Naming the band was harder than writing any songs. The idea to name the band U.T.I. (Under The Influence) just came while we were sitting around discussing band names. The way we see it though is that the music is what truly names a band. The name is just a way to refer to the band.

Yes we do, and in fact we believe it is our strong point. A good live sound is very important and with modern music styles it is rare to find a band with a good live performance, therefore we work hard to maintain a good stage presence and give fans what they want.

We think being able to spread your music on the internet is a great way to be heard. It helps many bands that are not in a area that really supports local musicians get there music out.

That is actually a goal we are aiming for. We want to be able to get our music out to as many people as possible and the best way to do that is with a major label. Labels are able to schedule large tours and make it possible to spread your music as much as possible.

We started back in Feburary of 2001. We have been writting ever since and trying to do as many gigs as possible. We started as a four piece with Geoff Duncan singing, Ryan Kraemer as guitarist, Nick as bassist and Kyle Allender as Drummer. Then we noticed Kyle really had a singing talent and we contacted another drummer that Ryan and Kyle had jammed with before. So we moved Kyle to vocals with Geoff, and Micheal Aguero became our new drummer. Since we have lost singer Kyle Allender and have added on Grant Kemp who is an extra guitar/vocals. His addition has greatly added to the band.

We are influenced by bands like Linkin Park, Disturbed, Adema, Godsmack, Metallica, Drowning pool (rest in peace Dave), Deftones...etc. We have our own sound but it is their music influences that enable us to make the music we do. We like to put in heavy guitar riffs with meaningful lyrics in order to make highly impactful songs.

Dallas Texas. Thats where the best bands come from. We would Like to say rest in peace to Dave Williams from Drowning Pool. A local band we really looked up to. Bands like them and Pantera really show everyone what Dallas is made of and it's a tragedy to see people like Dave Williams go with so much more music to give.

Ryan Kraemer uses a Paul Reed Smith Custom 24 electric and an Ovation Acoustic. He has a Marshall half stack with a JCM2000 duel lead head. Grant Kemp plays a Dean ML Phantom with an EMG 89 through a 3/4 stack powered by a Line 6 Flextone II HD. The bassist uses an Ibanez HX1000 and plays through a Crate half stack. Our drummer plays a Pearl drumset with Zidjian A and Z custom cymbals.