SPILL FEATURE: RUN FAST, JUMP HIGH, EAT ALL YOUR GREENS – A CONVERSATION WITH JOSÉ PASILLAS OF INCUBUS

RUN FAST, JUMP HIGH, EAT ALL YOUR GREENS

A CONVERSATION WITH JOSÉ PASILLAS OF INCUBUS

While Incubus has seen changes in its lineup over the years, there remains a unique energy that continues to define the band—both in the studio and on stage. Drummer José Pasillas attributes this enduring connection to a simple yet powerful truth: they still genuinely enjoy making music and performing together. He reflected that, “If we didn’t (enjoy doing it), it wouldn’t be much point in continuing.” It’s that shared passion that has kept the group not only active, but relevant. They feel very fortunate that people still want to listen to their music and come out to see their concerts.

Moreover, with the addition of Nicole Row as the new bassist, it brought a fresh surge of energy to the band—a rejuvenation that came at just the right time. However, this rush of energy was not right away, as Row was still fulfilling touring commitments with Panic! At The Disco back in 2018. Her eventual integration wasn’t the first time the band welcomed a female presence into their ranks. Back in 2024, shortly after Ben Kenney’s departure, a close friend stepped in to play a series of shows. Though the stint was temporary, it marked a subtle yet significant turning point—hinting at a future where a woman’s presence in the lineup could become more permanent.

In fact, it was Kenney who first suggested Nicole Row for the band, even though he had never met her in person. Pasillas recalled former bandmates raving about her talent, “This girl is the real deal. You should reach out to her.” Acting on that recommendation, the band contacted Row through Instagram, sparking a new chapter for Incubus with a fresh injection of talent. Looking back, the drummer reflected on the serendipity of it all, admitting they hadn’t realised just how much they needed a badass female bassist until she was there.

Still, the group’s momentum wasn’t driven solely by the arrival of Nicole Row. Additionally, Incubus reissued one of the most pivotal moments in their career: Morning View, an album often regarded as one of their most transcendent. With the decision to re-record the material came a wave of uncertainty—how faithful should they remain to the original? While the bones of the songs would stay intact, subtle changes felt not only natural but necessary. Over years of performing the tracks live, the band had developed new instincts, new flourishes and slight shifts that evolved organically. Songs such as “Circles,” “Just a Phase,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Aqueous Transmission” offered small moments  for reinterpretation. Pasillas stated that, “This is how we play it now. This is a new revamp of it”.

Another remarkable chapter in the reissue of Morning View unfolded, within the walls of a home-built studio, an intimate setting that sparked a flood of memories. Reconnecting with the spirit of their 20-ish selves—restless, ambitious, and eager to escape their parents’ homes—gave the process a renewed sense of thrill and purpose. The band wasn’t just revisiting an album; they were reliving a formative time in their lives. Gratitude, too, permeated the sessions. The artist reflected feeling “Pretty joyous about the whole thing,” capturing the collective sentiment that surrounded the nostalgic yet forward-facing endeavor.

MORNING VIEW XXIII ALBUM REVIEW

Now, with over 30 decades of making music under their belt, Incubus has inevitably faced feedback from every corner, whether they were from fans, critics, or fellow musicians alike. Yet, according to the drummer, external opinions have never dictated the band’s creative direction. “We’ve never really functioned that way as a band. Otherwise, we’d let that dictate what we do and how we feel” he asserted on why they keep pushing forward and exploring new musical territories, regardless of outside commentary.

On the other hand, there’s no blueprint for the band, no overarching themes or carefully planned concepts from the outset. It’s all about instinct. “We just want it to feel good, to sound good and to be excited about it,” Pasillas explained that that’s how they have approached every album they’ve created. Because of this, over the years, they’ve built a loyal fanbase that has followed them through each new release with genuine excitement and unwavering support.

Of course, not all feedback is glowing, and the band knows that well. The artist noted that, “Everyone’s a critic,” these days. There will always be naysayers, or those who are quick to dismiss their work, sometimes harshly. Still ironically, even the harshest voices keep listening. Public scrutiny is simply part of releasing anything into the world and it’s never been something that influences their creative choices.

Contemplating the current state of the music industry, the band acknowledges just how much things have changed since they started out. The rise of digital platforms and streaming services has transformed the way artists share their work—an entirely different world compared to the old-school process of making and distributing records. Pasillas believes that, though “It’s a completely different animal,” in some ways, it’s still the same, especially when it comes to who benefits. While record labels continue to profit, generating a sustainable income through streaming is incredibly difficult for most musicians. Unless it’s Drake or Taylor Swift, with billions of streams, it’s tough to make money.

In the early days, the band was fortunate to receive something increasingly rare in today’s industry: time and backing to grow. The label would give them money to tour, develop their sound, and to figure out what they were doing. It’s a luxury many up-and-coming bands today don’t get. That kind of space to evolve is nearly extinct now. But looking at how things have shifted, the drummer admitted that “It’s a completely different beast these days.”

As previously mentioned, the whole experience of performing live can transcend in the approach of making music. However, for the group, touring and recording exist in two very different worlds. While moments of inspiration do strike on the road—often surfacing during soundchecks or backstage jams—life can get demanding. In fact, a good portion of some materials came together while on the road, with parts of it written on the go and even recorded inside the very venues they were playing.

Still, Pasillas stated that most of the time, the two processes are kept apart, because “When we’re touring, we’re constantly going. On our days off, we need to rest and let our bodies and minds recover.” It’s only once all performances come to an end that they dive fully into studio work, spending months experimenting with sounds and building what will become a next full-length project.

Looking ahead to new releases, the band is buzzing with anticipation. “There’s definitely something in the water that we all drink,” the artist remarked, expressing genuine excitement about what’s on the horizon. It’s been a while since Incubus released a full album that weaves together heavier tracks, lighter moments, and everything in between. Their upcoming record promises to continue this natural ebb and flow, staying true to the dynamic sound their fans know and love. And while audiences eagerly await its arrival, Pasillas offered some simple but spirited advice, “Run fast, jump high, eat all your greens.”

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