OUR HISTORY

OUR HISTORY

1998-2024

What started as a mixtape of original songs for a friend moving overseas has grown into a vanguard of hip hop and electronic music culture that outlived all its peers, finally closing its doors in 2024.

Started in 1998 by a group of multicultural friends headed by Kenny Sabir, the early days were characterised by music and technology with a punk attitude. The DIY philosophy was carried by Tim Levinson when he took over the helm in 2002 alongside various members of the Herd including Kaho Cheung, Richard Tamplenizza and Dale Harrison - with a huge impact from the likes of Caitlin McGregor, Jannah Beth and Sally Coleman. From the breakthrough success of The Herd, through to Horrorshow, and the global achievements of Hermitude, Elefant Traks continually evolved with a roster of First Nations, African Australians, Asian and South East Asian artists paving and pioneering new sounds and stories.

Elefant Traks has always supported bold, changemaking artists who’ve pushed culture forward. In 2024, the label signed off with some huge celebratory farewell shows. Elefant Traks no longer signs new artists.

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As new releases appeared people from within The Herd would take on roles and fill in gaps from artwork to distribution, from booking shows to creating websites.

With Hermitude breaking through to international acclaim with their HyperParadise release, as well as Horrorshow becoming one of the most well loved hip-hop acts in the country the label spent the late 2000s and early 2010s going from strength to strength.

With each new challenge in a changing industry the label was able to organically grow, adding staff and skills to accommodate at each turn.

Always looking forward to the next thing, but with those large Elefant feet firmly placed to provide experience and stability, the label is ready to take on the next 25 years.