Release of the Week 7/2: Bootleg Rascal “Lonely Times”
Bootleg Rascal have dropped a huge tune, right in the middle of a fifteen-show metro and regional tour. The Sydney based band, comprising of long-time collaborators and friends Carlos Lara and Jimmy Young, have garnered continuous praise for their genre-fluid sound and varied influences. As their third release since sophomore album Anónimo in 2018, this track acts as both an introduction to the old and an establishment of the new. “Lonely Times” is an upbeat and eclectic song that combines multiple different styles, textures and genre conventions. The result is an absolute gem of a track, released alongside the announcement of a new tour in late March/early April.
There are elements of the song that are great examples of the classic Bootleg Rascal sound, while others highlight the new direction that the band is taking now that they’ve grown as artists. The opening chorus and verse immediately establish the sonic fusion that makes Bootleg Rascal so special. The instrumentation, which is made up of effect-heavy electric guitars balanced with soft acoustic guitars, irregular percussions underneath drum samples and soulful singing mixed with dynamic rapping, combines elements of psychedelia, reggae and hip/hop to create Bootleg Rascal’s unique and distinct sound. However, the production, particularly in the rhythm and bass section, move “Lonely Times” away from the psychedelic reggae of previous years and more towards the electronic hip/hop side of the band. Produced by the band themselves, long-time collaborator Ian Pritchett, and Simon Dobson, every beat is tight, contrasting with the wide soundscape established by the melodic instrumentation. As a result, the drum machines and percussion samples are brought forward in the mix, emphasising the rhythm section and turning the sun-soaked emotion of the vocal chorus into a party starting summer jam.
Backyard Opera sat down with Bootleg Rascal to discuss the new track and how it came about:
If you could describe the track in three words, what would they be?
Spicy sour margarita.
When did you write the track and how did it come together?
We spent a week up at Jimmy's house in the Gold Coast, between sitting in the make shift studio and going to parties on the coast, this was one of the songs that came out and I think you can definitely hear that vibe!
What are some of the musical influences on “Lonely Times”?
The new age of Bootleg is definitely more hip hop focused than it was previously, and in ‘Lonely Times’ you can definitely hear those influences coming through. I definitely remember listening to a lot of OutKast and J.Cole over the week that we wrote it!
Bootleg Rascal is often praised for your mixing of genres like reggae, dance and hip hop. What new does “Lonely Times” bring to the table?
I think it’s heavy on those sampled kicks and snares, giving it that hip hop sound, while also having all the things you love about Bootleg. My favourite part is probably when it breaks down to acoustic guitar…..typical Booty change!
What’s the ideal situation to listen to “Lonely Times”?
At about 1am when you think the night is done, and then this song comes on and invigorates the party to keep going till the sun rises!
Be sure to listen to the track here:
