WTII Records
| WTII Records | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Bart Pfanenstiel |
| Genre | Electronic, industrial, EBM, synthpop, ambient, post-punk, electropop, electronic rock |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | Louisville, Kentucky (formerly Chicago, Illinois) |
| Official website | http://www.wtiirecords.com |
WTII Records is an independent record label created in 2001 by former WaxTrax! Records refugee, Bart Pfanenstiel, and David Schock.
The concept behind WTII actually started in 1999 while Bart was still employed at Wax Trax! During Wax Trax!'s final year, Bart and Dannie Flesher (co-founder of Wax Trax!) were working hard to move that label into the modern era of electro/industrial music by tapping into the new breed of bands making their way to the states from Europe. Bart had made a connection with Stefan Herwig, of then Offbeat Records. The two had discussed numerous licensing possibilities over several months and the first of those opportunities came with the signing of VNV Nation to Wax Trax! At this time TVT (Wax Trax! parent label) had decided to move things in a different direction essentially shutting down the Wax Trax! offices in Chicago. The writing was on the wall about TVT's plans, so Bart took further steps to strengthen his ties with his European connections and the idea quickly arose about creating a new label to capitalize on these opportunities. Over the years Jim Nash (co-founder of Wax Trax!) and Dannie had taught Bart the ins and outs of running a label. After Jim's death, Bart worked hand in hand with Dannie on all label activities soaking in everything he could. To pay homage to the two, Bart wanted to create a label that would try to rekindle the spirit of Wax Trax!'s earlier years.
Armed with the knowledge of running a label and a roster of available artists, Bart sought out the help of Dave to put the final pieces in place and get things rolling. Dave was the perfect fit, because he had a strong passion for music and had spent several years working at a small independent music distributor. He had sales experience in music distribution and he had built strong relationships with several key mom-n-pop, brick and mortar and chain stores across the country. With the groundwork in place and Dannie's blessing, WTII Records, LLC was officially launched on January 1, 2001.
The labels initial plan was to build a solid roster and catalog by licensing established artists from Europe. The first three artists licensed by WTII were In Strict Confidence, Melotron and Controlled Fusion. WTII 001, In Strict Confidence's Love Kills! was officially released on March 14, 2001 and the label spared no expense on their initial release. The booklet for Love Kills! was a limited run 20 page velum booklet that had to be specially printed. Over the first five years, the label continued to grow and build a solid catalog and fan base. The label stuck to its initial plan and added well-established artists, including: Stromkern, Beborn Beton, HMB, Arcanta, cut.rate.box, La Floa Maldita, Backlash, Acumen Nation and Regenerator. With a core roster in place, the labels expansion changed focus and the emphasis went from signing established artists to developing new talent. The label signed and released debut albums from newcomers like State of the Union, Trigger 10d, Monstrum Sepsis, and PTI.
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