TRULZ & ROBIN 

London, 2 April 2021 — In an exclusive sit-down with DT 500 ZINE, Trulz & Robin, the dynamic duo celebrated for their contributions to the techno realm, delved into their musical odyssey and the profound impact of their roots.

Trulz & Robin’s love affair with music began amidst the shelves of record stores, blossoming into a lifelong passion ignited by their early DJ exploits. Recalling their formative years during the ’90s rave wave in Scandinavia, they reminisced about navigating the electric scenes of Oslo, Gothenburg, and beyond. “Rave events were a defining force for us; they were more than mere parties—they were gateways to unity and creative inspiration,” they reflected.

Their musical evolution mirrored technological advancements and the raw allure of techno. “Techno struck a chord because it transcended conventional emotions; it was about crafting a tribal, immersive journey,” they elaborated. This deep-rooted connection led them to explore a tapestry of sonic realms, blending influences from tribal rhythms to cutting-edge electronic compositions.

Discussing their current endeavours, Trulz & Robin spotlighted their projects under the Cymasonic label, underscoring their collaborations with fellow artists such as Camilla Luna and Brokkoli. “Collaboration fuels our creativity; it’s about sharing our passion with kindred spirits,” they warmly expressed.

Renowned for their eclectic production style, Trulz & Robin’s discography spans diverse genres, reflecting their multifaceted musical influences. “Our sound is a mosaic of our diverse musical backgrounds and our refusal to be confined by genre,” they affirmed, citing their latest opus “Kaosmatic” as a testament to this ethos.

DT 500 ZINE: – What Distinguishes a DJ/Producer from the Average Individual?

TRULS & ROBIN: – Music just happened as a natural development from working in record stores and starting to DJ at a very young age.

“We are ordinary people with an extraordinary passion for music.”

DT 500 ZINE: -What Are the Foundations of Your Upbringing?

TRULS & ROBIN: – Oslo / Gothenburg. We both grew up during the early ’90s, when the RAVE-SOLUTION started in Scandinavia, travelling between Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. 

“We were going to Rave EVENTS and experience unity. Being a part of that movement defines us; we feel blessed and grateful.” 

DT 500 ZINE: – What Were the Key Influences That Shaped Your Musical Journey?

TRULS & ROBIN: – We tried to learn some instruments before entering Techno. Listening to the sounds used in Techno was all about figuring out how to do that?! It was way before you could download a sample pack in any style. You must have a Tb-303 to make acid, or if you choose to have a proper house piano, you must buy a Korg M1. It was much more expensive, and you had to learn the trade.

” Techno was the music from the Future, and we connected directly with it probably because it was not about one song telling you all the bullshit feelings. Techno was a tribal vibe that got you in another state of mind, and it was supposed to be mixed by a DJ as a tool to work for the crowd.”

DT 500 ZINE: – Techno vs classical music? 

TRULS & ROBIN: – The repetitive element that lets your brain stop for a second. This was in many other styles before Techno arrived. It is all rooted in Africa: Fela Kuti, Mulatu Astatke, James Brown, and much more.

” It was the combination of Tribal music and Technology that gave birth to Techno. This spoke to us! I think that we all, deep inside, need this repetitive beat as natural as our ♥ beat!”

DT 500 ZINE: – What Cutting-Edge Techno Concepts and Innovations Inspire Your Current Creative Journey?

TRULS&ROBIN: – So many can’t say one… The KSMISK and SYNC are what we are burning for right now. Truly & Robin is moving in a more” Space Acid” direction, and ROBOMATIC is pushing the Electro.

DT 500 ZINE: – We’re Eager to Learn More About the CYMOSONIC Project—Could You Share Further Insights?

TRULS&ROBIN: – CYMASONIC is a platform on which we release a lot of music. It’s the brainchild of ARILD LOPEZ, our longtime friend and amazing DJ! He has us and CAMILLA LUNA on board so we can stand more robust as a team.

“It’s super good to work with friends to release records.”

DT 500 ZINE: – What Drives Your Mission and Vision?

DT 500 ZINE: – Can You Introduce Us to the Talented Individuals You’re Collaborating With?

TRULS &ROBIN:  CAMILLA LUNA has been our best friend for years on many projects. We also work with BROKKOLI, who sings on the latest ACID release on CYMAWAX. Maria Barefoot is a DJ/Producer with whom we are working right now, and we plan and top singer. We have worked to work with more musicians in 2016 now that we have a good recording room in our studio.

DT 500 ZINE: – Who Is Your Listener, and What Can They Expect to Experience from Your Artistic Journey?

TRULS & ROBIN: – everyone! Anything!

“We started releasing under different aliases in 2015 to make navigating easier for the listener.”

DT 500 ZINE: – What was the driving force behind your engine’s motion?

TRULS & ROBIN: –

“When we produce in the studio, we start with a clean sheet and not pay too much attention to what’s happening outside.” O much attention often, we improvise and let the unspoken musical communication lead the way.”

DT 500 ZINE: – What are your favorite tracks from up-and-coming artists, specifically referring to your own creations?

TRULS&ROBIN: –

1#Uma – Cymawax (soon to be released)

2# Goodbye, my love – Fullpupp (soon to be released)

3#Pust – De Fantastiske (Trulz & Robin remix)

DT 500 ZINE: – How did you approach the process of selecting and assembling the elements for your sound composition? The diversity in your work is quite noticeable.

TRULS &ROBIN:  It just happened. We are very different people with a lot of music inside, and we can never just choose one style. It never felt natural, so we ended up with this chaos of different genres of music. We even called our second Album, Kaosmatic, a double CD release.

DT 500 ZINE: – Who is your co-writer?

TRULS & ROBIN: Well, we don’t think much about titles. Often, a song is called a number or a handy name referring to a synth or bpm of a track, and then when we release it, we end up with these weird names that make no sense.

DT 500 ZINE: -“Dance Music Therapy LP” represents a significant departure from your previous work. Could you elaborate on the creative inspiration and conceptual background that shaped this distinctive project?

TRULS & ROBIN: – We wanted to make an album you could listen to on the sofa and in a bar. The inspiration comes from within, and we let the music speak for itself.

 

DT 500 MAG:-How do Trulz & Robin perceive the evolution and contrasts between Oslo during the 1990s and the city as it stands today?

TRULS&ROBIN: – Underground for the outcasts that were looking for like-minded. VS is Established, commercial and thriving for everyone.

DT 500 ZINE: – What are your thoughts on the current state of the creative scene in Oslo? Do you find yourself satisfied with the overall pulse and vibrancy of creativity in the city these days?

TRULS &ROBIN: – Very much so!

” I feel we are on the turning point of a scene that has been pushed to the edge of commercialism, and we are seeing more and more artists choosing the alternate route, which is basically back to what Techno once was without all the nonsense. We see more collaborations between contemporary music and great Techno. I feel it’s’ time Techno is recognised as art among other classical music.”

#fanzinestyle

DT 500 ZINE: – As you travel extensively across the country, what differences have you noticed in the audiences you encounter?

TRULS & ROBIN:  Oslo is unique because it is small and capitalist. It’s getting to be more and more like any other big city in Europe, but not so many years ago, you had to play a very varied style as a DJ compared to a DJ in Berlin, who could play full-on Techno from the first record of the night. This results in a lot of skilled DJs. Then you have the ridiculous closing hours that give people a 1 to 2-hour party experience that can be strange for the audience and the performer. But when everything works, and you have a good night in Oslo, it beats a lot of other cities we played in.

DT 500 ZINE: – When facing a loss of inspiration, what strategies or methods do you employ to regain your creative drive?

TRULS & ROBIN: – Wait for it to come back. You can force it, but then you risk losing even more, and it takes longer to get it back.

DT 500 ZINE:  – What events are on your calendar? Where can we find you performing or showcasing your work?

TRULS&ROBIN: –

4 Mars Trulz & Robin Live @ Dattera Til Hagen

11 Mars SYNC Impro jam Session @ Mir

DT 500 ZINE: – Thanx, and see ya guys!

Looking forward, Trulz & Robin remain steadfast in pushing musical boundaries and nurturing London’s burgeoning techno scene. “We firmly believe techno is an art form deserving recognition alongside classical music,” they asserted, hinting at upcoming performances and innovative projects.

For aficionados eagerly anticipating their next sonic expedition, Trulz & Robin’s forthcoming releases promise to captivate and inspire. As they continue to innovate and collaborate, their voyage through techno’s ever-evolving landscape underscores their unwavering commitment to musical excellence.

About Trulz & Robin: Trulz & Robin are pioneers in the techno sphere, celebrated for their experimental approach and boundary-pushing sound. Based in London and Gothenburg, they continue to shape the future of electronic music through their productions and collaborative ventures.

Photography by Andreas Rød

Interview by Arthur Sopin

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