During the eighties, and at the height of the goth scene ~ mainstream collision, one band from Columbus, Ohio found its way through the ever changing, ever expanding diversity of dark cultures to become a leading light and arguably one of the founding fathers of Deathrock in the U.S.A. The Wake, formed in 1986 by friends Troy Payne (vocals) and Rich Witherspoon (Guitars), released their first studio recording ‘Possession’ the following year and later recruited James Tramel (Bass) and Scott Rozanski (electronic drums). With this line up early recordings of ‘Burial’ and ‘Locomotive Age’ hinted a development that was to become their signature sound throughout much of their catalogue.

In 1990, and with the aim of gaining exposure, the band formed Blaylox records, a move that proved decisive in providing the outlet needed for their creativity. The Wake burst onto the NYC alternative club scene with their 7” single ‘Harlot’ the same year and followed this success with their second 7” single ‘Sideshow’ in 1992. Popularity of these two recordings together with the influences of a prominent NYC DJ led the band to sign with Cleopatra Records in 1993 and the subsequent release of their debut album ‘Masked’, considered by many gothic rock fans as a landmark release. Following the ‘Masked’ tour, Steve Creighton replaced Tramel on bass ahead of releasing the ‘Christine’ EP in 1995 with its decidedly more industrial/dance vibe. Further line up changes and the release of their third CD ‘Nine Ways’ in ’96 proved something of their undoing with this being the final output from the band; they eventually took an extended hiatus in 2000.

The Wake - Nazarene (demo) taken from the 1990 demo cassette on Blaylox Records

Fast forward to 2008, the band released a surprise ‘Best of’ DVD - ‘Blacklist’ with bonus, unreleased material, rarities and video footage, along with rumours confirming their reunion. The Wake seemed set to return with new material spurring various reformation campaigns across the internet. In 2010, the release of a new single ‘Emily Closer’ signified their return with the promise of a new album to follow. Dominion caught up with Troy amid their writing and recording to find out the band’s motivation for reforming and why now, after eleven years? Troy says “Since forming in 1987 The Wake has comprised of several different line-ups, both in the studio and live. The motivation for reforming the 1989-94 line-up for a new release was simple; this is the most productive unit in our history and the group that is credited by most as the embodiment of The Wake sound. After James and I reunited, we, along with Daniel and Rob began working on demo songs and testing the water. When Rich rejoined the effort the circle was completed. Why now? ‘Now’ is relative I guess, but I think we each need something that The Wake gives us.

With so many of the early, pioneering bands reforming and various internet campaigns in every social forum adding pressure and motion to these causes, how much, if any, influence do these fan-based campaigns attribute to the decision to reform? “Although social networks have become integral tools for publicity/marketing, one has to keep some perspective about the reality of ‘friends’ and ‘likes'. Do they really equate to fans who buy music, merchandise and come to shows? There are all kinds of analytics to help you measure these things, but I remain generally skeptical of the validity of it all. The Facebook campaigns and all the other things are fun and flattering, but logic has to rule the day. The Wake has been and remains part of who I am - part of my daily thoughts, plans, and/or activity. From my perspective, The Wake never ended” he continues.

As with many reformations of one type or another, the burning question every fan will be asking is what will the new material sound like? Will it follow a new direction? Have the influences changed since the 90s or will the new releases simply follow on from where the band left off? “I imagine it is a bit of both” Troy replies, “Our signature sound is still omnipresent in addition to new layers and elements. Generally, my inspiration comes from the desire to create, and a need to connect. I try to create soundscapes and lyrics that illustrate a theme, a mood or an idea. I think it’s probably an inevitable formula, in that there is no escaping change or escaping yourself.  We will be happy to continue to evolve and improve and it will also be an extra bonus if someone notices. I don’t know if Goth is expanding as much as being absorbed and morphed into pop culture, not sure how we’ll fit, but I should think that there is probably some dark corner or table in the back reserved for us”.

The Wake - Emily Closer - New single released in spring 2010

The new album is still very much a work-in-progress and is already overdue, so we may see an EP before an album. As for live shows here in the UK or Europe, there are no plans yet, but the subject does evoke an element of envy. Other seemingly mothballed bands are re-aligning themselves with their fanbase and audiences around the world, but Troy’s focus, for now at least is in creating new music.

With all the excitement of their reformation Dominion wondered whether there are any plans to re-release the back catalogue but it seems the rights to the majority of older material remain with Cleopatra Records.  Troy explains, “There are a few things still owned by the band, a few alternative versions, demos and unreleased tracks that we have kicked around releasing and maybe packaged once the new album is realized. Our situation is such that it makes every part of the process a challenge. There are few certainties concerning this band but whatever we do, it will be difficult, take four times as long, cost twice the budget and all end in tears” he jokes.

In reality, the alternative scene, clubs and bands alike will welcome the return of one the influential pioneers of those early years, with anticipation for what is to come. Indeed, tune in to any alternative radio station playing goth or Deathrock, and it isn’t long before one of their songs is bouncing around on the airwaves.