Plus Instruments - Truus de Groot & Richard van Kruysdijk

Plus Instrumentsis the brainchild of Truus de Groot. Born in Eindhoven and based between the US and The Netherlands, Truus de Groot, has been an unsung hero of the experimental and underground music scene for decades. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Dutch Underground”. Since 1978, she has been the curator Plus Instruments: a project which has inspired innovation across the world of Electronic music alongside a wide range of collaborators. At the time, the sheer free will for a group such as Plus Instruments was almost unheard of: their performances were largely improvised and their sound captivating. Her profile is low key and Plus Instruments is ever changing. She explains the rotation and progressive nature of the group. "It always comes from my own initiative; I decide who to play with. I believe that gives it new life each time. I was always more into improvisation with a minimal approach, less structured, more groove." After a successful few years as a band member of cult classic Nasmak and as reigning Queen of the Dutch “Ultra” movement, Truus left The Netherlands in 1981 at the young age of 21.

She travelled to New York and began to immerse herself in the nightlife and clubs of the city that never sleeps. Within weeks she established a new Plus Instruments line up with David Linton (Rhys Chatham) and Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth), this yielded the timeless classic Plus Instruments “Februari-April ’81” which has been reissued numerous times over the years. Through the years Plus Instruments released a number of albums with a host of different collaborators from around the globe. Plus Instruments has been active on the stage and studio throughout these last (almost) 5 decades with no sign of stopping! In 2025 Truus will be joined by Richard van Kruysdijk to perform as a dynamic duo with Acoustic Drums, or she will appear solo with her extensive repertoire. New Plus Instruments album “Unnoticed” on Ransom Note will debut February 2026.

Live impressies:https://youtu.be/25dPi5_4lNI?si=aRDqLrJe5rrU7frQ

Bandcampmost releases:https://plusinstruments.bandcamp.com

Quotes

“Truus de Groot is a legendary presence in ULTRA circles. A true musical pioneer whose interest in all sorts of noise” (luifabriek)

“Truus de Groot, has been an unsung hero of experimental and underground music culture for decades.” (Ransom Note)

“Truus is a visionary riding the ultimate post Ultra wave, straight into the future” (Oor magazine)

“From Amsterdam to New York City, Memphis, and San Diego County, de Groot has been one of electronic music’s under-the-radar innovators” (Bandcamp Feature)