There are at least three artists with the name The Basics: 1. An Australian rock band (active from 2002 to present) 2. A US blues-roots rock band (active from 1999 to present) 3. An acoustic act from Adelaide Australia 2003-2007 1. The Basics were formed in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in 2002 by Kris Schroeder and Wally de Backer (AKA Gotye). Their musical style can loosely be described as heavily referencing 60s pop and rock (eg The Beatles, The Beach Boys) with elements of reggae and rhythm & blues.