Factor seven

Factor Seven is a band based out of Birmingham, Alabama. Formed in 1997, the group is probably best well known for its comeback after a three-year hiatus and subsequent multi-success tour of East Asia in May, 2007. The band is currently together.

Early days

The early days of Factor Seven saw the band go through numerous stylistic and lineup changes. Ska, punk, and emo were all tried, and after sifting through countless potential names and genres, the band settled on what would prove to be its most powerful lineup and sound...four devoted guys mastering a dark, powerful sound that echoed with the listener and resonated long after the music stopped.

With Brad Latta as the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter, the band was headed for lofty goals. Drew Morris backed up the powerful guitar hooks and riffs with an undoubtedly memorable sound. With Matt Latta (brother of Brad) on drums, and Dave Osborne on bass, the rhythm section was perhaps the band's hidden strength. The lineup was solid.

In spring of 2000, the band stepped into the studio for the first time recording an 8 song LP named, appropriately, "The Factor Seven LP" (this name was not decided on by the band, but apparently was the default name and was referred to as such thereafter). With powerful lyrics and dark sounds, pre-sales of the album soared and the band began a tour of the southeast that would continue for the next 2 to 3 years.

Growth and Development

But in 2003, less and less began to come from the band that some had labeled the next big thing, and eventually, their music had disappeared altogether from the southeast Christian emo scene. In fact, the members of the band themselves had drifted into abiguity; two were married, two were in school. Strangely, they all seemed to be buying new equipment.

In fall of 2003, the band reformed, this time with another lineup, inserting Scott Latta, a third brother and high school prodigy, at bass. The band began practicing again and even played a few local gigs (including a venue Ruben Studdard had played at). With new equipment and new goals, only one thing could be assured: a new CD was necessary.

It was at this time that the band stepped back into the studio to record another unnamed demo, with three new songs that showcased the band's inner feelings more than any had before. Brad and Drew were even featured on local Birmingham radio for a short time. Things were happening for the long-established band.

Shortly thereafter, the band was selected to compete at Atlantafest 2004, a Christian musical festival at Six Flags over Atlanta, to compete as the opening band for one of the evening's main performers (Steven Curtis Chapman was the rumor). Unfortunately, Factor Seven had to take the stage immediately after girl band and crowd favorite Melted Heart, who would eventually win. In his first major performance, Scott's bass cable got tangled horribly right before going on stage and he was forced to stand uncomfortably close to Brad during "September Night," which suffered with no distortion. It would be the last time Factor Seven would play for almost three years.

That afternoon is generally referred to as the day that Factor Seven broke up.

Reunion and Asia

In early summer, 2006, the founding members of Factor Seven and some other people met at a restaurant in Birmingham to discuss the potential of taking Factor Seven's music -- American rock music -- to Asia on missions. The trip would be scheduled almost one year to the day from that first meeting.

In the months to come, the trip was on and off multiple times, as the group shuffled to find a suitable lineup. Former bassist Dave Osborne rejoined for one practice, but went his separate ways, and Scott Latta (who was at work at the time, and justifiably offended) was called back in on bass. Brad would be back on vocals and guitar, and Matt would be behind drums. Drew would return to electric guitar, but as the lives and goals of the members of Factor Seven shifted, so too did the band's style, as it found more piano and strings mixed under the heavy bass and dark acoustic melodies. Drew would be on keyboard. For about a week, Factor Seven became "Consumed" and kept switching back and forth there too before settling on Factor Seven (for the moment).

The band met almost bi-weekly in 2006 and early 2007, with Scott at college and the others leading their own lives, until a pre-trip meeting brought Willis and Meredith Watkins into the fray. After making the trip proposition to the young Birmingham couple and friends from church (and knowing Meredith was a vocal major at Belmont), it was suggested that Meredith give backup vocals a shot. She did. She quit, I think. The band coaxed her back in. She stayed, with trepidation.

After Meredith joined, Ashley Spell, who was planning to go on the trip anyway, came right behind. The fierce male foursome that had reigned the Birmingham Christian emo scene for 10 years was no more. The two females that had just entered Factor Seven would forever change the landscape of the band.

After playing a bit of a disconcerting pre-trip concert at Crossroads Community Church in Birmingham, the band had no choice but to leave for Asia the next week. Really, they had no choice, like it or not, the plane tickets were bought. They were going. So they went.

For the next eight days, it's safe to say Factor Seven dominated China. They rocked the Mao Livehouse in Beijing. They brought it down acoustic-style at the Sculpting in Time Speakeasy Cafe there, as well. Twice, they took their music to Honghe University and left there with the prestigious title as First American Rock Band to Play in the Yunnan Province -- a title they refer to often, as it makes them feel special.

(Note: There was a brief name change in China from Factor Seven to "Beak" but it didn't last).

As of summer 2007, the band is still together, looking for shows. After four strong performances in China and an improving webpage, the confidence is there, they feel, to reclaim what they originally felt was theirs.

The Birmingham Christian Emo scene awaits the return of the first American rock band to play the Yunnan province.

Albums

"2000: The Factor Seven LP"

"2003: Untitled Factor Seven Demo"

External links

* [http://www.factorseven.net Factor Seven homepage]
* [http://www.myspace.com/factorseven Factor Seven Myspace]