Elephant Tracksthe award-winning independent Australian label and artist management company, is calling time.
Founded by Kenny Shabir and a group of multicultural friends in 1998, Elefant Traks is the “champion of the underdog”, born out of “activism” and a DIY mentality, explains hip-Sydney managing director and artist director Tim Levinson (aka Urthboy). specialist in hops.
As the music label hit its stride, so did its roster which includes Australian Music Prize 2013 winners Hermitude, L-Fresh The Lion, The Herd, Joelistics, Horrorshow and more.
The independent music community took notice, announcing Elefant Traks as Best Independent Label at the 2012 AIR Awards.
“Just as we're celebrating 26 years of independent music, we're officially calling it a day,” comments Levinson, who has led the business since 2002, taking the helm alongside members of the Herd, including Kaho Cheung, Richard Tamplenizza and Dale Harrison. .
“It's sad, but it's also a cause for celebration as we look back on all the accomplishments of our artists,” Levinson continues. “So many friendships were made and relationships developed and songs were written. So many cultural stories were told.”
The ethos of Elefant Traks was then what it is now: the artists and his team “didn't want to hang around or wait for a company to give us permission, to do the things we love on our own terms,” he explains.
Today, “the challenges facing artists and the businesses that revolve around them are greater than ever,” he explains. But while “the adversities artists face may seem insurmountable, the future will be written by those who innovate and come up with new ideas in the same way that Elefant Traks did in 1998.”
The indie music business' staff includes Dale Harrison (production manager), Jannah Beth (A&R, project manager), Carolina De La Piedra (A&R, artist manager) and Sofia Nicotra (communications coordinator).
Before the doors close sometime later in 2024, Elefant Traks will host a round of final parties, details of which will be announced soon.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/business/record-labels/elefant-traks-australian-independent-hip-hop-close-2024-1235625841/