Truncate is one of Los Angeles’ household names within the house and techno scene. His productions and label are one of the most charted in the world, making Truncate and his music one of the most widely sought-out artists of the underground. Good things take hustle, but great things take time. There are no overnight successes. Truncate and his successful music career are a product of his willingness to do whatever it takes, for however long it takes to keep his passion for music burning. Success happens over time not overnight, and he shares his motivations behind his musical ambitions and the tricky waters aspiring artists need to navigate.
“I think it’s important to realize that not everyone will make it and have a full-time career in music. It’s a hard reality. Get into this for the right reasons. Do it because you love it. A lot of beginning artists are constantly bombarded with successful DJs and producers on social media and they strive for that, but not everyone will be that big and successful. […]”
Truncate shares the hard truth, and a reality check electronic artists need every now and then
Thank you for taking the time to chat with 6AM to dive deeper into its ArtistMap program. Why a career in music, and what was your “gateway song” that started your love for house and techno?
Thank you for having me! Well, I didn’t really plan on a music career. Although I knew from a young age, music was going to be a big part of my life. I really didn’t think I would be doing this for a living. It was always a hobby before and I thought making a living off touring and making music was just a dream, but here I am!
I don’t really have a gateway song, but I remember hearing electronic music at family backyard parties when I was a kid in the 80s. I was drawn to hip-hop and electro then eventually got into house and techno through mixtapes from my brother, and also from mix shows on the radio (Powertools, Mars FM/Groove radio (pre-internet). Pretty much from the early 90s, I was drawn to house and techno, and it only grew from there.
There’s a lot of information and tutorials out there about music production and DJing, and not so much about the personal journey (what it takes to start and keep going). Why do you think it’s important for aspiring artists to have a resilient mindset and a strong sense of self-discipline in addition to other more talked about practical skills?


I think it’s important to realize that not everyone will make it and have a full-time career in music. It’s a hard reality. Get into this for the right reasons. Do it because you love it. A lot of beginning artists are constantly bombarded with successful DJs and producers on social media and they strive for that, but not everyone will be that big and successful. Once you get past that, focus on doing what you love and the recognition will follow. 

There really isn’t one way to do this. Everyone’s journey is different, but if you do want to do this and make touring a part of your life, be prepared to lose your personal and family social life. You will be gone most weekends, which in your personal life, means when everyone has their birthday parties, baby showers weddings, etc…
“If you do want to do this and make touring a part of your life, be prepared to lose your personal and family social life. It’s not as easy as it may look. You only see the highlights on social media, but you don’t see the grind.”
Truncate agrees that success is only the tip of the iceberg
I missed out on so many occasions because I was on the road. It’s not as easy as it may look. You only see the highlights on social media, but you don’t see the grind. I don’t even know how you would prepare someone for a life like this. I was never prepared for it… but after so many years you get used to it and flying from LA to Europe was just like a commute to work. It’s so bizarre when you think about it.
“We didn’t have social media to worry about. The music spoke for itself. People couldn’t put a face to a DJ unless they saw them at a party or in a magazine. Now everything has become so visual and it’s about your persona more than the music. I hate to say that, but it’s true. Music and talent will take you very far don’t get me wrong but it all depends on what you’re striving for.”
Truncate discusses the changing landscape