Spring has truly sprung and this year’s festivals are right around the corner. So make way for 2022’s Pride weekend anthem……..’i hate the weekend‘!!
Bentley Robles drops the track today, the first single from his upcoming EP. It’s a proper bop with production that is giving us Robyn energy and a chorus we can’t stop singing. Inspired by his past actions and written from the point of view of a toxic character, Bentley is turning lemons into lemonade and bringing the party. Bentley tells us about his new single and his favourite Mariah song…naturally.
What was the inspiration for this song?
‘i hate the weekend’ was inspired by a very real feeling of mine. When I fall hard for someone, I obviously get insecure in the early stages. But a very bad habit of mine is I can tend to catastrophize. Even when I’ve had affirming moments with a partner, I can still very quickly spiral into a space where I feel like they don’t love me or want me. IHTW is a story told by this toxic character’s eyes. He feels connected to his partner during the week when there are no distractions, but when the weekend comes, and his lover goes out and is social. He is scared he’ll find someone else and forget about him.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
This is hard!! I would have to say, boisterous, impassioned & eccentric
Who did you collaborate with on this song?
OMG, writing this song was like a holy prophecy. I co-wrote it with my insanely talented friend Gregory Dillon. We met early in 2021 when he heard a song of mine and reached out. I was already a big fan so working with him was a no brainer. IHTW was the first thing we collaborated on and we created it from scratch in about 2 hours. I had the concept in my phone and he produced the song around it in real time. After that initial session it was cake to finish. He is the only producer on the track and I feel so lucky to have created this with him. It was then mixed/mastered by my longtime collaborator and dear friend Ryan Schumer who just bleeds talent and always can see the big picture when it comes finishing a track.
How would you describe this song sonically?
IHTW is inspired by synth-pop foundations. Sexy synth, heavy bass and some aethereal sounds that make it sound otherworldly. It feels related to songs from Robyn or Ellie Goulding. Starting off soft and insecure and slowly building to a vocoder heavy pre-hook that really hits a climax. It then quickly cools down and reaches a sharp and dancey chorus that I know you won’t be able to get out of your head.
How does this differ from past music you’ve released before?
This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written, not only does it have a point of view we can all relate to, but it is insanely and unapologetically honest. I think my listeners will agree that this feels very full circle when it comes to my music. There are elements to it that are very true to my signature writing and melodic style, but it just feels elevated.
What can we expect from upcoming new music?
I have so much new music coming out. All of it feels fully formed and honest. You can expect sounds that will make you dance, cry and feel seen. Pop music on cocaine.
What is your favorite Mariah Carey song of all time?
Ummm ‘Emotions’, duh. Aside from the fact that being overly emotional is my brand. Its hands down my favorite Mariah song. Catchiness aside, I’ve always loved how it makes me feel. It’s one of those anything-is-possible, take-me-as-I-am kind of songs. That really resonates with me.
‘i hate the weekend’ is out now. Listen on Spotify here.
