The Legendary Bassist Of Incubus: Ben Kenney

Who is the bassist for the American rock band Incubus?

Ben Kenney is the bassist for the American rock band Incubus.

Ben Kenney is an American musician best known as the bassist for the alternative rock band Incubus. He has been a member of the band since 1995, replacing original bassist Dirk Lance. Kenney has also released two solo albums, "009" in 2009 and "Aurora" in 2016.

Kenney was born in Malibu, California, on March 14, 1977. He began playing bass at the age of 12 and joined Incubus in 1995. The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1995, and they have since released seven more studio albums. Incubus has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and has won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards.

Kenney is known for his melodic basslines and his use of effects pedals. He has been cited as an influence by many other bassists, including Justin Chancellor of Tool and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

Personal details and bio data of ben kenney

Birth Name	Benjamin Alexander Kenney
Born	March 14, 1977 (age 45)
Origin	Malibu, California, U.S.
Genres	Alternative rock, nu metal, post-grunge
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)	Bass
Years active	1995present
Labels	Epic RecordsImmortal RecordsIsland Records
Associated acts	IncubusThe Way Out

Main article topics

• Early life and career
• Incubus
• Solo career
• Influences
• Personal life

Ben Kenney Incubus

Ben Kenney is the bassist for the American rock band Incubus. He has been a member of the band since 1995, and has played on all of their studio albums. Kenney is known for his melodic basslines and his use of effects pedals. He has been cited as an influence by many other bassists, including Justin Chancellor of Tool and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

• Bassist
• Incubus
• Melodic basslines
• Effects pedals
• Justin Chancellor
• Paul McCartney
• Alternative rock
• Nu metal

Kenney's bass playing is an essential part of Incubus' sound. His melodic basslines provide a solid foundation for the band's heavy guitars and soaring vocals. Kenney also uses a variety of effects pedals to create a unique and distinctive sound. He is known for his use of distortion, delay, and reverb, which gives his basslines a thick and textured sound.

Kenney is a highly respected bassist, and his work with Incubus has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business. He is a versatile player who is able to adapt his style to a variety of genres, from alternative rock to nu metal. Kenney is also a talented songwriter, and he has co-written some of Incubus' most popular songs, including "Drive" and "Megalomaniac."

1. Bassist

A bassist is a musician who plays the bass guitar. The bass guitar is a stringed instrument that is typically played with the fingers or a pick. Bassists play an important role in a band by providing the low-end frequencies that support the other instruments. They also often play a rhythmic role, providing a foundation for the other instruments to build upon.

Ben Kenney is the bassist for the American rock band Incubus. He has been a member of the band since 1995, and has played on all of their studio albums. Kenney is known for his melodic basslines and his use of effects pedals. He has been cited as an influence by many other bassists, including Justin Chancellor of Tool and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

Kenney's bass playing is an essential part of Incubus' sound. His melodic basslines provide a solid foundation for the band's heavy guitars and soaring vocals. Kenney also uses a variety of effects pedals to create a unique and distinctive sound. He is known for his use of distortion, delay, and reverb, which gives his basslines a thick and textured sound.

Kenney is a highly respected bassist, and his work with Incubus has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business. He is a versatile player who is able to adapt his style to a variety of genres, from alternative rock to nu metal. Kenney is also a talented songwriter, and he has co-written some of Incubus' most popular songs, including "Drive" and "Megalomaniac."

The bass guitar is an important instrument in any band, and the bassist plays a vital role. Ben Kenney is a great example of a bassist who has mastered his craft and become one of the best in the business. His bass playing is an essential part of Incubus' sound, and he has helped the band achieve great success.

2. Incubus

Incubus is an American rock band formed in Calabasas, California, in 1991. The band consists of Brandon Boyd (lead vocals), Mike Einziger (guitar), Ben Kenney (bass), Chris Kilmore (turntables, keyboards), and Jos Pasillas II (drums). Incubus has released seven studio albums, two live albums, two compilation albums, and three EPs. The band has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and has won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards.

• Musical style
  

  Incubus's musical style has been described as alternative rock, nu metal, post-grunge, and funk metal. The band's sound is characterized by heavy guitars, melodic basslines, soaring vocals, and intricate drumming. Incubus has also been known to experiment with different genres, such as electronica and hip hop.

• Lyrical themes
  

  Incubus's lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, hope, and redemption. The band's songs have been praised for their honesty and emotional depth. Incubus has also been known to write songs about social and political issues.

• Live performances
  

  Incubus is known for their energetic and captivating live performances. The band has toured extensively throughout the world and has played at some of the world's largest music festivals. Incubus's live shows are known for their high energy and their ability to connect with the audience.

• Influence
  

  Incubus has been cited as an influence by many other bands, including Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, and Thirty Seconds to Mars. The band's music has also been featured in several films and television shows. Incubus is considered to be one of the most successful and influential rock bands of the 21st century.

Ben Kenney is the bassist for Incubus. He has been a member of the band since 1995, and has played on all of their studio albums. Kenney is known for his melodic basslines and his use of effects pedals. He has been cited as an influence by many other bassists, including Justin Chancellor of Tool and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

3. Melodic Basslines

Ben Kenney is known for his melodic basslines, which are an essential part of Incubus' sound. His basslines are often complex and intricate, but they always have a strong melodic element. This makes them both interesting to listen to and easy to follow, which is a rare combination in a bass player.

• Use of Scales and Arpeggios
  

  Kenney frequently uses scales and arpeggios in his basslines. This gives his basslines a strong melodic foundation and helps them to stand out from the rest of the band's sound. For example, in the song "Drive," Kenney uses a chromatic scale to create a sense of tension and urgency.

• Syncopated Rhythms
  

  Kenney also frequently uses syncopated rhythms in his basslines. This means that the bassline is not always on the beat, which creates a more interesting and complex sound. For example, in the song "Megalomaniac," Kenney uses a syncopated rhythm to create a sense of groove and movement.

• Use of Effects Pedals
  

  Kenney also uses a variety of effects pedals to create a unique and distinctive sound. He frequently uses distortion, delay, and reverb, which gives his basslines a thick and textured sound. For example, in the song "Pardon Me," Kenney uses a distortion pedal to create a growling, aggressive sound.

• Collaboration with Other Band Members
  

  Kenney's basslines are not just melodic; they also work well with the other instruments in the band. He often collaborates with the other band members to create a cohesive sound. For example, in the song "Wish You Were Here," Kenney's bassline perfectly complements the guitar and drums, creating a powerful and emotional soundscape.

Ben Kenney's melodic basslines are a major part of Incubus' sound. His basslines are complex, intricate, and melodic, and they help to create a unique and distinctive sound for the band. Kenney is a master of his craft, and his bass playing is an inspiration to many other musicians.

4. Effects pedals

Ben Kenney of Incubus is known for his innovative and extensive use of effects pedals to enhance his bass guitar sound. His pedalboard includes a wide range of effects, including distortion, delay, reverb, and modulation. By combining and layering these effects, Kenney creates a unique and distinctive sound that is an essential part of Incubus' overall sound.

One of the most important ways that Kenney uses effects pedals is to create a thicker, more distorted sound. He achieves this by using a combination of distortion and overdrive pedals. For example, in the song "Megalomaniac," Kenney uses a ProCo Rat distortion pedal to create a growling, aggressive sound that drives the song forward.

Kenney also uses delay and reverb pedals to create a sense of space and atmosphere in his basslines. For example, in the song "Drive," Kenney uses a delay pedal to create a spacious, ethereal sound that complements the song's dreamy, introspective lyrics.

In addition to distortion, delay, and reverb, Kenney also uses a variety of other effects pedals, such as modulation pedals, to create a unique and distinctive sound. For example, in the song "Pardon Me," Kenney uses a chorus pedal to create a shimmering, underwater effect that adds depth and texture to the song's overall sound.

Kenney's use of effects pedals is an essential part of Incubus' sound. His pedals allow him to create a wide range of sounds, from thick and distorted to spacious and ethereal. By combining and layering these effects, Kenney creates a unique and distinctive sound that is instantly recognizable.

5. Justin Chancellor

Justin Chancellor is an English bassist best known for his work with the alternative rock band Tool. He has been a member of the band since 1995, and has played on all of their studio albums. Chancellor is known for his unique and innovative bass playing style, which has been cited as an influence by many other bassists, including Ben Kenney of Incubus.

• Musical style
  

  Chancellor's musical style is characterized by his use of complex and intricate basslines, which often feature odd time signatures and polyrhythms. He is also known for his use of effects pedals, which he uses to create a wide range of sounds, from distorted and aggressive to ethereal and spacious.

• Influences
  

  Chancellor has cited a wide range of musical influences, including jazz, funk, and classical music. He has also been influenced by other bassists, such as John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin and Jaco Pastorius of Weather Report.

• Equipment
  

  Chancellor uses a variety of bass guitars and effects pedals to create his unique sound. His main bass guitar is a Fender Jazz Bass, which he has used on all of Tool's studio albums. He also uses a variety of effects pedals, including distortion, delay, and reverb.

• Impact on Ben Kenney
  

  Ben Kenney of Incubus has cited Justin Chancellor as a major influence on his own bass playing. Kenney has said that he admires Chancellor's unique style and his ability to create complex and intricate basslines. Kenney has also said that he has learned a lot from Chancellor's use of effects pedals.

Justin Chancellor is one of the most innovative and influential bassists in rock music. His unique style and his use of effects pedals have inspired many other bassists, including Ben Kenney of Incubus. Chancellor's bass playing is an essential part of Tool's sound, and he has helped the band to achieve great success.

6. Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame as a member of the Beatles. He is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of all time, and his work has had a profound impact on popular music. Ben Kenney, the bassist for Incubus, has cited McCartney as a major influence on his own musical style.

• Musical style
  

  McCartney's musical style is characterized by his melodic basslines, catchy songwriting, and eclectic range of influences. He has written some of the most iconic songs in rock history, including "Yesterday," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be." His bass playing is also highly regarded, and he is known for his innovative use of harmonics and melodic lines.

• Influences
  

  McCartney has cited a wide range of musical influences, including classical music, rock and roll, and folk music. He has also been influenced by other musicians, such as Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Elvis Presley.

• Equipment
  

  McCartney's main bass guitar is a Hfner 500/1, which he has used on many of the Beatles' most famous recordings. He also uses a variety of other bass guitars, including a Fender Jazz Bass and a Rickenbacker 4001.

• Impact on Ben Kenney
  

  Ben Kenney of Incubus has cited Paul McCartney as a major influence on his own musical style. Kenney has said that he admires McCartney's melodic basslines and his ability to write catchy songs. Kenney has also said that he has learned a lot from McCartney's use of harmonics and melodic lines.

Paul McCartney is one of the most influential musicians of all time, and his work has had a profound impact on popular music. His melodic basslines, catchy songwriting, and eclectic range of influences have inspired many other musicians, including Ben Kenney of Incubus.

7. Alternative rock

Alternative rock, often shortened to alt-rock, is a genre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s as a departure from the mainstream rock sound of the time. It is characterized by a diverse range of influences, including punk rock, new wave, and indie rock. Alternative rock bands often experiment with different sounds and styles, and their lyrics often explore personal and social issues.

• Independence: Alternative rock bands are often independent, meaning that they are not signed to major record labels and have more creative control over their music. This independence allows them to experiment with different sounds and styles, and to express themselves more freely in their lyrics.
• DIY ethic: Alternative rock bands often have a DIY (do-it-yourself) ethic, meaning that they record and produce their own music, and book their own tours. This DIY ethic gives them a sense of control over their careers and allows them to stay true to their own vision.
• Social consciousness: Alternative rock bands often have a strong social consciousness, and their lyrics often explore personal and social issues. They are not afraid to speak out against injustice and inequality, and they often use their music to raise awareness of important issues.

Ben Kenney of Incubus is a bassist who has been influenced by alternative rock. He is known for his melodic basslines and his use of effects pedals. His playing style has helped to shape Incubus' sound, which is a blend of alternative rock, nu metal, and funk metal.

8. Nu metal

Nu metal is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by a heavy sound that combines elements of heavy metal, hip hop, and grunge. Nu metal bands often use downtuned guitars, distorted vocals, and rapping in their music. Some of the most popular nu metal bands include Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Slipknot.

Ben Kenney of Incubus is a bassist who has been influenced by nu metal. He is known for his melodic basslines and his use of effects pedals. His playing style has helped to shape Incubus' sound, which is a blend of alternative rock, nu metal, and funk metal.

Nu metal has been an important influence on Incubus' sound. The band's heavy guitars and distorted vocals are reminiscent of nu metal bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit. However, Incubus also incorporates elements of alternative rock and funk metal into their sound, which gives them a unique and distinctive style.

Ben Kenney's bass playing is an essential part of Incubus' sound. His melodic basslines provide a solid foundation for the band's heavy guitars and soaring vocals. Kenney also uses a variety of effects pedals to create a unique and distinctive sound. His bass playing has helped to make Incubus one of the most successful and influential rock bands of the 21st century.

FAQs About Ben Kenney Incubus

Ben Kenney is the bassist for the American rock band Incubus. He has been a member of the band since 1995, and has played on all of their studio albums. Kenney is known for his melodic basslines and his use of effects pedals. He has been cited as an influence by many other bassists, including Justin Chancellor of Tool and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

9. FAQs

Q: What is Ben Kenney's musical style?
A: Ben Kenney's musical style is characterized by his melodic basslines, catchy songwriting, and eclectic range of influences. He has written some of the most iconic songs in rock history, including "Drive," "Megalomaniac," and "Pardon Me." His bass playing is also highly regarded, and he is known for his innovative use of harmonics and melodic lines.Q: What are some of Ben Kenney's influences?
A: Ben Kenney has cited a wide range of musical influences, including classical music, rock and roll, and folk music. He has also been influenced by other musicians, such as Justin Chancellor of Tool, Paul McCartney of the Beatles, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.Q: What equipment does Ben Kenney use?
A: Ben Kenney uses a variety of bass guitars and effects pedals to create his unique sound. His main bass guitar is a Fender Jazz Bass, which he has used on many of Incubus' most famous recordings. He also uses a variety of other bass guitars, including a Gibson Les Paul Bass and a Rickenbacker 4003.Q: How has Ben Kenney influenced other musicians?
A: Ben Kenney has been a major influence on many other musicians, including Justin Chancellor of Tool and Paul McCartney of the Beatles. His melodic basslines, catchy songwriting, and eclectic range of influences have inspired many other musicians to explore new sounds and styles.Q: What are some of Ben Kenney's most notable achievements?
A: Ben Kenney has been a member of Incubus for over 25 years, and has played on all of the band's studio albums. He has also toured extensively with the band, and has performed at some of the world's largest music festivals. In addition, Kenney has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, and has won two Grammy Awards for his work with Incubus.

Conclusion

Ben Kenney is an accomplished bassist who has been a member of Incubus for over 25 years. He is known for his melodic basslines, his use of effects pedals, and his innovative playing style. Kenney has been cited as an influence by many other bassists, including Justin Chancellor of Tool and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

Kenney's bass playing is an essential part of Incubus' sound. His melodic basslines provide a solid foundation for the band's heavy guitars and soaring vocals. Kenney also uses a variety of effects pedals to create a unique and distinctive sound. His bass playing has helped to make Incubus one of the most successful and influential rock bands of the 21st century.