Com Truise is the stage name of Seth Haley, an American electronic musician originally from Oneida, New York, and later, Princeton, New Jersey. The name is a spoonerism of Tom Cruise. Originally an art director, he turned in his resignation prior to his first release as Com Truise. Prior to this, Seth Haley was a drum and bass DJ until he fell into the 80′s style that he is known for today.
Facts
They only time I was suspended from school was because I hacked the school computers.
I am not a big fan of cheese.
I watch Blade Runner once a week.
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Sound design and the production techniques of certain time periods. I’m quite inspired by films and nostalgic thoughts. I tend to write music inspired by the future or the past, not so much the present.
How and when did you get into making music?
I’d say about ten years ago is when I started. Even before that, I can remember dubbing cheap keyboards over tapes of The Chemical Brothers. I think my first step into production was trying my hand at being a DJ. DJing forced me into being aware of sounds and trends in electronic music and pushed me in the direction of writing music that I thought was missing from the world. I started writing drum and bass, but after a few years I got a little bored, about the same time I discovered Boards of Canada. Boards of Canada was a revelation to me–their complex melodies, and the overall feeling and world their music created for the listener. Over the next few years I explored down-tempo, abstract hip-hop and electro through different aliases. Com Truise is the product of that exploration, a culmination of my life and travels with music.
What are your 5 favourite albums of all time?
Gary Numan/Tubeway Army–Replicas
Joy Division–Unknown Pleasures
Boards of Canada–Music Has the Right to Children
Future World Orchestra–Mission Completed
Bibio–Fi
What do you associate with Berlin?
Forward thinking electronic music. I have yet to visit, but I have no doubt I’ll be there in the near future.
What’s your favourite place in your town?
It’s not so much this town but, my parents have a house in the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York. The air is so fresh It makes you tired. It’s my favorite place to forget about life and just enjoy being alive.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Filmmaking. I’m obsessed with picture quality. There’s definitely a visual aspect to my music.
What was the last record you bought?
I just ordered the Siriusmo – “Feromonikon/Signal” 12″ from Monkeytown Records not 30 minutes ago.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
David Frank, he is a legend in my book.
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
I DJed with Phace in Philadelphia a few years back. We went to some warehouse party after, and Flo (Half of Phace) totally twisted the top of the glass bottle right off leaving a gnarly jagged opening, cheers’ed me and drank the beer, glass and all.
How important is technology to your creative process?
Very, I’m a nerd. I’m not saying I couldn’t do what I do with a more minimal setup but I love being surrounded by buttons and knobs.
Do you have siblings and are they proud or jealous of you?
I have a younger sister and she is quite proud of my success thus far. She writes music also and is quite the wordsmith, I’m sure she’ll do just as well if not better than me!
Our Favourites:
Sundriped
Brokendate
vimeo.com/29268321
Links: comtruise.com / ghostly.com | Facebook | Interview with Com Truise / Seth Haley by Digital in Berlin
