WHEN a group of mates on Elefant Traks decided to have a go at working together, most people thought it would be a mess with too many members and too little direction. They were wrong, eight years later they are one of the most talented, outspoken and focussed groups of Australian hip hop artists. Yassays.com talks to Dale Harrison about the glue that holds them all together and how they check their egos at the door.
Listen to The Herd - 77%
Combine politically charged rhymes with radio friendly beats and unmatched melody and you have a formula for a hit from The Herd. Back in 2001, The Herd made history and caught the attention of the nation with 77%. The track quickly infiltrated the airwaves and left them in the spotlight of controversy, as everyone had an opinion. With lyrics declaring that ‘77% of Australian’s are racist’, passionate debate ensued. Fortunately the media surrounding the track not only boosted sales but also raiased awareness about refugees seeking asylum in Australia, specifically relating the MV Tampa incident.
Five full length albums later and the success of solo projects of Urthboy, Unkle Ho, and Ozi Batla, The Herd and its members have cemented themselves in Australian music history, without letting their heads swell. How do they walk the thin line? “With The Herd stuff it’s about putting trust in other member’s ideas, even if they don’t seem strong at the time. It’s all about putting trust in their vision and their abilities. The Herd is an ego free zone in many ways.” It sounds like music making utopia and slightly artificial, but there is something earnest about this crew that makes it all a bit believable.
Critics often marginalise artists that take a strong political stance but some how The Herd have managed to state their often controversial views without isolating or manipulating the audience. “We have been painted as the really political band and we are political, but I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t be political in music. I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t express an opinion given the ability to.”
While it’s hard to pinpoint how The Herd has escaped being pigeon holed, but it could be due to their organic commitment to the basic principal of respect to all faucets of their celebrity status, both fans and each other. Harrison says, “The access that The Herd provides us is a privilege that isn’t to be taken lightly. We have an ability to reach a lot of people quite seriously. It’s not to be taken advantage of.”
With eight equally talented members with flourishing solo careers and the management of the Sydney based Elefant Traks, it it’s easy to assume they face difficulty in devoting time to The Herd, but with a little bit of magic and much flexibility it works itself out.
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