The Herd formed in 2001 (though have all been affiliated as a crew since 1999) after the core members of Elefant Traks record label decided to collaborate rather than submit individual tracks for a compilation. They retreated from the city for weekends and days off to record at a lakeside house on the Central Coast. What resulted was the self-titled album that featured the hit ‘Scallops’, a song that became an Aussie backyard anthem, complete with the memorable summertime good vibes film-clip.
Mid-2002 The Herd put the final touches on the follow-up album, called An Elefant Never Forgets. What started out as a group of individuals working together had now developed into a tight and cohesive band, with members performing shows with each other constantly.
The new album was released in February 2003 amidst the invasion of Iraq by coalition forces. The first single ‘Burn Down The Parliament’ hit radio just after the devastating bushfires in Canberra. Then the second single, ‘77%’ hit the airwaves and immediately sparked controversy with media and particularly talkback radio hosts like Stan Zemanek. The Sydney Morning Herald ran stories on the song and The Herd while talkback hotlines rang hot with curious and furious callers wanting to know more.
Since February 2003 The Herd have been in touring mode, having played packed shows in every state in Australia, with sell-out shows in all major cities. At last count they had played to nearly 13, 000 people since the launch of An Elefant Never Forgets – and their reputation as one of the most exciting live bands in Australia just keeps growing.
Utilising laptops, live bass, guitar, turntables and three great MCs, the Herd have developed a deserved reputation for electrifying performances merging hiphop, beats and drum’n’bass. Laidback and light-hearted, whilst also politically conscious, The Herd have supported Blackalicious, Spearhead, Squarepusher, Mad Professor and Grandmaster Flash.
The Herd have performed at Union Rallies, Community Festivals, Detention Centres, large scale national music festivals like The Big Day Out and Splendour in the Grass. They've also performed in some of the largest venues in Australia including The Hordern Pavillion (6000 capacity) in a sold-out Grandmaster Flash show.
The Herd is made up of 10 members, and usually 5 or 6 live players. They are:
Traksewt – Producer
Alejandro – Producer
Rok Poshtya - Bass
Ozi Batla – Vocals, Producer
Urthboy - Vocals
Bezerkatron - Vocals
Uncle Ho - Producer
Snapsuit - Producer
Toe-Fu – Guitars, Vocals
Sulo – Producer, Guitar
