Tim Levinson, better known as Urthboy, reflects on his wildest performances with a chilling honesty: ‘There’s a lot of gigs where it’s a relief we’re still alive.’ As The Herd reunites to celebrate 20 years of The Sun Never Sets, Levinson shares the secrets to surviving life on the road—and it’s simpler than you’d think. ‘Clean socks after the gig,’ he insists, a lesson passed down from Dave of Resin Dogs during his early, chaotic touring days. But here’s where it gets controversial: Levinson argues that even the most politically charged songs, like Rage Against the Machine’s Killing in the Name, can be misinterpreted by audiences. ‘You can write a staunch activist anthem, but someone will twist it to fit their worldview,’ he notes, sparking a debate about art’s unintended consequences. And this is the part most people miss: Levinson’s favorite animal analogy isn’t about cuteness—it’s about survival. ‘Sea otters hold paws while sleeping so they don’t drift apart. It’s not adorable; it’s life or death,’ he explains, a powerful metaphor for human connection. When it comes to chaos on stage, Levinson recalls a Brisbane gig where rain flooded the stage, submerging cables and raising electrocution risks. ‘We kept rapping, wondering if we’d make it out alive,’ he admits, a story that highlights the recklessness of early touring days. Shifting gears, Levinson’s love for Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest is deeply personal. ‘It’s a record I’ll never make, but it’s shaped every decade of my life,’ he says, praising its jazzy, badass yet welcoming vibe. But here’s a bold take: Levinson believes Gremlins deserves a gritty reboot, directed by someone like Bong Joon Ho or Julia Ducournau. ‘Gizmo should lead the Gremlins this time, not betray them,’ he suggests, a controversial twist that’s sure to divide fans. His most cringeworthy celebrity encounter? Accidentally fawning over Paul Kelly in a silent green room. ‘I asked him how he writes songs, and the room went dead,’ he cringes, a relatable moment of fan awkwardness. Levinson also champions underrated Australian rapper Kayeonwun, calling him ‘unbelievable,’ and predicts his breakthrough moment is imminent. ‘Artists need that one big push, and he’s ready,’ Levinson insists. So, what’s your take? Do politically charged songs lose their meaning when misinterpreted? Should Gremlins get a dark, arthouse reboot? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is just getting started.
