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Band Timeline
1991
Formation of Incubus and Early Beginnings
Incubus was formed in 1991 in Calabasas, California, by vocalist Brandon Boyd, lead guitarist Mike Einziger, and drummer José Pasillas while they were in high school. They were later joined by bassist Alex 'Dirk Lance' Katunich and Gavin 'DJ Lyfe' Koppel on turntables. Their early performances were mostly on the Los Angeles Sunset Strip at venues like Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy. The band bonded over a shared appreciation for bands like Phish and Primus and adopted a grassroots approach to building their career.
1995
Release of Debut Album Fungus Amongus
Incubus recorded their first two-song EP 'Let Me Tell Ya 'Bout Root Beer' and shortly after released their debut album 'Fungus Amongus' on their own label, Stopuglynailfungus Music. The recordings were produced with Jim Wirt during hours when members were not in school. These early works showcased their initial funk and alternative metal sound. Subsequently, they added Gavin Koppel (DJ Lyfe) to the lineup which helped shape their musical style.
1997
Signing with Epic Records and Release of Enjoy Incubus EP
In 1996, Incubus signed a multi-album deal with Sony's Immortal Records which later became part of Epic Records. They released the six-track EP 'Enjoy Incubus' as their first major-label release to coincide with their tour opening for Korn in Europe. This release helped to increase their visibility and set the stage for their broader commercial breakthrough.
1997
Release of Second Album S.C.I.E.N.C.E.
Incubus released their second studio album 'S.C.I.E.N.C.E.' on September 9, 1997, which marked a stylistic shift featuring heavier guitar riffs, slap bass, and prominent use of turntables, embracing a nu metal style. The album helped establish their sound in the alternative metal scene. Following the album's release, they toured extensively, supporting bands like Korn and 311, and participated in major metal festivals such as Ozzfest and Family Values.
1998
Lineup Change: DJ Lyfe Replaced by DJ Kilmore
In early 1998, Incubus dismissed their turntablist Gavin 'DJ Lyfe' Koppel. They replaced him with Chris Kilmore (DJ Kilmore), whose style and attitude the band appreciated greatly. Kilmore's inclusion contributed to the evolution of the band's sound and stage presence. The band continued to tour with other rising acts, including System of a Down.
1999
Breakthrough with Make Yourself Album
Incubus experienced mainstream success with the release of their third album 'Make Yourself' in 1999. The album included several hit singles, most notably 'Drive,' which became their highest-charting song. Their sound incorporated more melodic and accessible elements while maintaining their alternative rock and metal roots. This album significantly expanded their fanbase and commercial reach.
2001
Success of Morning View Album
The release of Incubus's fourth studio album 'Morning View' in 2001 solidified their position as a major alternative rock band. The album featured a more atmospheric and polished sound and included popular singles like 'Wish You Were Here' and 'Nice to Know You.' 'Morning View' was both a critical and commercial success, further increasing the band's popularity worldwide.
2004
Release of A Crow Left of the Murder...
In 2004, Incubus released their fifth album 'A Crow Left of the Murder...,' which took a more experimental and progressive approach. The album demonstrated the band's willingness to evolve artistically while still appealing to their fanbase. The release was supported by extensive touring and several singles that received airplay on rock radio.
2006
Light Grenades Debuts at Number One
Incubus’s sixth studio album, 'Light Grenades,' was released in 2006 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album combined various styles that showcased the band’s versatility and songwriting strength. It was followed by widespread touring and solidified their status as a prominent rock act during the mid-2000s.
2009
Monuments and Melodies Greatest Hits Album
In June 2009, Incubus released their first greatest hits collection, 'Monuments and Melodies,' compiling hits from their career along with some new tracks. This release celebrated their decade-long success and influence in the alternative rock genre, offering new listeners an accessible gateway into their body of work.
2011
Release of If Not Now, When? Album
Their seventh studio album, 'If Not Now, When?,' came out in 2011, featuring a more mellow and introspective sound compared to their earlier heavier work. The album reflected the band's artistic growth and experimentation with different musical styles. They supported the album with tours and promotions, maintaining their presence in the rock music scene.
2015
Release of Trust Fall (Side A) EP
In early 2015, Incubus returned with an EP titled 'Trust Fall (Side A),' signaling the beginning of a new creative phase. The EP included a collection of fresh tracks that blended their signature sound with new influences. This release was well-received by fans eager for new material after several years.
2017
Release of Eighth Studio Album 8
Incubus released their eighth studio album, '8,' on April 21, 2017. The album continued their exploration of diverse musical styles while delivering the energetic rock sound that had become their hallmark. Accompanied by tours, '8' helped maintain the band’s relevance in the modern rock landscape.
2020
Trust Fall (Side B) EP Released
On April 17, 2020, Incubus released 'Trust Fall (Side B),' the follow-up EP to 'Trust Fall (Side A).' This release completed the band's two-part creative project and added to their contemporary offerings amidst the challenges of the global pandemic, providing fans with new music during a difficult time.
2024
Lineup Change: Nicole Row Replaces Ben Kenney on Bass
In 2024, Nicole Row replaced longtime bassist Ben Kenney in the band's lineup. This marked a significant change given Kenney's long tenure and contribution to the band’s sound since the early 2000s. The new lineup signals a fresh chapter in Incubus's ongoing evolution and activity in the music industry.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Mike Einziger
1991
Guitar
Ben Kenney
2003
Bass guitar
José Pasillas
1991
Membranophone
Chris Kilmore
1998
Brandon Boyd
N/A
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Gavin Koppell
1995
1998
Dirk Lance
N/A
2002
Story of Incubus
Hailing from Calabasas, California, Incubus emerged from the ashes of Calabasas High School in 1991. The initial lineup featured vocalist Brandon Boyd, guitarist Mike Einziger, and drummer José Pasillas. They later added bassist Alex "Dirk Lance" Katunich and DJ Lyfe (Gavin Koppel), before solidifying their classic lineup with bassist Ben Kenney and DJ Kilmore. In 2024, Nicole Row took over bass duties from Kenney.
Incubus' journey to multi-platinum success wasn't overnight. While their early albums, Fungus Amongus (1995) and S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (1997), laid the groundwork, it was 1999's Make Yourself that propelled them into the mainstream. The album spawned several hits, most notably the chart-topping anthem "Drive." This success continued with Morning View (2001) and A Crow Left of the Murder... (2004). The band cemented their status with their #1 debut album, Light Grenades (2006), followed by the greatest hits compilation Monuments and Melodies (2009), and the studio album If Not Now, When (2011). Incubus further demonstrated their creative output with the Trust Fall (Side A) EP (2015) and their eighth studio album, simply titled 8, in 2017. Their enduring career showcases a band that consistently evolved and delivered, establishing them as a cornerstone act of alternative rock.
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