A boy band? In the year 2009? Is it even possible? It’s been nearly a decade since Justin Timberlake journeyed out on his own, since Nick Lachey married and divorced Jessica Simpson, since Joey McIntyre went to Broadway, and even since Diddy started making bands. The closest thing pop culture has had to a boy band in quite some time is, well, boys - namely the Jonas Brothers. Those pre-packaged all-male acts assembled by managers and record companies looking to capitalize on teen girls (and boys) seem like a kind of quaint nostalgia from the distant ‘90s, even in today’s musical landscape littered with stars voted into existence by committee on American Idol, or created in laboratories presided over by Disney executives.
The boys in the new band V Factory are really no different. Most were handpicked by former superstar Tommy Page (turned Warner Bros. A&R guru) in the hopes of creating pop magic once again. But are today’s audiences ready for a return to an old school boy band? Their first single, the already successful “Love Struck” would indicate that the answer is yes. Despite their pedigree, the group is refreshingly nonchalant about their “boy band” status. In fact, it’s part of their charm – they are fully aware of the stigma that comes with being V Factory, and they couldn’t care less. They just want to do their thing.
The group is made up of Jared Murillo, Wesley Quinn, Nick Teti, Nathaniel Flatt, and Asher Book. Most have professional dance and theater backgrounds (Jared danced and choreographed for the High School Musical movies, Nick is a former member of the dance crew Quest, Asher is the star of the upcoming MGM remake of Fame), and all of them are in their 20s except for Wesley, who is still 19. With the recent release of their first CD and music video, people everywhere are finally getting a look at the next generation – welcome, Boy Band 2.0.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words, “boy band”?
Asher Book: A group with guys in it. The Monkees were a boy band. The Beatles could be called a boy band. The name or label “boy band” doesn’t mean anything. We just want to be who we are. What people call us doesn’t matter to me.
Wesley Quinn: We’re touring in a minivan! We’re not quite on that boy band level yet!
Good to see you guys are having the authentic experience. Are you actually driving the minivan?
Wesley Quinn: I will definitely end up driving at some point.
You are the youngest of the group. How did you come to V Factory?
Wesley Quinn: I was a back-up dancer for Ashley Tisdale from High School Musical. I knew Jared through her. They were dating at the time.
Jared Murillo: I was a dancer in High School Musical, then choreographed for the sequel and did the tours also. I knew Ashley through that.
So it seems like all of you come from pretty strong performing backgrounds.
Asher Book: We are all very into the performance aspect of things. I went to the Fame high school in New York City. Nick was in the Quest dance crew, who just won America’s Best Dance Crew.
Wesley Quinn: He’s an amazing dancer. He was the only white boy in his crew.
Nick Teti: It’s true. I was in an all-Asian dance crew.
Asher Book: And if you haven’t noticed, Nathaniel is very good-looking. He’s the model of the group.
Nick Teti: He’s older, he’s the big brother.
Nathaniel Flatt: I’m the oldest and most mature. I make sure they wake up in the mornings.
Who’s the least mature?
Asher Book: Wesley - he’s single and ready to mingle!
Wesley Quinn: Looking for ladies 23 and up!
Good to know. I’m sure that’s a plus with fans. How are they treating you so far?
Asher Book: We’ve actually been getting a lot of attention already. I had a couple of fans come up to me today. They have been really great.
Wesley Quinn: We are all having a lot of fun and just want to put on a good show. It’s been a lot of work though. I literally never stop sweating. I start sweating during our first number and it doesn’t stop.
I’m glad to hear you’re earning your money.
Wesley Quinn: Gotta put gas in the minivan!
I’m just going to put this out there, so feel free to jump in - what does the V stand for?
Asher Book: We’ve heard every possible guess, and no one has gotten it yet.
Nathaniel Flatt: It has a special meaning for all of us. I will tell you after the interview.
Well, then by all means let’s finish the interview. Is there anything else about you that we should know?
Jared Murillo: I was a ballroom dancing champion.
Wesley Quinn: I’m from South Carolina.
Asher Book: Wesley and I are roommates.
And about V Factory?
Nathaniel Flatt: Come on, we’re not exactly reinventing the wheel here!
*Blake Davis is a regular contributor to Movmnt, and no, he will not tell you what the V stands for.
