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Truth (duo)

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Truth
Background information
OriginChristchurch, New Zealand
GenresDubstep, Drum & Bass, Bass
Years active2007–present
Labels
SpinoffsShadow People
Members
  • Tristan Roake
  • Andre Fernandez
Past members

Truth is the stage name of the Christchurch, New Zealand dubstep duo composed of Andre Fernandez and Tristan Roake.

Truth have made significant strides in the dubstep scene since their formation in 2007, gaining recognition for their signature deep, dark, and heavy sound characterized by intricate basslines and powerful drops. Their music often blends influences from dub, reggae, drum & bass and hip-hop.

Truth are known for their live performances & DJing, and have toured extensively since the mid-2000s, including numerous tours of North America, UK/EU & NZ/AUS, a tour of Latin America, and marquee festivals all around the world including Shambhala, Outlook, Electric Forest, Boomtown, Earth Frequency, Rabbits Eat Lettuce and more.

Now based in Portland, Oregon and Christchurch, NZ, Truth remain active in the global dubstep circuit, regularly performing and releasing new music, continuing to evolve their sound while staying true to their deep roots in the genre.

Career

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Establishment and Early Years (2007-2010)

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Initial Breakthrough: Truth emerged onto the international dubstep scene in late 2007, when Mala of Digital Mystikz signed their debut single The Fatman / Stolen Children, and released it in 2009 on his prestigious label, DEEP MEDi Musik. Described by Boomkat as "dark and immaculately executed”, the single (released as MEDi13x on 12" vinyl format.) established their reputation for producing dark, heavy, and meticulously crafted bass music.[1]

Early Beginning: Following their initial success, Truth went on to release several EPs and singles that further solidified their standing within the dubstep world. Notable early tracks include The Future, Terror Planet, Amnesia, Wednesday, Stay, International, Revelation, Timeshift, and Hackerz to name a few.

Debut Album: In September 2010, Truth released their debut album, Puppets, through Sydney-based Aquatic Lab Records. The album received widespread critical acclaim, including a nomination for Best Dubstep Album at the 2011 DubstepForum Awards. Puppets was praised for its authentic dubstep sound, with reviews from outlets like Knowledge Magazine, who lauded the album for its representation of "dubstep in its purest form" and characterized it as "spacious, sub-heavy and forward-thinking". Music Week described it as "an expansive listen that works as well on headphones as in a club".,[2] while The New Zealand Herald branded Puppets "sinister yet soulful" praising its "beautifully brutal bass-laden beats".[3]

In April 2011, Truth released a New Zealand-only double-CD version of Puppets. It included a bonus disc of remixes, previously unreleased material and a 35-minute mix of music from the album. The group stated that all proceeds from sales would go directly to charities involved with rebuilding Christchurch following the earthquake of February 2011.

In early 2011, Julian Van Auden left the group and now performs solo under the moniker Gamble[citation needed].

Expanding Influence and Discography (2011-2016)

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The period between 2011 and 2016 was pivotal for Truth, as it marked a time of significant growth, both in terms of their music releases & touring - as well as the birth of their label. The duo cemented their reputation as key figures in the genre, and their work during these years has had a lasting impact on both their career and the broader bass music landscape.

Sophomore Album: Following debut album Puppets in 2010, Truth released their second full-length album Love’s Shadow in 2012.

Singles and EP's: During this period, Truth released a series of singles and EPs that maintained their presence & momentum in the scene. Notable releases include:

  • The Emperor (2011): Released on N-Type's Wheel & Deal Records.
  • Redlight (2012): Released on J:Kenzo's seminal Artikal Music imprint.
  • Devil’s Hands EP (2013): Released on iconic dubstep label Tempa, Devil’s Hand was a standout track that emphasized Truth’s mastery of dark, brooding dubstep, and quickly became a key release in their catalog. Seeing broader commercial success, Devil's Hands went on to be featured in cable network FX's wildly successful American Horror Story series.[4][5]
  • 30,000 Ft EP (2014): Released on Mala's Deep Medi Musik label.
  • How Strange EP (2014): Released on Tempa Recordings, the EP presented some of Truth's most haunting offerings, with title track How Strange opening with eerie, ethereal vocals layered over dark, brooding sub-bass. Hypnotic, haunting atmosphere.
  • Undeniable EP (2014): Undeniable was the debut EP on Truth's newly formed label, Deep, Dark & Dangerous, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their career as label heads. The EP showcased their signature deep, atmospheric sound, blending minimalistic production with heavy basslines. The immersive, subtle nature of Undeniable helped set the tone for the label, which would go on to become a prominent platform for dark, experimental dubstep.
  • The Ark EP (2015): Released in 2015 on Firepower Records, this EP represented a unique blend of Truth's deep dubstep sound with broader musical experimentation. The EP received critical acclaim for its ability to balance dark, atmospheric dubstep with more diverse influences, such as house and beat-driven tracks. VICE's THUMP commented, that “Berlin,” for example, is an Ibiza-ready house tune, whereas “Come to Mind” featuring Lelijveld is a beat scene classic that wouldn’t seem out of sorts at Low End Theory.[6]
  • Devils Game EP (2015): Released on their own Deep, Dark & Dangerous label imprint, this EP further explored their signature dark and minimal sound.

Deep, Dark & Dangerous Label

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In 2014, Truth established the record label Deep, Dark & Dangerous. The label primarily includes dubstep artists and releases.

Growth and Continued Evolution (2017-Present)

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As of 2024, Truth remains an active force in dubstep, both as artists and curators of their label. They continue to tour internationally, release new music, and support long-standing & emerging talent through DDD. Their legacy in the dubstep community is well-established, with a reputation for consistency, innovation, and dedication to the genre.

Discography

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Release date Label Cat# Artist(s) Release name Format
2009 Deep Medi Musik MEDI-013 Truth The Fatman / Stolen Children 12" / WEB
2009 Optimus Gryme Recordings OG12002 Optimus Gryme & Truth The Immortal Truth 12" / WEB
2009 Aquatic Lab LAB006 Truth Terror Planet 12"
2009 Aquatic Lab LAB007 Truth Revelations 12"
2010 Aquatic Lab LABCD002 Truth Puppets CD / WEB
2010 Deep Medi Musik MEDI-32 Truth Amnesia / International 12" / WEB
2010 Disfigured Dubz DISF010 Truth Stranger Than Fiction 12" / WEB
2010 Argon ARG031 Truth & Dutty Ranks Bombay Sapphire / Worlds Apart 12" / WEB
2010 Boka Records BOKA027 Truth Timeshift / Hackerz 12"
2010 Aquatic Lab LAB010 Truth Burglar / Dead Silence 12"
2010 Aquatic Lab LAB011 Truth Juno / Under Current 12"
2011 Wheel & Deal WHEELYDEALY022 Truth The Emperor 12" / WEB
2011 Deep Medi Musik MEDI-39 Truth Fatman VIP 12"
2011 GetDarker GDKR003 Truth Direct Blow / Snake 12"
2011 Black Box BLACKBOX019 Truth Full Baked / Birds 12"
2012 Boka Records BOKA039 Truth Insanity / Skitzo 12"
2012 Tempa TEMPA065 Truth Dreams / Last Time 12" / WEB
2012 Artikal Music UK ARTKL003 Truth Babylon London 12" / WEB
2012 Love Sick Recordings LUVSIC002 Truth / Riskotheque & Marchmellow Don't Explain / 1-800-Love 12"
2012 Moonshine Recordings MS009 Babylon System vs. Truth Babylon War 12" / WEB
2012 Tuba Records TUBA003 Truth All Alone / Good & Evil 12"
2013 Tempa TEMPA076 Truth Devil's Hands 12" / WEB
2013 Tempa TEMPA082 Truth Chicks & Drugs / Empire 12" / WEB
2013 New Moon Recordings NMN007 Truth Iron Lung / Medusa 12"
2014 Tempa TEMPA095 Truth Truth / J:Kenzo 12" / WEB
2014 Deep Medi Musik MEDI-81 Truth 30,000 ft 12" / WEB
2014 Tempa TEMPA085 Truth How Strange 12" / WEB
2014 Deep, Dark and Dangerous DDD01 Truth Undeniable 12" / WEB
2015 Firepower Records POW096 Truth The Ark 12" / WEB
2016 Deep, Dark and Dangerous DDD003 Truth Devils Game 12" / WEB
2016 Deep Medi Musik MEDI-92 Truth War Of The Minds 12" / WEB
2017 Deep Medi Musik MEDI-98 Truth Lion 12" / WEB
2017 Uprise Audio UALPS007 Seven / Truth / Juss B Bangbadem / Sour Power 12"
2017 Deep, Dark and Dangerous DDD018 Sectra, Truth Lucid Dreams WEB
2018 Deep, Dark and Dangerous DDD036 Truth Mushrooms 12" / WEB
2018 Deep, Dark and Dangerous DDD044 Truth Lurker 12" / WEB
2018 Deep, Dark and Dangerous DDD034 Truth, Stylust Beats, Youngsta Freakshow WEB
2018 Disciple DISC095 The Upbeats, Truth The Pack WEB
2019 Wakaan DDDWAKAAN Truth The Unexpected 12" / WEB
2019 UKF Music UKFTEN008 Truth Pixelated Pixie WEB
2019 Deep, Dark and Dangerous DDD046 Truth, Lelijveld Tears WEB

References

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  1. ^ "Truth - The Fatman". Boomkat. 21 January 2009. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  2. ^ Music Week, The Panel September 2010
  3. ^ Scott Kara, The New Zealand Herald, "Truth, Puppets review" September 2010
  4. ^ "Listen to Music from FX's American Horror Story: Coven". FX Networks.
  5. ^ ""American Horror Story" Boy Parts (TV Episode 2013) - Soundtracks". IMDB.
  6. ^ Khawaja, Jemayel (16 March 2015). "Deep Dubstep Stalwarts Truth Expand Their Sound into House and Beat Scene on 'The Ark' EP". VICE.
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