Bootleg Rascal Celebrate 10 Years of “Psychotica” With Tour and New Merch

I was pretty late to the Bootleg Rascal party. They hit my radar in 2017, but by then they were already touring internationally. The good news is, it’s never too late to get on board. The news that they’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut EP Psychotica with a string of shows next year inspired me to go back to that breakthrough recording. It might have dropped a decade ago, but it still sounds fresh as a daisy.

The tour is exciting enough, but Bootleg Rascal will also mark the milestone with the re-release of Psychotica and their 2020 EP Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents “19 on one very special split 12” vinyl. They’ll also release a limited edition Psychotica T-shirt. A dollar from every shirt sold will benefit ANTAR, which campaigns for justice in solidarity for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or like me you’re new to the party, I encourage you to slip on Psychotica. While you’re enjoying the sweet funk-soul grooves, grab yourself some tickets to these shows. Bootleg Rascal will play Psychotica in its entirety, as well as some fan favourites, rarities, and new material. Could you ask for anything more? I think not. Get onto it!

8 April 2023 – Sol Bar, Jinibara/Maroochydore
14 April 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 April 2023 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
28 April 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
29 April 2023 – Transit Bar, Ngunnawal/Canberra
5 May 2023 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
13 May 2023 – The Lady Hampshire, Eora/Sydney
19 May 2023 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
20 May 2023 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
21 May 2023 – Mojo’s, Whadjuk/Fremantle

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Bootleg Rascal Deliver The Good Stuff With “Rescue Me”

You can always count on Bootleg Rascal for a good time. Their latest tune “Rescue Me” is an absolute banger. As if its sunny soul sound wasn’t enough, it comes complete with a Baywatch parody film clip. And if you’re still not satisfied, there’s a tour on the horizon. Happy days!

“Every Saturday night, Carlos, Fraser, and myself stay up late to have pillow fights and talk about the boys we like. During our time together, we also watch re-runs of Baywatch, The Sandlot Kids and clips of Kenny Powers slaying on a jet ski,” guitarist Jimmy Young admitted. “We thought about what we could do for the music video and then it hit us – we should just pay someone else to sort out a concept for us.”

Bootleg Rascal’s upcoming single shows are on track to sell out, so if you want some tickets, you know what to do.

1 September 2022 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
2 September 2022 – San Fran, Wellington
3 September 2022 – 12 Bar, Christchurch
7 October 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
8 October 2022 – Marrickville Bowlo, Eora/Sydney
14 October 2022 – Woolly Mammoth, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 October 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Good Intent

“Sloppy Seconds” – Bootleg Rascal

If there was any doubt that summer is on its way, Bootleg Rascal have just dropped their ultra-cool new album, Sloppy Seconds. If you’ve followed this blog for any period of time, you’re already familiar with their good vibes. The many recent singles always left me wanting a bit more, so this album is a real treat.

I must admit, I was taken aback when I spied the tracklist and saw the opening track was called “Albo.” Was this an ode to the opposition leader in the vein of The Whitlams’ Gough? Not quite. Instead “Albo” is an opening message recorded by Anthony Albanese himself, reminding us to support Aussie music. Brilliant!

As the album’s title suggests, the tracks here aren’t exactly new. The tagline calls it a “reimagined album.” I think of it as more like a greatest hits on steroids. The best songs from Bootleg Rascal’s earlier releases Asleep in the Machine, Psychotica, and Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents “19 receive new makeovers. I’ve enjoyed listening to these new recordings, then going back to the original source material and marvelling at the way they’ve improved the songs. Spoiler alert, they have every single time. These old favourites join recent singles including “Therapy” and “All About You.”

Despite drawing tracks from so many different sources, Sloppy Seconds is a really cohesive album because Bootleg Rascal have such a clear and distinct sound. The preview stream I received labelled it as reggaeton, but I’m not sure you can sum these guys up so neatly with a genre label. It’s music that transports me to summer days, sitting around the pool with a drink in hand and my mates by my side. It’s super catchy, the kind of music that you just want to keep listening to. If you’re not already familiar with Bootleg Rascal, Sloppy Seconds is the perfect introduction. If you already know what’s up, you already know you’re in for a good time.

Sloppy Seconds drops today. To celebrate its release, Bootleg Rascal are hitting the road for a massive tour all around the mainland. Frankly, this is the most ambitious tour schedule I’ve seen in more than a year! If you want to be a part of it, get your tickets now because they probably won’t last long:

19 November 2021 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
26 November 2021 – Indi Bar, Perth
27 November 2021 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
28 November 2021 – The Aardvark, Fremantle
4 December 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
10 December 2021 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
11 & 12 December 2021 – Kill the Dinosaurs, Port Elliot
15 January 2022 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
22 January 2022 – Howler, Melbourne
23 January 2022 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
28 January 2022 – Old Bundy Tavern, Bundaberg
29 January 2022 – The Leichhardt Hotel, Rockhampton
5 February 2022 – Solbar, Maroochydore
17 February 2022 La La La’s, Wollongong
18 February 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
19 February 2022 – UC Hub, Canberra

Images used with permission from Good Intent

Get Your Head Right With “Therapy” From Bootleg Rascal

If you’re in most parts of the country, this month has been pretty hard. I’m pretty sure I’m on my last nerve, so discovering Bootleg Rascal’s new track “Therapy” has been an absolute joy. The track featuring Citizen Kay and MAXINE has such a cruisy, summery vibe, it’s like a tropical holiday for your ears. Press play, close your eyes, and let your troubles melt away for a few minutes.

“Sometimes, your therapy can be music or switching off in front of the TV, but sometimes not even our biggest distractions are enough,” admitted Bootleg Rascal’s frontman, Carlos Lara. “It’s okay to ask for help; it’s okay to not be okay.”

Bootleg Rascal will head to Queensland for two special “Therapy” shows next month. Make an appointment to see the band at one of the following gigs:

13 August 2021 – CQ University Village Festival, Yeppoon
14 August 2021 – The Old Bundy Tavern, Bundaberg

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Bootleg Rascal and Saint Lane Team Up For “All About You”

You know when some of our best and brightest join forces, magic is bound to happen. Bootleg Rascal and Saint Lane’s new collaboration, “All About You,” had me from the first note. The cool, catchy track is just what you need to take you to the weekend.

“’All About You’ is the first Bootleg Rascal song entirely produced by Jim and myself. As we’ve spent more time off the road than ever before, we’ve shifted our attention to being more hands-on in the studio,” said Bootleg Rascal frontman, Carlos Lara. “The song itself is about love in the modern era, and how technology plays an integral role into shaping our behaviours and the way we interact with one another.” he continues.

Bootleg Rascal will play two shows in Queensland in the coming months. Will Gold Coast-based rapper Saint Lane join them at any of the shows? I guess you’ll just have to head along to find out!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Bootleg Rascal Releasing a Song a Month & New EP

The coronavirus pandemic may have halted touring plans, but Bootleg Rascal isn’t being idle. The Sydney duo is in the studio hard at work on a new EP, aptly titled Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents ’19. The band will release one track from the EP every month, starting with the very cool jam “We Independent.”

“’We Independent’ is a track we wrote inspired by starting to remove ourselves from a toxic situation,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “Initially, we were unsure how to break away from it, but sometimes you have to say enough is enough and follow your intuition. We’re so glad we took that leap of faith and couldn’t be heading in a better direction because of taking that risk.”

While Bootleg Rascal is having fun in the studio, the duo is also anticipating getting back among the fans. East Coast capital shows were pushed back to September while an appearance at Big Pineapple Musical Festival will now hopefully happen in November. Here are all the new dates for your concert calendar!

18 September 2020 – Howler, Brunswick
25 September 2020 – Marrickville Recreation and Bowling Club, Marrickville
26 September 2020 – Woolly Mammoth Alehouse, Fortitude Valley
21 November 2020 – Big Pineapple Music Festival, Woombye

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Bootleg Rascal Ready for Summer Vacay Tour

We’re all thinking about summer holidays, including Bootleg Rascal. They haven’t released any new material since selling out shows on their Yin & Yang Australian and New Zealand tour, but they’re already set to hit the road again on their Summer Vacay tour. This time around the lads will follow the sunshine and stop in more regional centres along with the familiar capitals, ensuring more Aussies can see them do what they do best.

“Touring in more remote areas has always been something close to our hearts,” says guitarist Jimmy Young. “We get the chance to bring the show to music fans who might not get the opportunity to catch as much live music than those in major cities.”
Make sure you arrive early enough for the support acts, as Bootleg Rascal have handpicked some of the best up-and-comers you’ll ever year.

There’ll also be some “totally cooked” crowd participation games from Bobby Dazzler’s Sideshow Alley between artist sets. If you’ve ever wanted to play Pinger Pinata, Pin the Toupee on Trump, or Wheel of Misfortune, you know where to go.

Tickets are on sale now from Bootleg Rascal’s website. Given the enthusiastic reception for the last tour, you’ll want to get them sooner rather than later!

9 January 2020 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (with Fresh Violet and R.em.edy)
10 January 2020 – The Grand, Mornington (with Fresh Violet and R.em.edy)
11 January 2020 – SS&A, Albury (with support acts TBA)
17 January 2020 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
18 January 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
19 January 2020 – Park House, Mona Vale (with A.Girl and Grace Grove)
24 January 2020 – Miama Marketta, Gold Coast (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
25 January 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (with Venice Queens and Saint Lane)
30 January 2020 – Jive Bar, Adelaide (with Richysand and Alex Hosking)
31 January 2020 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
1 February 2020 – Indi Bar, Perth (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
2 February 2020 – Mojos, Fremantle (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
7 February 2020 – The Beery, Terrigal (with Nelipot, Saint Spook, and Deadshowws)
8 February 2020 – Transit Bar, Canberra (with Liv Li and Muddy Wolfe)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Bootleg Rascal Drop “Yin & Yang”

Bootleg Rascal get the party started with their stellar new double A-side single, “Yin & Yang.” As its name suggests, this release showcases two sides of this quality Australian outfit.

“Get Over Myself” is a hard-hitting urban explosion which takes its cues from the music of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Outkast. “Tryin’ to Run” is a real floor-filler with one of the funkiest grooves you’ll hear all year. They’re both such fabulous tracks, I’m not sure I can pick a favourite! Listen to both, and repeat.

If you think these songs sound good at home, just wait until you experience Bootleg Rascal live. They’re coming at you with shows around Australia and New Zealand later this year.

31 August 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
6 September 2019 – The Foundry, Brisbane
7 September 2019 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
11 September 2019 – Yonder, Queenstown
12 September 2019 – U-Bar, Dunedin
13 September 2019 – Blue Smoke, Christchurch
14 September 2019 – Neck of the Woods, Auckland
15 September 2019 – Totara Street, Tauranga

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Get Funky With Bootleg Rascal

Sydney ghetto dubsters Bootleg Rascal have just dropped a groovy new single “Mercy,” our first taste of their sophomore album Anònimo.

“Mercy” is so catchy, with a funky reggae core and a gospel-laden vocal hook. Those synthesisers are making me feel nostalgic, and I love the way the female harmonies complement the flawless vocals from Bootleg Rascal frontman Carlos Lara.

Bootleg Rascal will celebrate Anònimo’s October 5 release with shows along the East Coast. Tickets are on sale now.

19 October 2018 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
25 October 2018 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
27 October 2018 – The Northern, Byron Bay
2 November 2018 – UOW Uni Bar, Wollongong
4 November 2018 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
5 November 2018 – Howler, Melbourne
9 November 2018 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane

Image used with permission from The Neighbourhood

Bootleg Rascal Touring North America

Bootleg Rascal could just be our next big thing. The Sydney indie-dub trio recently toured their new single “With You” to capacity crowds around the country. And next month they’re set to bring their show to music lovers across North America.

The band has also just dropped its new music video, which is a real visual spectacular.

“Rather than stick to a conventional and cohesive narrative, we wanted the clip to be completely incongruous; jumping from scene-to-scene erratically to accentuate the dream-like experience for viewers,” guitarist Jimmy Young explained. “It’s a collection of intriguing standalone shots, which loosely connect in a more underlying and haunting type feel.”

Bootleg Rascal is currently working on a second album with longtime collaborator Ian Pritchett. Fans abroad should get the chance to hear some of the new material at the following shows. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

6 June 2017 – The Catalyst, Santa Cruz
8 June 2017 – Barboza, Seattle
10 June 2017 – Venue, Vancouver
11 June 2017 – GLC, Whistler
14 June 2017 – Milk Bar, San Francisco
15 June 2017 – Observatory (Constellation Room), Santa Ana
16 June 2017 – Hotel Café, Los Angeles