interview from break the static:

Q: How's everything going today?

A: Excellent, I just found another website on Natasha Lyonne (The most creative, talented and beautiful actress to ever grace the movie screen). Today is GREAT DAY!!!

Q: Could you introduce yourself for everyone?

A: Hello, Everyone? Name: Kevin Lewis Born: 10/16/74 Residence: Sterling Heights, Michigan Occupation: Professional Musician - Bass Player Band: Factory 81

Q: What influenced you the most to start a band?

A: Cliff Burton (RIP) - Metallica

Q: What was the scene like in Detroit when you started out?

A: There was this record store (Mr. Musichead) that used to have free concerts. They would bring in 2-3 bands a week. We would play for free, in exchange for the exposure. This brought a lot of bands together, and was the beginning introduction, for us, to "local scene".

Q: What did you think of the venues that made you pay-to-play?

A: We've never had to deal with this, but as a musician I don't agree with this process. I can understand the club-owner's perspective on making the money to cover the club, but maybe they should be more selective on the bands they bring in.

Q: After Taproot and Workhorse Movement got signed; did it bring more attention to the area?

A: Yeah, this brought a lot of label attention to the area, and opened the door for many bands.

Q: Do your hometown peeps still treat ya the same as they always did?

A: Yes!!! We are very "down to earth people", and they see that. Nothing has changed since we've gone on the road. (We're Actually more humble now...HaHaHa)Of course you get those people who would have nothing to do with you then, but now they act as if you were best friends...FUCK THOSE PEOPLE!!! You quickly learn who your true friends are.

Q: Are you impressed of how well Mankind has gone over so far?

A: Definitely. When we recorded it, we didn't do it with a national release in mind. But, now that it has, it's amazing to think that over 32,000 people own a piece of our creativity.

Q: What made you guys go with Mojo Records?

A: Purely independence!!! An Independent label with Major label backing...perfect.

Q: How has life changed since you became a national act?

A: It really hasn't. I still eat, sleep and breathe music...just NOW, I get paid to do it. We have the greatest job in the whole world!!!

Q: I saw your commercial a couple times on MTV, did that help you guys much, since it helps so many others?

A: Definitely. With the commercial airing on MTV, and the "Nanu" Video being played on MTV2 and MTVX, it's greatly enhanced the "word-of-mouth" on Factory 81.

Q: How do you feel about websites supporting music similar to yours?

A: The Internet is one of the best forms of communication. These websites are doing so much for bands today. And the fan sites are an even more incredible thing.

Q: Another Internet related question. What do you think about Napster and other file sharing programs?

A: We're all for Napster. Yet another "word-of-mouth" tool, to help young bands like us, get the music out to a wider audience. If I download something, and I like it...I go buy it. Plus, there are so many songs on Napster, that are normally unavailable to the public.

Q: What bands are you currently listening to?

A: Hatebreed, Tool, Candiria, Cold, Twiztid, Slayer, Taproot, Vision Of Disorder, Mudvayne...I could go on for days.

Q: What would be the ultimate tour for you guys?

A: Tool, System of a Down, Taproot and Factory 81

Q: What touring plans do you guys have in the near future?

A: We're going to be doing a small headlining tour in mid July. (East coast to West coast) Then...hopefully something "BIG".

Q: What was your favorite band to tour or play a show with?

A: Tour with: Kitty or Relative Ash Play a show with: Hatebreed and Nothingface

Q: When do you expect to release your next album?

A: Hopefully by next summer, just in time for OZZfest 2002.

Q: Well that about wraps up the interview, just one last question, on the next album what can F81 fans expect to hear?

A: New songs...just kidding. The next album will be a more mature, more focused, and better produced album, then the last.

Kevin: Thank You for your interest in our Band and Music

BTS: Thank you all so much for your time to do this interview with us, we at BTS wish you all the best of luck in the future!!

-twitrock