GOING IN DEEP: TRUS’ME

David Wolstencroft (aka Trus’me), has been slinging out a steady stream of albums and EP’s since 2008, that has distinguished him as an artist who pulls his influences from a widely cast net. From the dusty basement & disco sounds of Working Nights and In The Red, through to the clubbier inclinations of Treat Me Right and Planet 4, Trus’Me seems like an artist who is always searching for something new.

The soul edged House and Techno choice cuts creator began his journey surrounded by the frontiers of Manchester and it’s deep-rooted music scene, making it an effortless task for Trus’me to be exposed to good music from all genres. Shedding light on his constantly evolving taste as evident in his eclectic DJ sets, as well as in his uniquely, diverse productions.

“Like bookends some 12’s will work with both the beginning and the end of the night, such is the classy sampling from Trus’me” – Peter Nicholson, XLR8R

Inevitably, Trus’me’s promising musical career took off with his much reputed CD sampler Nards, that was responsible for the initial releases on Chicago’s Still Music Label. Garnering support from respected names like Ashley Beedle, Juan Atkins, Mad Matts, Gilles Peterson and Chez Damier, plus with his productions selling out at record stores from Manchester to Tokyo – Trus’me’s debut album Working Nights (2007), on Fat City Recordings, would go on to be highly successful, being hailed by most to be a timeless album, which still finds devotees till this day.

Even with his career skyrocketing into space, Trus’me wasn’t one to rest on his laurels. He went on to set up Prime Numbers, the label rapidly gained an unfaltering reputation for highly collectable and exceptional music from the likes of Move D, Actress, Linkwood, Fudge Fingas, Motorcity Drum Ensemble – basically all the artist that fit the ethos and style that Trus’me continues to have unrequited love for.

His follow-up album, In The Red, released in 2009 further cemented his place in the House Music scene – featuring the likes of Chez, Amp Fiddler and Dam Funk. It set off a flurry of remixes for acts like LCD Soundsystem, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Alton Miller, Anthony Shake Shakir and more, including non-stop touring to clubs and festivals in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, North America, South America and of course, in his native city Manchester where it all began.

Keeping it consistent with his rough release rate of one new album every couple years, you could argue that Trus’me is a victim of his own success – just how does he keep putting out absolute killers again and again? Well, the attempted answer in this case can be found in the breakdown of his production: Treat me Right. Stuffed with delicious analogue lines, mad machines and contrasting surfaces. The ravey kinetics of It’s Slow or the thick and imposing melancholia of Moonlight Kiss are prime examples, the albums real standout track though is Long Distance, doused in blissfully cinematic synths, with dreamlike vocals and drifting horns, it’s a bona fide heavyweight stepper. While this breakdown might have been better served across a couple of his EPs, you can’t fault the man for stepping outside of his comfort zone with this album.

Evidently, Trus’me has kept up his game in the scene. Releasing his fourth full length, Planet 4 in 2016, with follow-ups in 2017 (Planet 4 EP 1 & 2). Featuring nine cuts of intergalactic techno, it once again marks a considerable sonic evolution for the acclaimed UK artist. Coming into the present (2019), Trus’me has dropped his EP No Harm – the EP features a Delano Smith remix track (No Harm -Delano Smith Remix) and two other tracks (Someone New & No Harm). Also speaking of the present, we caught up with Trus’me, who’s pretty tight with our editor here at Secret Bali Life. They got to chatting and from that produced a solid in-depth interview especially for you guys! Scroll down and get the tea!

You are becoming a welcome regular on The Island Of The Gods so we thought we would ask you a few questions interspersed with your thoughts and tips for people visiting Bali…

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Yes, this is now my 10th-time visiting and playing on the IOTGs. Firstly I would always suggest visiting Uluwatu, taking in the beaches and the quintessential holiday aspect of the Island. Then visit the vibrant counter-culture of Berawa and Canggu, sojourn along the bespoke clothing shops, and pop up eateries and the vibrant music scene. Take in some martial arts and local boxing tournaments and see some local ethic events.  Then once you are spent, escape to peace and tranquilly of Ubud, in the North of the island. Where there is a plethora of waterfalls, temples and tropical downpours to reach your zen.

Where is your favourite place to wine and dine in Bali?

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So many to choose from, In Uluwatu I love to take a bed at Sundara, swim with and dine in the infinity pool, while consuming the scrumptious cocktails and Asian fusion foods on offer.  In Canggu, Mona Fish is my go to eatery for fresh fish, sushi a fresh young hipster atmosphere. In Ubud I tend to dine at La Pacha Mamba for some of the best Mexican food on the island, the ceviche is sublime.

What was your biggest achievement in 2019 professionally and personally?

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Moving from Berlin to Lisbon, it was a challenge and a Half. Setting up in this beautiful city has been both exciting and challenging, but I’m excited to dive into the vibrant music scene and begin a new monthly beach party with your own fellow patriot Tiago Oudman. We will be brining to Yamba, Caparica Beach, Lisbon the sister venture of Basement Love, where I play this NYE in Bali.

Where is your favourite place to stay for a romantic getaway in Bali?

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Without a doubt if I tell you this it won’t be so romantic, anymore.

What are you most excited about musically in 2020?

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Setting up a new studio with friends in Lisbon, and working on new material to provide content for both the re-launch of my label Prime Numbers www.pnrecords.com and working on a new LP.

What have you seen change in Bali since your first trip here in relation to the music scene?

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There is much more diversity, people genuinely are looking for a quality in both sound and décor. The locals and travelLers are not willing to bow down to the usual Holiday commercial music, they expect more from the island. For this reason I keep coming back to watch it grow as it’s becomes it carves it’s own musical entity.

Who are your top tips to look out for in 2020?

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Sound Metaphors from Berlin and Heat-wave from LA are all doing incredible stuff both as labels, parties and releases. Ones to educate yourselves on for sure.

If you could make one change to Bali to improve it for visitors what would it be?

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The Infrastructure, road safety and education. There is needles deaths and accident,  that I feel could be so easily avoided.

Do you make resolutions? If you do what is yours for 2020 and how long do you expect it to last?

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I strive for the classics mostly.  I try to adhere to eating well, sleeping well, valuing my friendships and loved ones and continually strive to be better version of myself.

Trus’ us when we say, you don’t want to miss Trus’me behind the decks at La Brisa during their killer New Year’s Eve party! Catch you guys there on January 31st, to bring in the New Year in style!