WTII Records

WTII Records is an independent record label created in 2001 by former WaxTrax! Records refugee, Bart Pfanenstiel, and David Schock.

Initial Concept

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 passing, 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.