris presses many of our in-house
samples onto vinyl and executes them on his turntables.”
And how do you rate live performance, especially after
all these years on tour? “I still love playing concerts. I do.
I do not still love being on tour though. I’m not sure if
I was ever in love with being on tour. It’s an amazing
experience, but it eats a tiny piece of your soul each time.
Luckily my soul is infinite so I can spare little bits here and
there, (insert wink). But being on stage with 115 decibels
blowing your hair forward to the audience of 10-15
thousand people screaming your lyrics back at you is a lot
of fun apparently!”
Fans, you can rest easy and expect Incubus to forever
evolve with you in a joint venture; their mutual
admiration and respect was ever-clear backstage, not
just front and centre.
I have waited / dined on ashes / swung from chandeliers and
climbed Everest / and none of it’s got me close to this / I’ve
waiting all my life / if not now, when will I? / Stand up and face
the bright light / don’t hide your eyes / it’s time – (Incubus:
If Not Now, When?)
If Not Now, When? is out now. And be sure to check
out our exclusive tour interview with Brandon Boyd
backstage, only on cultureTV!