EXCLUSIVE: Johnny Bottos Drops Explosive New Metal Single ‘Respect’

Melbourne’s rising metal force Johnny Bottos is back with his heaviest track yet, Respect and we’re proud to be the first to spin it ahead of its official release tomorrow.

The blistering new single is a cathartic middle finger to doubt, born from real-world frustration and personal growth. While originally inspired by the general noise of critics and haters, Respect eventually took aim at one individual who dismissed Bottos’ songwriting as worthless. The result is a fiery, riff-loaded anthem that’s as personal as it is punishing, a rally cry for anyone who’s ever been underestimated.

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“Respect was written originally as a song about haters and people who never believed in me. But as the song progressed down the track I found myself writing more directing it at a specific person who actually laughed at my song ideas and said they were terrible. I felt this person was jealous of how I’d progressed with my guitar and song writing skills and their lack of progression. 

It also has a deeper rooted meaning about conquering your fears and achieving goals you thought weren’t possible, but is also one of those songs that can have multiple meanings than the ones this song was intended to convey. The listener has a choice on how they perceive the meaning which gives it a very strong emotional vibe.” – Johnny Bottos. 

Produced by metal mastermind Mike Trubetskov, Respect is the third cut from Bottos’ forthcoming debut album, which explores mental health, emotional healing, and the empowering rage that can come from transformation.

Following the success of recent singles The Devil’s Cross and Blood Stained Heart, which gained widespread radio play and coverage from top outlets including HEAVY Mag, Metal Roos, and AMNplify, Bottos continues to cement his name as one of Australia’s most promising metal acts.

Respect officially drops tomorrow but you can hear it first, right here on AAA Backstage.