We caught up with the amazing Thomas Truax for a quick interview before his return to our fair city this weekend…
What is something you’ve learned whilst touring the UK in the past?
A friend of mine I was touring with here in the UK was asked to put the kettle on. In America we don’t have plug-in kettles, they’re always just the traditional type, heated on the stove. This awful smell of burning plastic came creeping from the kitchen.
Are you currently working on any new projects? If so, what are they?
New album in the works. I’ve recently started a bandcamp-based thing called The Full Moon Music Club in which I create and release a new song each month at the time of the full moon. And I just got married.
We know you make your own instruments, what is your latest creation and what does it do?
That would spoil the surprise!
What are some of the inspirations for your music?
Just about everything: Street noises, jungle noises, strange noises from under the stairs, lack of noises, visual artwork. And every microwave I come across plays its own song, have you noticed that? Hidden in the buzz as soon as you hit the go button.
How would you describe your music to someone who doesn’t know about you?
That’s a hard one, like being asked to describe someone’s personality to someone who hasn’t met them. Rambunctious after it loosens up but beforehand often moody and shy?
Do you have any pre-show or after-show traditions?
I try to shake every part of my body, so that nothing shakes by itself anymore. That’s both before and after.
What is your favourite instrument and why?
They are like my children, so I certainly wouldn’t want to alienate any over the others by singling them out, especially in ‘print’, where one might come across it.
Where is the weirdest venue you’ve ever played in?
Hmm, good question. Perhaps a school cafeteria during lunch. I can’t even remember where it was, somewhere in upstate New York. All I can remember is thinking how the hell did pursuing music ever bring me back here? All I ever wanted was to escape places like this.
What made you decide to create your own instruments?
So many things. Sounds that sounded good to me but weren’t typically found in music. Trouble keeping bands with other humans together. The realization that I could be the best Hornicator player the world has ever known after only one day of practice. etc.
What advice can you give to people who are trying to put themselves out there in the music world?
There are so many myths, and so many different definitions of success these days. The music world is now many worlds. Don’t put all your effort into trying to get big recognition or fame, enjoy the little successes of just connecting to someone through your music.
Where are you from and can you tell us a fun fact about your hometown?
I’m from Wowtown which used to be part of America but we collectively psychically decided to lift our small landmass out of that continent like a giant cupcake and set it down in the Atlantic Ocean. So now we are a floating island and enjoy significantly more freedom.
We hope you can all come and see Thomas Truax play The Angel Microbrewery this Saturday with support from 94 Gunships, Hollywood, Stacey McMullen and Fi Shanks on the decks with surprises from The Dilletante Society!
Check out the imaginative Thomas Truax on YouTube!!
Get your advance ticket here! Tickets will also be selling on the night behind the bar at The Angel!
Join the Facebook event here, share with your friends and spread the word. As well as checking out some of the brilliant supporting acts of the night on Facebook, like and follow to keep up to date with their future gigs.
Hollywood – https://www.facebook.com/hollywoodsounds/
94 Gunships – https://www.facebook.com/94Gunships/
Stacey McMullen – https://www.facebook.com/StaceyMcMullenMusic/
Fi Shanks – https://www.facebook.com/fishanksmusic/
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