Multi-platinum alternative rock band Incubus has never been afraid to make creative shifts for the sake of the music. With the release of their eighth studio album, 8, a history of sold-out concerts and a tour that will take them from Las Vegas to Indonesia and beyond, the band appears to have no plans for rest in 2018. I caught up with Incubus co-founder and lead vocalist Brandon Boyd (who has quite the sense of humor) to find out more about the band’s upcoming concerts–including a four-night, limited engagement at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino February 2, 3, and March 30, 31–and the evolution of Incubus.

In 2015, Incubus performed to sold-out crowds in Las Vegas. What can fans expect from the band during the upcoming residency?

My greatest hope, always, is that people come to our concerts with open minds and hearts, therefore upping the potential to have exciting and transformative experiences. I know that sounds high-minded, but I’m merely referencing my own experiences as a music fan. On countless occasions music has changed my life, and continues to in so many wonderful ways. If one was heading in a fixed direction in their life, the right song or concert has the potential to subtly and/or dramatically alter that path into new and uncharted territory. I think that is one of the things that makes the process and the experience of music so important. [laughing] Man, I just jumped right in, didn’t I?

But seriously, someone coming to one–or all four–of the shows in Vegas could have the most rudimentary concert experience; sound and lights, and they’re gonna smile and feel good. But there is a spectrum of potential experiences here: Some people are going to walk away from it and start bands. Some will walk down the street afterwards and get married at the Elvis Chapel. Some may wander into the desert and get abducted by Pleiadians [aliens] on vacation, and some will just get a late night breakfast at the corner cafe and buzz over the night. Either way, I think it’s gonna be fun. You should come!

Incubus released its eighth studio album, 8, this year. I think it’s fair to say that no one can ever accuse your band of standing still. Does 8, in some ways, showcase the evolution of Incubus?

I think 8 is a lovely depiction of where this band is right now, but also where we’ve come from. This band has been to hell and back in the last six years and 8 is like a welcome home serenade for us. It’s also really fun to play all these songs live! And we can’t always say that about all of our albums.

There is a significant thread of friendship that runs through and influences Incubus. Could you share a little bit of that story?

In reference to what I just mentioned before, about having been to hell and back, I think the longer any creative outfit is together, the more we wander into uncharted territory. We aren’t immune from this and the inherent dangers therein. Our friendships in this band have been like a loving adhesive over the years and through those wanderings into the mine fields of life. There have been times when we weren’t in sync and fell out of love and what we did together suffered. But we had the wherewithal and the strength to step back and give each other space and time so as not to make any rash decisions. That time away gave everyone the important opportunity to stretch our individual creative muscles and that really helped and helps put Incubus into perspective. So when we came back and started tinkering with what became this new album, 8, we were able to fall back in love and back in lockstep with each other and make something that honored where we had come from and just as importantly, where we are heading.

Not only are you busy with the band, I understand that you will have an art display at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino? Can you fill us in on the other creative side of Brandon Boyd?

Yeah! When we’re on tour and when I’m home as well, I paint and I draw. I’ve been doing that stuff since I can remember. Art has always been a part of my conversation with life and I love it dearly. The wall of prints at the Hard Rock is a small series I did of some wonderful friends of mine. They are done in watercolor. I hope people get a chance to wander by and have a gander.

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