"As we moved into young adulthood, and the realities of life and such began carving their indelible marks into our personalities, I feel like the music began reflecting those maturations and those realizations."

When they started 17 years ago, they were heavily influenced by the underground music that eventually became the mainstream vibe of the epoch.

"However, as we have grown into our own as artists and musicians, we have taken on numerous other influences," he continues. "But in the truest form of creativity, we have learned to filter whatever inspires us and not just take the ideas like one does as a child."

One of the band's strong points is its sense of "unity" and mutual respect: The members of Incubus don't argue very much about anything, says Boyd.

"I know it sounds boring," he says. "The bands that fight and beat each other up, get drunk in churches, and urinate on state properties might be more fun to talk about. But as Incubus, we love and respect each other."

And Maroon 5 is in the wings, too.

The multi-platinum selling, five-piece band is also visiting China for the first time. Next Saturday, they will perform at the Shanghai International Gymnastic Center.

Compared with Incubus, the multi-Grammy-winning band is more popular among Chinese fans. Emma Entertainment, the organizer, says that more than 60 percent of the tickets have been sold.

Maroon 5 consists of Adam Levine (vocals, guitar), James Valentine (guitar), Jesse Carmichael (keyboard), Mickey Madden (bass) and Matt Flynn (drums). Released in 2002, their debut album "Songs about Jane" is certified quadruple platinum in the United States.

It has sold more than 10 million units worldwide for its funky rhythms, classic soul melodies cohabiting with searing guitars and a powerful rock bottom end. The band won the 2005 Grammy Award for Best New Artist.