The band is on contract to deliver four more albums to Epic. The group filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday. They believe that stipulations in the California labor law allow them to get out of their contract with Sony, which would free them to shop for another record deal. 

Under California law an entertainer cannot be locked into a contract for over seven years, provided they meet certain requirement. This summer will mark the seven-year mark of the contract between Incubus and Epic Records. 

The band is upset over “recoupable” expenses provisions in their current recording contract with Sony which allows the company to deduct various expenses from royalty payments to the band. Steve Rennie, the group’s manager says, "Under current standard industry practices, Sony Music has been handsomely rewarded financially during this period while the members of Incubus have received very little compensation from their creative and professional efforts."  

Rennie says that the group "is entitled to share fairly in the fruits of their labor going forward." 

Sony isn’t planning to let them go without a fight. The company issued a statement in response to the lawsuit. It reads in part, "We have the highest regard for Incubus and their music and take great pride in the work we have done together to build a worldwide audience for them. Incubus is signed to an exclusive recording contract with Sony Music." 

Incubus are reportedly working on new material but have no plans at the moment to enter the studio to record a new album. However, they are slated to take part in the Lollapalooza tour this summer. 

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