XFactor1
QBall (Vocals & Guitar)
Cody (Bass)
C~Lok (Guitar)
Zack (Drums)
Recently taking a short break from their “Rise of the Rebellion Tour” in support of their latest album release “REBOOT: The System”, XFactor1 returned to their hometown for their 4th annual “Holiday Xtravaganza” hosted this year at Jay’s Sports Lounge in Columbus, Ohio.
XFactor1 formed in Columbus Ohio during the winter of 2005/2006 they immediately began playing local venues around central Ohio and surrounding mid-west clubs promoting their independently produced 3 song EP “Generation Chaos”. XFactor1 quickly began making a name for themselves with their extremely aggressive live performances and the 2006 release of their hard hitting EP “Something Inside”.
In 2009 XFactor1 became the first unsigned band to ever play Rock On The Range; still considered the largest music festival in America today. By this time XFactor1 was already well known at the event for canvassing the parking lot and tailgate parties armed with CD’s and talking to anyone who would listen about the band, the music and the passion. A practice that quickly earned them the title “America’s Blue Collar Band” and a practice that continues today.
Almost immediately following their outstanding Rock on the Range performance, XFactor1 released their first full-length CD “American Dream” in the summer of 2009 featuring a live track of the gritty, hard hitting and heavy “Rise Up”. In 2010 the band released their 2nd full length CD “Hope for Tomorrow” featuring a favorite track “Parasite” and a spectacularly fun and heavy cover of Billy Squires “The Stroke” which resulted in them being listed by Red Bull as a “Top 5 Band To Watch”.
By 2012, XFactor1 had signed with Megaforce Records and brought out their most ambitious release to date, “Famous.Last.Words.” which featured their first hit single “Bring It On” a track that has been picked up and play on ESPN College Game Day, SPEED TV and the NFL Network. In addition to “Bring It On” the album included an improved re-releases of “Hope for Tomorrow”, “Parasite” and “The Stroke”.
But even with all of these accomplishments and success with the albums and tours, XFactor1 are still the same mid-west Ohio boys who had a dream of bringing great music to the world. And in true XFactor1 fashion at this years “Holiday Xtravaganza” you didn’t find these guys hanging out back stage or hiding out back in the parking lot. They were right out there mingling with friends, family and fans: sharing stories, doing shots, taking photos, signing autographs and of course hustling CD’s to anyone that wanted them and you can be sure that everyone did.
The band has recently finished up production of the official video release for the newest hit single “I Blame You“, expected to premiere in early January.
We had an opportunity to catch up with lead guitarist C~Lok out in the front lot before the show to talk about some of the bands history, their experience and impact at being the first unsigned band to play Rock on the Range, how they’ve been received by fans outside of Ohio and more.
XFactor1 is the true story of a great group of guys living the America Dream and doing it in true American style, through hard work and perseverance.
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