RECORDS
Wake up records is
the recording studio and record label owned and operated by Slanted
Heart front man Ken Sonada. While they orignally specialized in
Jazz and Funk, the variety of genres and talent they have aquired is
all encompassing. The Record label lets artists choose their
level of commitment, and offers fair rates accordingly. 
While it can't yet compete with the major labels, this
small company has even attracted some of the heavier talent away from
the corporations that seem to be interested in strangling all
creativity from their artists in hopes of making a a few dollars more
when the corp kids start thinking its trendy. Wake Up Records
says screw that. What matters to us is the art, we are trying to
start a revolution in the music industry, where the artists vision is
what is put out, not what is guaranteed to make us money. While
we will offer creative input and criticisms to help you polish your
act, we will NEVER force you to do 
anything, once you
have signed with us you are free to make your own choices as to what
you play, what you say, and what you wear. You will learn on your
own if it will be accepted by the fans. We do most recording in
house, and our studios provide a relaxed, comfortable environment where
your creativity will surge. Our equipment is state of the art,
and we have a full range of musical instruments, from common guitar and
drum kits, to the most obscure of asian and african implements.
If you can play it and make music with it, we either have it, or can
provide it. Of course you are welcome and encouraged to bring and
use your own instruments, but we have found its nice to have the backup
and selection just in case.Here is just a sample of the Artists under contract with us, we would like to see your name added to the list as well.
KESTREL
Kestrel, led by the twin duet of Gina and Molly Collins are our biggest act. The groups mix of Celtic and industrial influences give them the perfect voice to tell their story. Born in Dublin and growing up with the violence there, these two former street rats made it big with their debut ablum. A haunting and often violent foray into the aftermath of conflict, broken hearts, and loss. Their follow up, and angry but more hopefull album hits stores next month.
SLANTED HEART
Wake Up Records founder Kenjiro Sonada's own band. With a post modern Jazz/funk sound, it was through this band that Ken not only found an underground following, but also was able to gather the finances needed to start Wake Up Itself. Slanted Heart is known in jazz circles as one the top groups to watch. With Ken alternating between Bass Guitar, Chello, Sax, and piano, he is a veritable whirlwind of musical aptitude. The sound they produce is wild and varied, and their latest album, Dead Man's Gun, is clearly reminiscent of hip hop bands of the late 80's early 90's Like the Goats, Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul.
KANSAS CITY SLIM
Slim and Ken met during the Playboy Jazz festival held in Portland last year. The two immediately hit it off and Slim and his band of classical jazz raggamufins have shared the stage with Slanted Heart many times since, with both artists appearing on each others recordings. According to one reviewer, Slim doesn't play that guitar so much as strokes it like a cat, and teh sound that comes out is the purr of something magic and incomprehensive. Born in Jamaica he brings a heavy carribean sound to classic jazz, and his back up band is an everchanging and growing ensemble of talent.
FARADAYS LAW
Led by frontman Bob Faraday, this group is all about taking rock to the next level. Heavily inspired by late 70's punk and early 90's industrial they strive to put the edge back into music. Their first album, Bleed Bitch, was an underground hit with the urban youth, and his follow up, Metropolis Burning, smashed their way into the mainstream subconscious. With a sound that seems the odd stepchild of Talking Heads and Ministry, there is no stopping this band now. Bod, lead singer and bass player, is a local boy, from these very Night City streets. Raised in the combat zone he brings all that rage and frustration with him to every performance.
DEUS MACHINE
Led by singer/songwriter Raymond Days, Deus Machine's echoing and haunting sound, rife with political themes and the call for a resurgance of honor and freedom, have brought him attention not only from the indie crowd, but the mainstream pop charts are taking notice as well. With a sound that some call reminiscent of U2, or the more recent Coyotes Dancing, their latest album War Torn Gospel is sure to go platinum.
BROKEN TOYS
Broken Toys has been likened to the essence of sex and sensuality itselftraveling through the air to kiss your ears. Vocalist and frontwoman Crystal purrs like a kitten, and roars like a lioness. Songs about sec, love, loss, and everything else that happens behind closed doors have struck a chord with her audience. Her voice can reach 8 octaves, and her wild, almost childlike, vocal acrobatics have men and women alike enthralled. One reveiwer claimed it was "Like listening to the ghosts of Bjork, Cindy Lauper, and Ella Fitzgerald all trying to seduce you at once, and she does it all without being trashy or crude, its more the sound of her voice, not what she is actually saying, though that is quite poetic as well."
Written by Deric Bernier, characters by Deric Bernier, Kimberly Mouse, Matt Baldwin, Chris Little. Art by Deric Bernier, Megazone 23, Macross Plus, Macross 7 and unknown artists.