Tim Levinson, better known as Urthboy, opens up about the wild ride of his music career, and trust us, it’s a story you won’t want to miss. From near-death gigs to political anthems, this is the raw, unfiltered truth behind the artist and his band, The Herd.
As The Herd hits the road to celebrate 20 years of The Sun Never Sets, Levinson shares his ultimate survival tip for touring: clean socks after every show. It might sound simple, but it’s a lesson he learned early on from Dave of Resin Dogs. ‘It’s the little things that keep you grounded,’ he says, reflecting on the chaos of life on the road.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Levinson’s take on protest songs. He cites Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine as a prime example of a track that’s both universally appealing and unapologetically political. ‘It’s a song that can resonate with someone on the far right, but at its core, it’s a call to action,’ he explains. Is it possible for art to be both accessible and radical? Levinson thinks so, but not everyone agrees.
When asked about his spirit animal, Levinson’s answer is surprisingly profound. ‘Right now, I’m like those sea otters that hold onto each other while they sleep,’ he says. ‘It’s not just cute—it’s survival. A beautiful symbol of connection.’ And this is the part most people miss: in a world that often feels disconnected, Levinson finds hope in the simplest acts of unity.
One of the most pivotal lessons Levinson learned came from Kenny of The Herd, AKA Traksewt: choose your battles wisely. Levinson admits, ‘I used to love a good fight, especially coming from hip-hop culture, where confrontation was the norm.’ But watching Kenny defuse tension with grace taught him that not every battle is worth fighting. ‘It completely changed how I approach problem-solving,’ he reveals.
Speaking of chaos, Levinson recounts a particularly wild gig in Brisbane during a 4ZZZ benefit. ‘The stage was flooding, cables were underwater, and we were rapping, wondering if we were going to get electrocuted,’ he recalls. ‘Looking back, it’s a miracle we’re still here.’ It’s a story that highlights the reckless, devil-may-care spirit of the early 2000s touring scene.
When it comes to music, Levinson’s go-to album is Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest. ‘It’s one of those records that’s meant something to me in every decade of my life,’ he says. But here’s the twist: he believes it’s a record he could never make himself. ‘It’s jazzy, welcoming, and badass all at once—a perfect blend of artistry and attitude.’
Now, for his most controversial pop culture take: Levinson wants a Gremlins reboot, but with an arthouse director like Bong Joon Ho or Julia Ducournau at the helm. ‘Imagine Gizmo leading the Gremlins instead of betraying them,’ he suggests. ‘It’s time for Gizmo to take a hard look at himself.’ Bold? Absolutely. But it’s an idea that’s sure to spark debate.
Levinson also shares a cringe-worthy celebrity encounter from the Cannot Buy My Soul tour in 2009. ‘I cornered Paul Kelly backstage and asked him how he writes songs,’ he admits. ‘The room went silent, and I realized I’d just become that awkward fan.’ It’s a relatable moment that even the most seasoned artists can’t escape.
As a songwriter, Levinson looks to authors for inspiration, particularly Kae Tempest. ‘They have this way of assembling words that leaves you feeling something profound,’ he says. And this is the part most people miss: the beauty of language isn’t just in the words—it’s in how they make you feel.
Finally, Levinson shines a spotlight on Kayeonwun, a Brisbane-based rapper he believes is criminally underrated. ‘He’s got the talent, the story, and the drive,’ Levinson says. ‘He just needs that breakthrough moment.’
The Herd’s 20th-anniversary tour of The Sun Never Sets is currently making its way across Australia, and if Levinson’s stories are anything to go by, it’s a show you won’t want to miss. But here’s the real question: in a world that often feels chaotic, what’s your survival tip? And do you think art can truly change the way we see the world? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears.
