Trance to the Sun

Trance to the Sun
OriginUnited States
GenresEthereal wave, gothic rock, dream pop, post-punk, neo-psychedelia
Years active1990–2002, 2013–present
(reunion: 2007)
LabelsEtherhaus, Tess Records, Ambulancia, Precipice Records, Projekt Records, Below Sea Level Recordings
Members
  • Ashkelon Sain – guitar, bass guitar, programmed drums, synthesizers, vocals, effects, samples (1990–)
  • Ingrid Luna/Blue – vocals (1997–)
  • Daniel Henderson – drums (2013–)
Past members
  • Zoë Alexandra Wakefield – vocals (1993–1996)
  • Lucian S. Donato – synthesizer (1994–1997)
  • Dawn Wagner – vocals (1997)
Websitetrancetothesun.bandcamp.com

Trance to the Sun (1990–present) is a neo-psychedelic post-punk band originally based out of Santa Barbara, California. The band consists of multi-instrumentalist Ashkelon Sain (born Gregory Lloyd Sain) as the primary songwriter, performer and producer, and has featured three full-time vocalists—Ingrid Blue (also known as Ingrid Luna - born Ingrid Justina Holden) (1997–present), Dawn Michelle Wagner (1997), and Zoë Alexandra Wakefield (1993–1996).[1] Trance to the Sun recordings have often included guest contributors, and tour line-ups have usually included one or more additional musicians. Currently, the band consists of Ashkelon Sain, Ingrid Luna, and Daniel Henderson, with additional live musician Terry Luna on bass guitar.[2]

Trance to the Sun has had a considerable impact on the dark wave, gothic rock and post-punk music scenes in the U.S. and abroad. Mike Ventarola of the internet radio station Hidden Sanctuary described Trance to the Sun as "one of a few select bands from that part of the world whose previous compilation appearances, CD’s and tour dates read like a who’s who for the goth underground. Despite the multiple band lineup changes over the years, the core group remained tenacious and steadfast. They are applauded and adored by fans worldwide because they haven’t sold out to the corporate mindset looking for the one hit wonder of the week. Instead, they created a legacy of music that is at once entertaining as it is intelligent."[3]

Also noteworthy is the band's productivity. Between 1993 and 2002, Trance to the Sun released 7 studio albums, one E.P., and one live concert album, and toured the U.S. five times. As of April 2014, 25 Trance to the Sun songs have been featured on 23 artist compilations. Trance To The Sun halted the making of any new music in 2002. During the band's inactive period, the band released three compilations including previously released and unreleased material, and two remastered albums.[4] The Ingrid Blue version of the band reunited for a one-show reunion performance in 2007.[5]

In 2013, Trance to the Sun reformed to tour and release their 8th studio album titled Via Subterranea, which was eventually released in 2016.[6] In January 2014, the band performed live for the first time in 7 years, and for the first time in support of a (forthcoming) studio album in 13 years.[7]

  1. ^ Henderson, Daniel (2014-02-16). "interview with Ashkelon Sain".
  2. ^ "Trance to the Sun Facebook Page". Trance to the Sun. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
  3. ^ Ventarola, Mike. "Hidden Sanctuary review". Hidden Sanctuary. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  4. ^ Sain, Ashkelon. "Discographeum". Ashkelon Sain. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  5. ^ Strauss, Sean. "Trance to the Sun "Homewrecker"". Sean Strauss. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  6. ^ Palfrey, Sean. "Trance To The Sun launch Kickstarter for new album (17.9.13)". Intravenous Magazine. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  7. ^ "Trance To The Sun Concert Dates and Tickets". Songkick.com. Retrieved 9 February 2014.