interview from inverse music:

Inverse : Could you give us a brief run-down on how Factory 81 came together?
Kevin : Bill and I have been playing together for about 9 years. We were doing a different kind of music then. Kind of a grunge mix. We eventually parted ways with our old singer, and then spent 8 months trying out people and writing/developing our sound. Nate tried out, and it just clicked. We immediately started writing and booking shows. Things started picking up for us, and then after several drummer changes, the puzzle was complete. Andy was now with us, and Factory 81 was born.

Inverse : How would you describe Factory 81 to someone who hasn't heard any of your music?
Kevin : It's an aggressive style of music with a pure root of melody. Our music is raw and honest. What you hear is real. No 50 track guitar overdubs, no wacked vocal processing...no bullshit.

Inverse : Factory 81 released "Mankind" on a major label in October 2000. Are you still enjoying playing the songs from the album or are you itching to get out and start playing new stuff?
Kevin : Both. These songs are at least 4 years old, but there are still a lot of people who haven't been exposed to them yet. We're constantly working on new material, and sometimes test these songs out while we're on tour.

Inverse : "Peace Officer" has just been announced as the second single from "Mankind". What made the band decide on this track
Kevin : The Fans!!! The response to this song is just off the hook. We usually save this track til the end of the set. People are constantly shouting "peace officer!!!" throughout the set, and then go off when we start its intro.

Inverse : Have you any plans to shoot a video for this single sometime soon?
Kevin : Yes. Jay Baumgardner is going to be remixing "peace officer" for radio, at the end of June. We will then shop the single to several video producers, and review their story boards (video layouts). The single will probably go to radio in August/September, and we'll shoot the video shortly there after.

Inverse : Factory 81 will be heading out on their first headlining tour in mid-July. What are you hoping to get out of the tour?
Kevin : Gain new fans, strengthen old fans, build the awareness of "peace officer" going to radio, and establish the fact that we can hold our own!!! We'll also give the fans a longer set. Make their ears bleed twice as hard (Hahaha).

Inverse : Is there any bands that will be, or you would like to be, heading out on the road with you on this tour?
Kevin : It looks like Chimaira and 40 Below Summer might be on the bill, but the fourth band is still, yet to be determined.

Inverse : Have you got any memorable on tour stories that you could share with us?
Kevin : Kittie!!! We went out with Kittie in November, and they treated us like family. They were the coolest band and crew we've ever dealt with. We learned a lot from them, and they helped us out a lot. We lost our sound guy/tour manager about 2 weeks into the tour, and were already running with no crew. This left the 4 of us to do everything, and be expected to play the shows. I remember one time in Houston TX, Mercedes and Talena were covering the T-Shirt booth, and these kids were all hounding them for autographs. They politely turned to the fans, and said, "Sure...We'll sign your shirt/cd, but first you have to buy something from Factory 81!!!" That was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. They also helped keep things in perspective. It's rare to see a band so in-touch with their fans. They would walk out to their bus, after each show, and wouldn't leave til "EVERYTHING" was signed.

Inverse : What are you listening to at the moment?
Kevin : Hatebreed, Cold, Tool, Vision of Disorder, Candiria, MuDvAyNe and Taproot.

Inverse : Do you have any last words before we finish up this interview?
Kevin : Yes!!! Respect the fans!!! For if there were no "THEM", there'd be no "US".

Inverse : Thank you for taking part in this interview and we wish you all the best in the future.
Kevin : Thank You for your interest, and helping us spread the word.

-Andrew Hill

inversemusic.com