Inspiration is Everywhere: An Interview with Bootleg Boy

8 Jul

We all know ‘The Bootleg Boy’... but how did it all begin? And why?

The bootleg boy started back in 2017. I was smoking at the time and used to love watching simpsonwave videos, they just felt nostalgic and chill. I’d been making videos on YouTube under other channels for a while but not particularly successfully, so decided to try a new channel making my own simpsonwave and it took off almost over night. Then I put hours into making more and more videos, despite not having the tools or skills to make them as well as other creators.

Bootleg Boy has transformed from a music sharing platform to a label and an artist persona… Has running one of the biggest platforms for lofi listeners changed how you view the genre?

I feel like I’ve been around this version of ‘Lofi’ from the early days. And I still love the old style, gritty beats using samples and capturing emotion. But I think it’s clear to everyone that ‘Lofi’ has changed and morphed into something different now, which is fine and natural with anything, but I definitely still miss those old-school feeling tracks. They’re still around, but a lot of the artists I grew with aren’t making that style anymore, so I definitely view it all with nostalgia-tinted glasses… and respect the producers that are staying true to the sound.

What’s one thing your listeners/followers wouldn’t expect about you?

I honestly think a lot of my listeners probably don’t realise how much music I produce and how much time I’ve been putting into the artist side of ‘bootleg’, but that’s totally fine I’m happy to keep the channel and my artist persona separate, to an extent. Most of my subscribers signed up for the mixes etc not me trying to push my own music, so I try to find a natural balance with how much of it I share through the channel/label.

What’s your creative process for making videos & music?

My creative process has changed a lot over the years.

With YouTube, I’ve found having specific schedules etc to stay consistent. But as for finding the ideas/inspiration, I’m a massive consumer of YouTube, anime, music etc. So I generally note down any ideas I have for videos, and the inspo can come from anywhere. Then I’ll make videos throughout the week and take ideas from my notes.

With producing music I try to be as fluid with it as possible, never forcing it and just making whatever style/genre I want at the time, whether I have any intention of releasing it or not. Playing around with different genres has been so important in me growing as an artist.

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What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to start a YouTube channel?

I’d probably say never underestimate how difficult YouTube is.

Most channels fail, especially if you just try to copy a successful channel. You have to focus on your USP and be true to yourself. Take inspiration from those that are doing well, but if you try and emulate it unnaturally your audience will feel that.

Is there an album that’s changed the way you think about music?

Untrue by Burial changed the way I viewed production completely. From showing me how to utilise texture, to the niche samples and even how important it can be to not focus on making things ‘perfect’. And I mean ‘perfect’ in the scientific sense, you don’t want to sterilise your music, the ‘human touch’ is something I’m always trying to bring out in my music.

What’s the most challenging thing you’ve had to overcome as an artist?

The hardest thing is learning the tools. I’ve always been quite creative, and for years I’ve been listening to submissions all day every day so I can really recognise what I like, and don’t like, immediately. But it’s taken years of practice (and tutorials) to actually be able to make my ideas a reality.

How do you stay dedicated to your project after almost 10 years of working on ‘The Bootleg Boy’?

I stay ‘dedicated’ by not being harsh on myself. Allowing myself the room to change styles/genres with whatever I feel like. Not chasing trends and forcing myself to do what gets the most views, just releasing the music I enjoy listening to and making the videos I like watching. Its selfish really, but I just make the content for myself, the fact other people want to consume it is just an added bonus.

What one thing you’d like to achieve with your platform?

I don’t think there’s one thing that would feel like ‘I’ve made it’, but just continuing to give a platform to small artists. Whenever I work with artists and they then get big later down the line, I feel proud to have recognised that and supported it, when others maybe wouldn’t have.

What’s next for you in 2024?

2024 has already been big for the label, it’s becoming a big focus for us. And then as a producer, I just want to collaborate with as many of my friends and artists I respect as possible.