Authority control databases
| International | |
|---|---|
| Artists | |
The Wake | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Columbus, Ohio, United States |
| Genres | Gothic rock |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Labels | Cleopatra Records Blaylox Records |
| Members | Troy Payne Richard Witherspoon Daniel C James Tramel |
| Past members | Robert Brothers Steven Creighton Mark Gamiere J.T. Murphy Scott Rozanski |
| Website | http://www.thewake.com/ |
The Wake is an American gothic rock band from Columbus, Ohio, United States.
The Wake has been featured on thirty plus compilations worldwide. The band has opened for bands such as NIN, Skinny Puppy, Christian Death, Innocence Mission, Alien Sex Fiend, And Also the Trees and Shadow Project, touring extensively in the US and playing dates in Europe and Mexico.
Formed in 1986 by vocalist Troy Payne and guitarist Richard Witherspoon in Columbus, Ohio USA – The Wake made its first studio recording Procession using session musicians on drums and bass in 1987. Bassist James Tramel and electronic drummer Scott Rozanski were recruited later the same year.
Drummer Daniel C. replaced Rozanski early in 1989. Keyboardist Robert Brothers joined the band in 1990. The band released their 7” vinyl single "Harlot" in 1990.
Following on the success of “Harlot”, the band released a second 7” – Sideshow on the Blaylox Records label in 1992, then signed with Cleopatra Records in 1993. The Wake's debut album “Masked” was released in October 1993.
After the completion of the “Masked” tour, the band parted ways with bass player James Tramel. Bassist Steven Creighton joined before the release of the Christine EP in 1995. The EP had a decidedly industrial/dance flavor, thanks in part to the re-mixes supplied by Rosetta Stone. The single "Christine" (mixed by The Wake and Zane Eric Brown) broke onto the top ten of Alternative Press's Dance Club charts where it remained for months. Also in ‘95, the still popular "Christine" video was filmed in and around Mexico City during the tour supporting the EP.
In 1996, The Wake joined forces with former Ministry engineer "Fluffy" on their third CD – Nine Ways. The album was recorded and mixed at both Chicago Trax, and the Chicago Recording Company.
Just before the release of Nine Ways, guitarist and co-founder Rich Witherspoon left the band and former MCA recording artist Mark Gamiere was enlisted to take over at guitar. Though no studio recordings were made with this lineup, Gamiere provided live tour support from 1996 to 2000. Other lineup changes include the late J.T. Murphy replacing Steven Creighton on bass in 1998. The band turned bass playing duty over to a hard-disk recorder in 1999 before giving way to a hiatus in 2000.
Released on Blaylox Records in 2010 - The Wake's single "Emily Closer" features the reunited lineup of Payne, Witherspoon, Tramel, Brothers, and Daniel C. and was recorded and self-produced before being mastered by Howie Weinberg at Masterdisk.
December 2013, The Wake announce the imminent release of a new single - "Rusted" and remix by musician/producer John Fryer. Released on Blaylox Records, the single features the lineup of Troy Payne, Rich Witherspoon, and Daniel C..
