schwab comments in a 2004 interview regarding the number 86 in the band name: "the generation before us used that phrase to describe when they would reject or remove something...project 86 is like the whole idea of being rejected, or separate, or not going along with the current." the group did not travel much initially; they decided to hone their sound and live performances before embarking on tours. in 1997, project 86 was voted one of the top independent acts of the year by "hm magazine" readers. at tomfest the same year, their performance was a big hit and tooth & nail records, became interested and subsequently signed them.