Who is X Factory?
X Factory is a collective of musicians from Texas and other far off places that have gathered in Austin. Each musician has over forty-five years of professional experience in a variety of musical styles, creating a blend of flavors that is out of the ordinary!
X Factory is available for your event - weddings, corporate parties, fundraisers and more. Contact us to learn more about booking your event.
Michael Ryan
Michael hails from the Chicago suburbs, bringing with him decades of professional performance. With experience on the mandolin, keys, bass, drums - even the viola - Michael's love is the guitar. He has played across the United States and beyond, into South America.
Allan Rosenthal
Allan grew up in the New York City area and has been playing keyboards since a very young age.
He was classically trained and quickly learned to love Classic Rock of the 1960's, 70s, and 80s.
Billy Joel and Elton John became huge influences on him. He grew up in a very musical family, as his dad played major venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Allan has entertained audiences for years in the Northeast before moving to Texas in 2018.
Allan is really excited to be a part of this awesome band, X Factory.
Tom "Big Wig" Wiggins
Tom holds down the bottom end for the band with his impeccable tone and solid groove, making him a standout in the Austin live music scene. He is the “Ace in the Hole for Soul” and is always channeling that “Gospel of Groove” that resonates with fans of all genres.
Some of Big Wig’s bass influences include Rocco Prestia, John Taylor, Verdine White, and James Jamerson, among many others.
Big Wig has been an integral member of some of the best cover bands playing in and around Austin. He has performed in both corporate and club settings, many live shows helping to enhance live music experiences for all audiences.
Big Wig loves his Sire basses and plays a Bugera amp and has Ashdown cabinets to achieve that awesome low-end sound.
Corky Groat
Corky sprang up in small-town Indiana and started playing for friends and at parties in the early 1960's. By the late 70's, he moved to Austin and joined the music scene. In addition to X Factory, Corky co-hosts a regular successful Musicians Jam in Austin.
John
Johnny “Guitar” Christian is a guitarist and vocalist who has been a fixture in the Austin music scene for more than 26 years, performing everything from classic rock and blues to country. In addition to performing, John makes guitars and lap steels. He is the owner of JC Custom Electric Guitars and JC Lap Steels.
John spends his time sharing his love for music, building guitars, and doing studio session work, much of it remotely from his home studio.