Incubus: We always do what we do with all our hearts

Funfare did an exclusive e-mail interview with Incubus but it has nothing to do with what the dictionary says about its name. I checked it out only out of curiosity. Read on.

Formed in 1991, the American alternative rock band is coming back for another concert (the first was in 2011), Incubus Live in Manila 2015, at the Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena, starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

The good news is that Incubus has included in its repertoire selections from its new EP (Extended Play), titled Trust Fall (Side A).

The present line-up of Incubus is composed of Mike Einziger (lead guitar, piano and backing vocals), Jose Pasillas (drums), Ben Kenney (bass guitar and backing vocals), Chris Kilmore (turntables and keyboards) and Brandon Boyd (lead vocals and one of its founders) who answered the questions.

How would you rate the Filipino fans after the rousing reception they gave your group during your successful debut concert in Manila in 2011?

Brandon Boyd: Since that first show in Manila, Filipino listeners have become one of our favorite audiences to play for. It’s so refreshing for a band to visit a place so far from home and be received so warmly.

What can the Filipino audience expect from your coming show on March 13 in terms of new songs and new sound?

BB: We will be playing music from our entire catalog, but just as well we’ll be sprinkling in new tracks from our upcoming release. The new tracks have been fitting beautifully into our sets, almost as if they had always been there, just waiting to be unveiled.

Trust Fall is due to be released on March 25. What makes this album special and extraordinary that it has sparked a lot of interest and enthusiasm among rock fans?

BB: Trust Fall (Side A) and the respective other tracks that will be released later in the year are representative of what feels like a full circle for us as a band. The past few years, though fruitful for all of us, have been challenging to the point that there were many “rethinks,” “reassessments” and reboots in our band family. Now with a new record label at Island Records, new management, 24 years of experience in this band and many of our collective demons wilting behind us, it seems like we’ve completed a full revolution on the creative wheel. So this time frame for us feels almost like starting over, but with experience and maybe a touch more wisdom.

How many songs from Trust Fall will you be performing in your March 13 gig?

BB: I won’t tell you...

Incubus has been in the music and recording industry since 1991 and has earned critical acclaim and commercial success for almost 25 years. To what do you attribute the band’s worldwide popularity and amazing staying power in such a competitive business as music and recording?

BB: I honestly don’t know for certain. I’m sure it’s some magical, rare combination that one can only begin to speculate on. Rainbows, unicorns, karma, rabbit’s feet and all that voodoo. I will say that we have always done what we do, regardless of the circumstance and changing landscape, with all of our hearts. Too much energy in either direction away from the heart spells disaster for us, so we’ve kept much of our career and the things that come with it planted firmly in our chests.

The musical career of Incubus has been marked by brilliant records of achievements in terms of chart-topping albums and singles, successful tours and sold-out performances. What motivates you to continuously excel and do better than your previous performances?

BB: I’ve never thought about it in those terms, to be honest. I am interested in challenging myself creatively, and making Muse feel welcome in my home. Not the band, Muse, but the mythical, feminine spirit of inspiration that visits occasionally and leaves music, art and bewilderment in her wake. That being said, Muse (the band) can stay at my house if they want. They seem like nice boys.

How do you see Incubus five or 10 years from now with the continuous emergence of new and promising bands?

BB: Once again, an almost impossible question to answer. I hope we get a spot at the table! And not a gratuitous “Hey kids, make room for Grandpa, he’s slow today” spot. I hope that in 10 years, Incubus is still filled with vitality and gravitas, greying around the edges, but smiling and wise.

How would you like Incubus to be remembered in world music history, particularly in the genre of alternative rock?

BB: Hmmm...how about as the alternative to Alternative Rock? Or, maybe as the lone survivors from a time when bands still wrote and performed their own music. Or, as the first band to be cryogenically frozen and reanimated 1,000 years in the future so they could be the first to play on the intergalactic space colony.

Among the numerous best-selling albums that Incubus has released during the past 25 years, what would you consider as the best and most significant…the most memorable? Please explain why.

BB: Gosh, I have no idea...

What single would you rate as the best and most important…why?

BB: I try to not rate our band. I don’t think in such terms. Rating and categorization is a strange phenomenon in my opinion and one that we could use less of. Let’s just enjoy what we enjoy and have more immersive experiences!

(Incubus Live in Manila 2015 is presented by Ovation Productions and brought to you by Fox International Channels and, among other sponsors, The Philippine STAR. Ticket prices inclusive of service charges are: VIP Standing, P6,080; Lower Box A Reserved Seating, P5,020; Lower Box B Reserved Seating, P3,960; Upper Box Reserved Seating, P2,050; and General Admission Reserved Seating, P800. Call 479-2222.)

Elvis mania coming to Manila

My friend Calvin Neria saw the show in UK and he said that when it comes to Manila, you and I should watch it.

“It’s an Elvis-tribute act every Elvis fan should see,” added Calvin.

He’s referring to The World-Famous Elvis Show featuring Chris Connor who is recognized today as the one alive who comes closest to being like Elvis Presley.

“Elvis acts probably rank No. 1 among similar shows in the world today,” said Calvin, “and it’s so hard to find one that truly mesmerizes in the way that the true King of Rock did in his day.”

“Chris Connor is to me the closest thing to the King I’ve ever heard and ever seen in my life. I’m in shock, it’s simply amazing…” said Martin Fontaine, performer in the Elvis Story, Montreal, Canada. One need only look at his pictures and watch videos of the man online to see how all the praises have come about.

Noted Calvin, “Connor looks so similar to Elvis that it’s hard to peel your eyes off him. His bone structure, the complexion, the brows, and the lips — they all form what could be the incarnation of Elvis Presley. Then, of course, you’ve got to hear him sing and talk, with eyes closed. The King’s tone is also there, rich and commands attention. But completing the package is the swagger. Connor moves and works the stage with similar aplomb.”

Connor has been touring the world. In 2011, Connor headlined Legends at the Central Pier, Blackpool in England during the summer season six nights a week. That same year, he was chosen to star in an Elvis production called The Ultimate Performance.

The following year, he was invited to bring his tribute to Australia. In 2013, he packed the famous London Palladium, making him the only Elvis tribute act to have performed there. Connor has also taken the stage in Atlanta, New Orleans, Memphis, Ireland, Holland, Australia and New York. This year, he is slated to perform 50 consecutive nights in theaters around Holland.

Thanks to the Rotary International District 3830 and Royale Chimes Concerts and Events, Inc., Filipino fans of the King of Rock will get to see for themselves the man in the flesh at the Resorts World’s Newport Performing Arts Theater from April 24, 25 and 26.

The show highlights and recreates the King of Rock and Roll’s most memorable performances: That’s the Way It Is, Elvis’ 1970 Las Vegas performance that proved to be a turning point in his career — the time when he permanently abandoned movie roles and returned to the concert scene; and his 1972 sold-out Madison Square Garden Show, where he made his first-ever live appearance in the city and five years before his death.

Even Elvis’ own right hand man and close friend (for almost 17 years) Joe Esposito has responded to him so enthusiastically after a performance in Memphis. If Elvis’ close friend says, “Wow, that boy is good, damn he looks just like Elvis,” you simply have to see the act for yourself.

(Tickets are available at SM Tickets [470-2222], Ticketworld [891-9999] and Ticketnet [911-5555].)

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected].)