Bootleg Contraband prep latest release

Bootleg Contraband are known for their innovative fusion of industrial and techno music. Their latest album, "Mars Colony," marks a significant shift from their previous work, offering a raw and abrasive sound that reflects the chaotic state of the world. The album draws inspiration from global conflicts and the concept of exploring uncharted territories, both literally and metaphorically. The duo, consisting of Sceelo and Trager, experimented with new techniques and instruments, pushing their creative boundaries to capture intense emotions and themes of exploration. Collaborating with Sarah Hartman on the track "Valley of Fire," they infused the album with diverse sonic textures and a powerful narrative. Bootleg Contraband continues to evolve artistically, promising exciting future projects and live performances.

Your new album, "Mars Colony," would you say it's a continuation or a departure from your previous work? Can you talk about the inspiration and creative process behind this record?

Sceelo: Our new album is a big shift from what we've done before. It's a lot harsher and more abrasive. The idea came from exploring uncharted territories, both literally and metaphorically. We wanted to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of venturing into the unknown, and you can hear that in the aggressive soundscapes and intense compositions. The creative process was different this time, too. We tried out new techniques and instruments, really pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. This let us explore new sonic territories and create something that feels fresh and innovative. "Mars Colony" is a bold step forward for us.

Trager: There was this really interesting guy going on a crazy tangent about Elon Musk and billionaires abandoning Earth for Mars. During that time with Bootleg Contraband, we had some really heavy tracks in the works that were quite different from our other releases. "Mars Colony" was one of them. Somehow, this interaction sparked the conception for the record.

"Mars Colony" was created during a tumultuous time globally, with conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. How did these events influence the themes and sounds of the album?

Trager: Our environments always influence artistic creativity. What's happening in the world right now is tragic, and music is always a great outlet for emotions. The state of the world has influenced multiple ends of the emotional spectrum, inevitably bringing out deeper emotions of anger, sadness, and destruction. These emotions do not dictate the entire album, but this album carries a heavier vibe than our other material. The dream of music making an impact to help change the world for the better will never die with us.

Sceelo: It was definitely shaped by the chaotic state of the world, especially the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. These events had a profound impact on us, influencing both the themes and sounds of the album. This is reflected in the album’s harsh and abrasive sound. We wanted to capture the raw, visceral emotions that come with conflict and upheaval. There’s an urgency and intensity to the music that mirrors the global situation. "Mars Colony" is our way of processing these complex feelings and trying to make sense of a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.

The album features a collaboration with Sarah Hartman on "Valley of Fire." How did this partnership come about, and what was the experience like working together?

Trager: Sarah is my love and life partner, and we have another project currently releasing music called R34L. We are all good friends, and after several years, we thought it was a great time to include Sarah on "Valley of Fire," which desperately needed something at the time. She brought the whole vision to life, and we are so grateful for her contribution. She really nailed the vibe.

Sceelo: We felt her powerful voice and emotional depth would be a perfect fit for the track. Her input and creativity added a new dimension to "Valley of Fire" that we couldn't have achieved on our own.

Some tracks have a raw, intense energy. What was your approach to achieving this sound?

Trager: I've always been influenced by heavy music, especially in my earlier years growing up. The sounds of Noisia, Meat Beat Manifesto, Prodigy, Nine Inch Nails, and others have played a large role in my development as a producer. It seemed to be the right time to capture some of this influence with Bootleg Contraband.

Sceelo: Our approach to achieving a raw, powerful energy involved several key elements. We focused on what initially inspired us, such as global conflict and a sense of fleeing Earth. We used guitars, dynamic drum programming, and vocal samples that carry a lot of emotion and power. Additionally, we integrated voice samples taken from NASA, which added a cosmic and unconventional layer to the album's atmosphere, enhancing its intensity and overall thematic coherence.

The album's title track, "Mars Colony," evokes a sense of exploration and unknown realms. How did you conceptualize this journey through your music?

Trager: As "Mars Colony" started to develop as an album itself, it really helped dictate the direction and final output of the production for all of the songs involved. Adventure and exploration are two important themes in this album, as well as the song itself.

Sceelo: For me, "Mars Colony" was about creating a sonic journey that reflects the excitement and uncertainty of exploring unknown realms. The use of unconventional sounds, like the NASA voice samples, and the varied textures from the synths helped build that sense of exploration. We aimed to evoke the vastness and mystery of space.

Your previous album, "I/O," had a different sonic palette. How did your artistic vision evolve between these two projects?

Trager: Change can be good or bad, but it's inevitable. We must continue and grow with change, and we feel strongly about having no limits to our creativity. If you keep up with us, you will notice more change, and we truly believe it's crucial for our growth as artists.

Sceelo: Between "I/O" and "Mars Colony," our artistic vision underwent an evolution. "I/O" was characterized by a more electronic and synthesized sound, exploring themes of technology and connectivity. For "Mars Colony," we shifted towards a more industrial and atmospheric approach, focusing on themes of exploration and the unknown. It was a big change for us.

Some tracks seem to delve into themes of identity and perception. Can you elaborate on the messages you wanted to convey with these tracks?

Sceelo: In some of our tracks, we explore themes of identity and how we see the world. We use different sounds and samples to express these ideas. Our goal is to make listeners think and feel deeply, encouraging them to reflect on their own experiences and how they perceive things. Is the world in a good place?

Trager: There are different themes and movements throughout the album, each exploring aspects of identity and perception in unique ways. For instance, "Did You See It" has an element of psychedelic discovery. It captures those fleeting moments of seeing shooting stars, a UFO, or something incredibly special. "Sunny Day for the Kais" is an ode to Dragon Ball Z. It imagines the Supreme Kais enjoying a sunny day while looking down on the trouble Earth is in as Goku saves it. "First Landing" dives into the theme of exploration and identity in a new environment, like hopping around on Mars without gravity. We sampled NASA greetings in several languages to emphasize the idea of universal human identity and connection. Lastly, "Dot Com" highlights the destruction that comes as we capitalize on each other.

Your music is often described as a fusion of industrial and techno with a raw edge. Who are some of your biggest influences, and how do they shape your sound?

Trager: Noisia, Meat Beat Manifesto, Prodigy, Swayzak, and Kraftwerk are a few of our core influences. Noisia has always inspired us with their very heavy sound design, especially in the bass parts. The idea of combining aggressive music with melodic clarity has always intrigued me. We often explore the depth of minimal chord progressions through textures and psychedelic elements, drawing from the influences of the artists I mentioned.

Sceelo: Cason already mentioned some, but other influences include industrial pioneers like Front 242 and Ministry, whose aggressive yet textured approach to music has heavily influenced our sound. Artists from the techno scene, such as Juan Atkins and Underworld, also play a significant role in shaping our electronic elements and rhythmic intensity. These influences combine to create a fusion that blends the raw, gritty energy of industrial music with the pulsating beats and electronic textures of techno.

What's next for Bootleg Contraband? Are there any upcoming projects or tours that fans can look forward to following the release of "Mars Colony"?

Trager: We are in the process of putting together a live band performance with really amazing production for "Mars Colony," though the show will not be entirely limited to that. We have some amazing collaborations in the works with local artists that we are very excited about, as well as the development and curation of Section Eight Music.

Sceelo: Beyond the live performances, we're working on some collaborations and new projects. One of them is in a slightly different genre, which we think will surprise a lot of people. We're also creating more content for Section Eight Music, so expect some unique and innovative releases, like a new full-length from R34L and a new single from Simian Boy, among others. Make sure to follow us on social media to stay updated on all our news and announcements. You can find our music on all streaming platforms, so you can listen to "Mars Colony" and our other tracks anytime. We're looking forward to sharing what's next. Stay tuned and thank you!

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