interview from undevoured:

webmaster: What are you guys up to now?
Factory 81: Well, we've been home for the last two months, due to Nate's unfortunate illness (Mono). We were sad about having to cancel the last tour, but this gave us some time to work on new material, and just regroup as a band. It also gave us a chance to see our families, friends, and girlfriends...before the long haul, of summer touring.
 

webmaster: Planning on touring again anytime soon?
Factory 81: We're just about to embark on a month long tour with Slaves on Dope, Unloco and Insolence. The tour is slated to start in Boston, on May 6th, and end somewhere in California on June 6th.
 

webmaster: How did the fall tour with Mudvayne and Relative Ash go?
Factory 81: Awesome!!! We've become brothers, of sort, with the guys in Relative Ash. Most of our touring has been with them, and I accept them as family...for life. As for Mudvayne, these guys are amazing!!! They are so intense, it's scary. Personally, I've learned alot from watching them. They are such a multi-talented group. Individually, they all should win best musician categories in every magazine poll. Mudvayne was the first band to "take us in", and I don't think they actually know how grateful we are for that. I would love to tour with them again, if the opportunity was offered.
 

webmaster: How was the release of Mankind?
Factory 81: It was a great feeling to have this released on a national level. This gives us the opportunity to gain new fans, and spread the music to as many people as possible.

webmaster: How many different versions did you release?
Factory 81: In all...we've released 3 versions
1) Medea Records: Brown Cd (limited 1500 copies)- 1999
2) Medea Records: Blue Cd (limited 1500 copies)- 1999
3) Mojo/Universal: National release - 2000

webmaster: How has touring gone as a whole?  Do you feel you've gotten sufficient support?
Factory 81: The fans are amazing!!! I can't stress that enough.  Their response to our album and our touring, is kinda shocking. We figured, no one knows who we are, we're the opening act, let's give them the best show they've ever seen. Weather there were 10 people in the audience, or 1000, we never gave in. This attitude was the perfect one to take. So many people have come up to us after shows, and said, "Wow, I've never seen an opening band give off the energy you guys do". Man...I love my job!!!
 

webmaster: Do you think the Nanu video helped with exposure?
Factory 81: Oh yeah. Mtv2, and MtvX have brought us to a much wider audience than expected.

webmaster: Where is the band collectively from?
Factory 81: Detroit, about 20 minutes North of the city (or in other words Metro Detroit)

webmaster: What's been your favorite place to play so far?
Factory 81: Detroit of course. But nationally, I'd have to say Lawrence KS, San Antonio TX, and Milwaukee WI are on the top of my list.

webmaster: If you were asked to define your music, how would you define it?
Factory 81: Heavy Alternative. Melodic/Aggressive

webmaster: Many people view Factory 81 as one of the bands that initially began to add substance to the concept of "Nu-metal".  Is that something you accept credit for?
Factory 81: Well, we sure as hell didn't pioneer this shit. Many reviews have dogged us in the past for what we do. And they say we sound like this band, and sound like that band...but F#*K em'. We are what we are. I would rather sound like a hybrid of influences, then a replica of one particular band. We're not out to make an impact on the music scene, just out to make music, make fans, and have a good time doing it!!!

webmaster: Are you on the Internet a lot?
Factory 81: Only when I'm home, do I live on my laptop. This is a question you should ask Bill(Guitar). He sleeps with his computer. I think he's even named the damn thing.

webmaster: What are some of your favorite websites?
Factory 81:
-www.theprp.com (best info on the net) Wook's the shit!!!
-www.shoutweb.com (another great source of info) plus the lady is an amazing photographer

webmaster: Are there any underground bands that have caught your attention in the last year or so?
Factory 81: Oh yeah! I'm big fan of hardcore music, and there's this band I met in Texas called "Eyeagainst" that's just amazing.

webmaster: Do you feel your live performance has evolved significantly?  How would you judge/analyze yourselves on stage?
Factory 81: Well, we've always been about "the live show". Hell, even our Cd sounds live. Touring has made a huge impact on our stage performance. I never really realized it, but we came home to do a show one night, and people said we have become 10 times more aggressive on stage, since leaving back in August. This kinda surprised me. I really don't think about it...I just do it. I love playing, ya' know. I get up there, get in my zone, feed off the crazy people in the audience, put on the best show possible, and walk away with the hugest grin on my face when I'm done.

webmaster: Where do you think the most diversity lies in your music?  (Vocals? Lyrics? Drums? other instruments? etc)
Factory 81: Good question. We all bring a little something different to the table. I don't think any "one" person in the band is more diverse than the other.

webmaster: What's in your cd player right now?
Factory 81: I love this question.
1)Cold - 13 ways to bleed on stage
2)Taproot - Gift
3)Jurassic 5
4)MuDvAyNe - L.D.50
5)Twiztid - Mostasteless
6)Fear Factory - Digimortal
7)Vision of Disorder - 2 song demo/sampler
8)Candiria
Wow, I could go on for days...

webmaster: Are you looking forward to any upcoming releases?
Factory 81: May 15th, new TOOL...that's all I gotta' say.

webmaster: Who are your influences?
Factory 81: Tool has probably had the biggest impact on my playing style. I admire the bands song structuring, and design. Other than Tool, I would have to say music is my biggest influence. Buying Cd's and learning from other bands.

webmaster: Where is Mankind available?
Factory 81: It is available all over the United States, and in a few countries world wide.

webmaster: Where can fans go to find more info on Factory 81?
Factory 81: Most importantly, the fans can come to us. We're always accessible after the shows. We love the questions and feedback. As far as Internet:
-www.factory81.net is the best source for up-to-date info on our band. This site is run by Bill, and heavily looked on by the band. He's constantly updating it and adding new shit daily. This also has a direct email to our band. I like this site best, because it's more personal to our fans.
-www.factory81.com this site is run by the label, and that's all that needs to be said.
-and don't forget all the fan sites, these sites RAWK!!!

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