Grey Factor

Grey Factor is a pioneering band from the late 1970s Los Angeles underground scene, known for their experimental, electronic-based sound that blended elements of synth, post-punk, and art damage music. Formed in 1978 in the San Fernando Valley by Joey Cevetello, Jon Pospisil, Paul Fontana, and Jeff Jacquin, Grey Factor used only synthesizers and drum machines on their early recordings, creating a distinctive style that was more accessible than musique concrète or industrial noise but more complex than later synthpop acts. They gained a cult following despite playing only around twenty shows and released the *The Perils of Popularity EP* and a live recording at the Hong Kong Café, plus *The Feel of Passion EP* with new members and added traditional instrumentation.

Their live performances were rare and memorable, including a notable appearance on the debut episode of *New Wave Theater* in 1979, which ended in an infamous off-camera altercation. After disbanding around 1981, the band’s recordings remained largely unavailable until recent archival releases like *1979-1980 A.D. - Complete Studio Recordings*, which have introduced their influential sound to new audiences and earned recognition such as inclusion on Paste Magazine's list of greatest synth-pop albums. Grey Factor’s contributions remain important to understanding the early evolution of electronic and underground music in L.A.