electronic herd

The Flobots are an alternative rap / indie rock group that began in January 2005 in Denver, Colorado. They have become very successful since their formation as a side project by the emcees Johnny 5 and Brer Rabbit, teaming up with other members who are proficient in a wide variety of instruments. With Kenny Ortiz jammin’ on the drums, Jessie Walker walking the bass, Andy Guerrero (from Bop Skizzum) grooving on the guitar, and Mackenzie Roberts fiddling on the violin, the Flobots are very versatile and adept at incorporating a variety of styles into their songs. Their biggest radio hit, Handlebars, earned the #3 spot on Billboards Modern Rock Tracks chart in April, 2008, and the band is continuing to grow in popularity outside its local state of Colorado. Flobots has won the KTCL Hometown for the Holidays contest in 2007, and went on to have their single “Handlebars” aired regularly on KTCL, attracting major labels from outside of Colorado.
They recently signed with the Californian record label Universal Republic, which has signed major artists of a diverse range of styles, including Jack Johnson, Elton John, Akon, Ashanti, Stevie Wonder, and Nelly. The cooperation between Universal and the Flobots seems to be a perfect fit, as Universal’s interest in independent artists and new musical styles is reminiscent in the Flobot’s unique sound, a fusion of hip hop, funk, jazz, and even classical, as all members of the band have had various musical experiences in different genres.
The Flobots are very politically active, releasing albums that comment critically on common problems in America, especially war. Their pacifistic themes are evident in a majority of their songs, mirrors of their current project called “Street Team,” which organizes volunteer help in a grassroots effort to help the community by helping children’s homes and spreading awareness about the dangers of conflict in the world. Currently, this effort has been started in Denver, and will most likely spread when the Flobots hire a full-time event and volunteer coordinator.

You should be seeing this band more in the music industry news in the next few years – their popularity is growing along with their idea of spreading the message of volunteering in communities across the world. Whether or not you appreciate their fresh beats, you can definitely find meaning in their mission. Check out their website at www.flobots.com.