Saskatoon-based experimental artist Factor Eight has released his latest single, ‘ALIVE’, marking a bold evolution in his seven-year career. The announcement coincides with news of his debut live performance, also titled ‘ALIVE’, which took place on December 11th at The Refinery in Saskatoon.
The single emerged during a profoundly transformative period for Factor Eight. Ten weeks ago, while teaching dance, he suffered a severe leg injury that threatened to derail his career. Told in the hospital that he might “never dance again,” Factor Eight quickly shifted his perspective.
“When I was on the ground in pain and shock, I quickly processed the reality that my life was about to look different,” he recalls. “From that moment on, my mindset shifted to how I can use this event not as a setback, but as an opportunity to grow—whether that means being stronger physically, artistically, becoming more resilient, or simply believing in who I am and what I have to offer.”
During his recovery, Factor Eight returned to a piece he had been developing intermittently over several years, discovering that it had taken on a profound new meaning. “When I shattered my leg, it spawned a new life and passion for my musical work, shifting my life and focus away from areas that no longer served me,” he explains. “Upon returning to this piece, I felt like it captured the emotional energy in me to push and drive forward, turning this event into a catalyst for growth.”
‘ALIVE’ represents a sonic departure from Factor Eight’s signature ambient textures. Trading his characteristic soundscapes for aggressive rhythms and propulsive beats, the track merges experimental production with dance-floor energy. Yet the foundation remains unmistakably his own: every sound—from layered vocal harmonies to thunderous percussion—originates solely from his voice, meticulously processed into a dense, intricate soundscape.
Drawing influence from Caribou, Johann Jóhannsson, Trent Reznor, and Linkin Park, ‘ALIVE’ synthesizes these inspirations into a sound that is both accessible and avant-garde, intense yet deeply personal. Driving glitching vocal sampling, trilling hi-hats and whispery vocal delivery, the track is dark, compelling and musically mature.
The title ‘ALIVE’ reflects a statement of resilience and renewed purpose. In a rare creative move, Factor Eight incorporates full lyrics for only the second time in his career. “This piece includes lyrics which directly represent the concept of stepping into my power, letting go of the expectations of others, taking control of my life,” he says.
The single also served as the centrepiece of Factor Eight’s debut live performance on December 11th. “When finishing this piece, I knew that I would debut it at my first ever live performance under the same title,” he notes. “The process of planning and rehearsing my ‘ALIVE’ show has given me new creative energy and excitement.”
Since 2018, Factor Eight has created music entirely with his voice, using this approach to parallel his mental health journey and offer listeners a deeply personal expression of his artistic identity. “Creating in this way is a very personal experience—recording whatever feels most authentic to me in the moment, then manipulating this into every possible component of the musical arrangement,” he says. “This piece is intended to be a means for others struggling to relate in their own way, hopefully finding their own catharsis.”
Factor Eight’s recent accomplishments include sync placements on Disney+, trailer music for Gladiator II, A24’s Warfare, and the Oscar-winning film Women Talking, along with his acclaimed album II. Through his innovative compositional approach and focus on mental health advocacy, Factor Eight continues to connect with audiences worldwide, inspiring empathy and understanding.
‘ALIVE’ is now available on all streaming platforms, following his electrifying debut performance at The Refinery in Saskatoon.
Listen below:
