LA-based dark pop duo Boy Deluxe (Hope and True Murra) return with a brand new single entitled “Left Behind.” Pulling inspiration from a blend of pop, alternative rock and electronic music, they’ve cultivated a sound that’s entirely their own.
“Left Behind” is the newest single in their string of monthly releases, an alt-pop anthem about standing up for yourself in the face of insecurity and judgement. Originally written on a fender Rhodes, it came to life with True’s signature production and Hope’s brooding vocals.
Listen to “Left Behind” – Stream / Download
Tell us about your story as an artist
Art and music have always been part of our experiences as individuals. It’s how we process and express everything in life. It’s crazy out here and there’s a lot to sift through constantly. Music is how we make sense of it all.
Boy Deluxe happened after years of writing/playing under our previous band. But our old project came out of an unexpected friendship and a need for a space to really be ourselves. Both of us were homesick in our own lives and coming together lit a candle in the dark. It was fucking fun – writing songs and making jokes. Getting to know ourselves and the world while playing shows and being weird together. From there it grew into what it is today and now it’s a constant in our lives. We’re both forever grateful for the place of music in our lives.
What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?
Making and creating. Really, what else is there? Through working on our art we connect with ourselves, each other, our community. Being able to take vague ideas or feelings and transmuting them into a shared experience is extremely powerful. While we make sense of our internal world, you never know how it can impact others around you. No matter if it’s a wild show where you can let loose, a line in a song that just fucking clicks with someone…. Whatever. It’s worth it.
What makes this song special in your opinion?
This song is special because it’s more pop than previous releases. Pop is tricky because it’s very easy to sound contrived or lame. We like to think of it as painting with broad strokes – connecting with a more common language. We found a great place where we use our traditional moody sounds / lyrics, but also have a pop sensibility to the track. It’s fun, but also has depth.
What inspired this track?
Lyrically, it inspired me after a conversation I had with my mom. It’s really cool being an adult and having a different relationship with her. I can understand her stories and experiences in a way I just couldn’t as a kid. But now, as two women, I fucking get it and I’m so honored that she can be so candid with me about her life.
What are some of the core messages here?
To recognize your own value and to not let other people dictate your self worth. And about realising how big you actually are – so big that they can’t touch you. Can’t hurt you because you’re so out of reach.
How do you think tik tok and social media are contributing to change an artist’s career?
That is a tricky question, because on one hand social media is letting smaller/independent artists have a bigger voice with much more reach. On the other, social media is toxic and we now know how much pressure labels/management are putting on their artists to push on these platforms. Which raises the question – are we artists or content creators? What happens for the artists who don’t excel at social media and don’t have the power of the industry/algorithm behind them? What happens to the mental health and wellbeing of the artists we love and support when they’re being forced to constantly produce material and content? So much more emphasis is on marketing and almost none is on the actual art. It’s a slippery slope and very few will win in the end.
What excites you about your life?
The possibility that anything can happen tomorrow. Writing a new song. Making a music video that we think is dope. First and second coffee. Living the life I want rather than the life I think I should live.
What are some of your core values as a human being?
No bullies. No new friends. Be kind, but have boundaries. Art fixes most of my problems (obviously not all of them). Try to be in the present and fix what I can, but let go of the things I can’t.
What are your projects for this year?
Continue to release music every month, make a couple more music videos and play more shows!
