Beautiful and Yummy: Incubus
19 Sep 2003 Comments Off
in General Ji, Prose by Ji, Zone: Musically
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INCUBUS
(still from “Drive” courtesy of Sony Music)
The first time I SAW Incubus was here–above–the famed “Drive” video. I’d heard, and heard of them, for quite some time. This was a perfect introduction. When I found out the backstory regarding this, I found it to be ten times that much more beautiful and yummy. For some reason, I just imagine the band to be a brotherhood–all the best dreams and ideas I have about music, and artistic expression. The fact that band members drew Brandon, “drawing himself” (it’ll be explained more correctly below) and that the fact the song is about self-empowerment entrances me. (“will I choose water over wine/and hold my own and drive?” “whatever tomorrow brings/I’ll be there/with open arms and open eyes”) I can’t get enough of this song, and of this band. (Okay, yes, ”journalist hat is off” Brandon is completely gorgeous. In his own little way–I’d love to fatten him up a bit, though –but so long as he’s healthy–we’ll let it silde…) As folks often forget, a lead singer often represents the whole spirit of the THE WHOLE BAND. His passion bespeaks that. Brandon also plays Didgeridu and Djembe percussion. He seems, sometimes, like he’s channeling. Their songwriting, musicianship–they way they work a vibe, it’s got the best of quite a lot of elements (I feel like Sublime has a tad bit of that going on as well): balls out hard rock (even Metal) elements, a DJ adding edge, sensitive, even romantic lyrics sometimes, strong hooks, great dynamic control, great prodution, compelling subject matter)…truly, it’s beyond words–they’re just an exceptional act–especially for being a bunch of young cats.
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January, 1991 Mike, Jose’ and Brandon meet Alex (Dirk), who was playing in a jazz band at the time, and form the band Incubus. Their first show was booked thanks to Mike’s good fortune when he found a $100 bill. He took the money to a promoter, bought the tickets, and sold them all to friends at high school. (from An Incubus timeline) Snippets from an interview with Brandon : “The Incubus in Greek mythology is the dream lover, which has in time taken on undeserved negative aspects. Actually, Incubus stems from the word “incubi,” meaning to incubate. This is more in the sense of an idea or pattern incubating until coming to fruition. Originally an incubi was a guide who took people on their vision quests, which often meant going into a cave and incubating. The band Incubus has begun to live up to their name– How have you taken the name Incubus in a spiritual sense? BB: We have taken on the name with the sounds and ideas we have created. In my own experience, certain parts from songs I enjoy come in a pleasant way to invade me in my sleep. In this way, I’ll wake up singing a song or have a dream about a great piece of art I saw that I loved or haunted me. In this sense of the word, you can say we have truly taken on the name, Incubus.
What is your opinion of God and Goddess? BB: For the past eight years I’ve been leaning more towards the Goddess. The energy I have experienced has definitely been feminine at its core. At the same time though, I’ve come to the conclusion that by putting a type of sex on it, one way or the other, you limit the energy. At this point, it, stressing the word “it,” is far beyond my capability.
How does it feel when you tap into it? BB: It almost can’t be described. I’ve had conversations with it, I’ve dreamt about it, I’ve felt it when I’ve been thoroughly enveloped in a painting, and when I’m creating something. At these points I feel I’m very in touch with it. ” (it’s a great interview, click this link for the rest) |
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