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.
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.
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.
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..