Truth (duo) explained

Truth
Origin:Christchurch, New Zealand
Genre:Dubstep, Drum & Bass, Bass
Years Active:2007–present
Spinoffs:Shadow People
Current Members:
  • Tristan Roake
  • Andre Fernandez
Past Members:
  • Julian Van Uden

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

Establishment and Early Years (2007-2010)

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.

Expanding Influence and Discography (2011-2016)

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:

Deep, Dark & Dangerous Label

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

Growth and Continued Evolution (2017-Present)

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

Release dateLabelCat#Artist(s)Release nameFormat
2009Deep Medi MusikMEDI-013TruthThe Fatman / Stolen Children12" / WEB
2009Optimus Gryme RecordingsOG12002Optimus Gryme & TruthThe Immortal Truth12" / WEB
2009Aquatic LabLAB006TruthTerror Planet12"
2009Aquatic LabLAB007TruthRevelations12"
2010Aquatic LabLABCD002TruthPuppetsCD / WEB
2010Deep Medi MusikMEDI-32TruthAmnesia / International12" / WEB
2010Disfigured DubzDISF010TruthStranger Than Fiction12" / WEB
2010ArgonARG031Truth & Dutty RanksBombay Sapphire / Worlds Apart12" / WEB
2010Boka RecordsBOKA027TruthTimeshift / Hackerz12"
2010Aquatic LabLAB010TruthBurglar / Dead Silence12"
2010Aquatic LabLAB011TruthJuno / Under Current12"
2011Wheel & DealWHEELYDEALY022TruthThe Emperor12" / WEB
2011Deep Medi MusikMEDI-39TruthFatman VIP12"
2011GetDarkerGDKR003TruthDirect Blow / Snake12"
2011Black BoxBLACKBOX019TruthFull Baked / Birds12"
2012Boka RecordsBOKA039TruthInsanity / Skitzo12"
2012TempaTEMPA065TruthDreams / Last Time12" / WEB
2012Artikal Music UKARTKL003TruthBabylon London12" / WEB
2012Love Sick RecordingsLUVSIC002Truth / Riskotheque & MarchmellowDon't Explain / 1-800-Love12"
2012Moonshine RecordingsMS009Babylon System vs. TruthBabylon War12" / WEB
2012Tuba RecordsTUBA003TruthAll Alone / Good & Evil12"
2013TempaTEMPA076TruthDevil's Hands12" / WEB
2013TempaTEMPA082TruthChicks & Drugs / Empire12" / WEB
2013New Moon RecordingsNMN007TruthIron Lung / Medusa12"
2014TempaTEMPA095TruthTruth / J:Kenzo12" / WEB
2014Deep Medi MusikMEDI-81Truth30,000ft12" / WEB
2014TempaTEMPA085TruthHow Strange12" / WEB
2014Deep, Dark and DangerousDDD01TruthUndeniable12" / WEB
2015Firepower RecordsPOW096TruthThe Ark12" / WEB
2016Deep, Dark and DangerousDDD003TruthDevils Game12" / WEB
2016Deep Medi MusikMEDI-92TruthWar Of The Minds12" / WEB
2017Deep Medi MusikMEDI-98TruthLion12" / WEB
2017Uprise AudioUALPS007Seven / Truth / Juss BBangbadem / Sour Power12"
2017Deep, Dark and DangerousDDD018Sectra, TruthLucid DreamsWEB
2018Deep, Dark and DangerousDDD036TruthMushrooms12" / WEB
2018Deep, Dark and DangerousDDD044TruthLurker12" / WEB
2018Deep, Dark and DangerousDDD034Truth, Stylust Beats, YoungstaFreakshowWEB
2018DiscipleDISC095The Upbeats, TruthThe PackWEB
2019WakaanDDDWAKAANTruthThe Unexpected12" / WEB
2019UKF MusicUKFTEN008TruthPixelated PixieWEB
2019Deep, Dark and DangerousDDD046Truth, LelijveldTearsWEB

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2009-01-21 . Truth - The Fatman . 2018-02-06 . Boomkat.
  2. Music Week, The Panel September 2010
  3. Scott Kara, The New Zealand Herald, "Truth, Puppets review" September 2010
  4. Web site: Listen to Music from FX's American Horror Story: Coven . FX Networks.
  5. Web site: “American Horror Story” Boy Parts (TV Episode 2013) - Soundtracks . IMDB.
  6. Web site: Khawaja . Jemayel . March 16, 2015 . Deep Dubstep Stalwarts Truth Expand Their Sound into House and Beat Scene on ‘The Ark’ EP . VICE.