What exactly is a bootleg version?

[jweimusic]

I've read all around that djs like hardwell exploded with their single of a bootleg version. I listened to the original and the bootleg version and they sound extremely similar. Is there a straight definition for this?

[photojojo]

A bootleg is the same as a remix, just not officially authorized by the original artist. It was much harder to do before the proliferation of torrents and digital DAW's.

[johney]

unauthorized remix

[Polygon]

A remix that has not been approved by the author, also used as a term to define a "recreation" of a song, that might be the reason why the one you spoke about sounded so similar.

a little explanation of the ethymology of the word: In the ol' times it related to people sneaking voice recorders into concert by hiding them in their boots; in the even older times (prohibition in the USA) it was the same, just across borders and instead of sound recorders they bootlegged homemade alcohol

[Hippie]

Also applies to unofficial represses and releases of tunes.

[DJLiteral]

A bootleg doesn't use stems, I believe, also yea not authorized