The Awakening is a band from Johannesburg, South Africa, formed in 1995 by vocalist, guitarist and producer Ashton Nyte. The band is best described as a hybrid of gothic rock, metal, and new wave - a combination that was aptly described as "dark future rock" some years ago. With nine studio albums, several singles, EPs and a greatest hits compilation, the band's sound has evolved but remains rooted in its dark beginnings.
As of 2008 The Awakening has been based in the United States, and as of 2013 the band is preparing for a new album release and new anthology. Vocalist and guitarist Ashton Nyte discusses this anthology release and details on the new album!
1. What type of band are you?
Ashton: We call ourselves a Dark Future Rock band. Our roots are decidedly Gothic Rock and over the years we've dabbled in Goth, Darkwave, Metal, Industrial, New Wave, Post Punk, Alternative Rock and most of the darker things in between.
2. Tell us the brief history of your band.
Ashton: The Awakening formed in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1995, played our first show in 1996 and released our first album in 1997. Since then we've released 8 full length albums and a bunch of EPs. We've toured extensively, headlined festivals across South Africa and the US, been featured on MTV Europe and occasionally release side projects to avoid sleeping.
3. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
Ashton: Whatever speaks to me and hopefully to others. Everything from relationships (both human and metaphysical) to coping with and rising above the obstacles and distractions the world throws at us.
4. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
Ashton: Yes. I am a compulsive songwriter. The creative process is an essential part of my being. I've written songs from almost every angle and methodology. Lyrics first, music first, mood first - whatever comes to me. Creating and / or capturing the atmosphere and emotion is usually the bedrock of everything I do.
5. Who are your musical influences?
Ashton: A broad group of artists. Earlier David Bowie, Kate Bush, William Blake, Oscar Wilde, George Orwell, David Lynch, Andy Warhol etc etc
6. How did the band get it's name?
Ashton: Two sources of inspiration. Firstly, I liked the fact that The Awakening is synonymous with the Renaissance and rebirth. Secondly from the Jim Morrison poem where he writes, "the dead are newborn awakening".
7. What can you tell me about your album "Anthology XV"?
Ashton: It is a celebration of 15 years of The Awakening's musical output (1997 - 2012). It is not merely a compilation. All of the songs in the collection have either been remixed or updated in some way. It also includes new versions, alternate versions and 2 previously unreleased songs.
8. What would you say is your favorite track off it?
Ashton: Probably the all new "Apocalyptic Version" of the song "My World". I feel the new version is a better manifestation of the spirit of the song.
9. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Ashton: To get some of our most popular songs sounding better than they ever have, before releasing our next full length, later this year.
10. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?
Ashton: Not for the Anthology but certainly for the next full length.
11. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?Ashton: Either at our official website http://the-awakening.com or on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/artist/the-awakening/id152010187
12. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Ashton: We are currently finishing off some videos for the Anthology XV release on April 27 and then concentrating on the new album and some US tour dates later this year. Thank you for communing with us.
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