Artist Website
https://www.yachtrockrevue.com
Embark on a journey down memory lane through radiant musical waters with Yacht Rock Revue. Deemed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” these maestros of smooth grooves transport audiences back to the golden era of the ‘70s and ‘80s, bringing sun-soaked anthems into the 21st century.
Founded in Atlanta, GA, the dynamic 10-piece features Nicholas Niespodziani (vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion), Peter Olson (vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion), Greg Lee (bass, vocals), Mark Dannells (guitars, vocals), Mark Bencuya (keyboards, vocals), David B. Freeman (saxophones, keyboards, flute, piccolo, percussion, vocals), Keisha Jackson (vocals, percussion), Kourtney Jackson (vocals, percussion), Jason Nackers (drums), and Ganesh Giri Jaya (drums).
Their repertoire, spanning from the sun-kissed melodies of Steely Dan and Michael McDonald to the velvety harmonies of Hall & Oates, evokes memories of palm trees, ocean breezes, and carefree summers. Yet, Yacht Rock Revue goes beyond mere tribute band status by seamlessly integrating their unique style with the iconic yacht rock vibe. This distinct fusion is evident on their upcoming original album, Escape Artist.
The 21-song concept album, set for release with A-side and B-side on Friday, October 4, and C-side and D-side on Friday, November 29, collectively spans four sides of vinyl. It’s a self-indulgent and ambitious ode to the yacht rock genre, capturing waves of emotions. Leading up to the album’s release, each preview features a single from one side paired with its counterpart, paying homage to the vinyl era.
The project captures the desire to escape modern society, using music as a primary tool to break away from the worries of daily life. “Look out in the crowd and imagine what each person is escaping from. They’re escaping the modern condition to the idea of a less complicated time,” Nicholas explains. “We see it every night on the road — an audience transported somewhere else. We are Escape Artists. That’s our magic trick.”
“Of course, there’s the literal layer — I want to escape the confines of what our band is supposed to be,” Nicholas continues. “Are we allowed to be artists, or are we trapped by a genre? We’ve always been pushing the envelope, going where no band like ours has gone before. I want it to be OK for us to express optimism and sadness and fear and vulnerability. I want to escape the caricature that defines us. The ‘Escape Artist’ song lyrics tell that story.”
Released just in time for Memorial Day festivities were the lead singles off the project, “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers” (released May 24). “Tropical Illusion” — co-written and featuring Elliot Lurie from the legendary band Looking Glass along with Nicholas Niespodziani — pays homage to the 1972 Memorial Day weekend success of Looking Glass’s groundbreaking hit, “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” It’s a soundtrack for sunsets, salty breezes, and laid-back moments of romance — the epitome of appreciating the little moments in life.
Speaking on the collaboration, Elliot Lurie elaborates, “I played my first gig with Yacht Rock Revue about 12 years ago. I didn’t know who they were then, but there were 5,000 people in a park in Atlanta groovin’ to a killer band. I sang Brandy with them and I was an instant YRR fan. It’s great to now have co-written a tune with Nick for their new album.”
“Passengers,” effortlessly glides through waves of nostalgia, embodying the quintessential windows-down anthem for carefree summer days. Ethereal vocals and dreamy guitar melodies intertwine with rhythmic drum beats, enchanting listeners with fleeting moments of pure bliss.
The sophomore singles “Lost in the Meantime” and “Steal Away” (released July 12) are sultry tunes perfect for summer nights. “Steal Away,” a reimagined ukulele rendition of Robbie Dupree’s 1980 track, serves as the album’s sole cover. “I’ve been a fan of Yacht Rock Revue since first seeing their show 10 years ago at a small club in New York City,” Robbie Dupree shares. “They’re a national group now! Their new music is brilliant and their rendition of my song, ‘Steal Away,’ is fresh and delightful.”
“Some of my clearest memories aren’t major milestones or significant global events, like where I was when I heard Prince passed away,” Nicholas says. “They’re random snapshots from everyday moments that stick in my head for some reason. That’s the essence of ‘Lost in the Meantime’—it explores how the true essence of a relationship often lies in those ordinary, in-between moments.”
Before the full project is released, six additional singles will guide listeners on a musical odyssey, each one transporting you. This record offers pure escapism, yet beneath its surface lie layers that mere song titles won’t unveil.
Fresh off a successful run with Kenny Loggins in 2023, Yacht Rock Revue are currently on the road with iconic hitmakers Train and REO Speedwagon as direct support for this summer’s 44-city co-headlining tour — the Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour.
Sarah Bahr of The New York Times reported her firsthand experience of the band’s liberating energy, observing fans who “danced for two hours to tunes from the 1970s and ’80s,” while Entertainment Weekly noted that “the shows tend to be unabashedly joyous affairs.”
Their debut original album, Hot Dads In Tight Jeans (2020), highlights the band’s diverse skills, effortlessly transporting the listener to a more contemporary era. The record blends lively tunes featuring falsetto and vibrant bass with tracks reminiscent of bands like Phoenix or Air, who adapted the genre for a younger audience. On January 22 (2024), Yacht Rock Revue delivered their live album, Between the Moon and New York City. This 15-track collection of “smooth bangers only” serves as the audio companion to the band’s 2023 PBS Special, recorded live on July 7, 2023 at the Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City.
Beginning in 2007 as a pair of enthusiastic fans in a basement, the band has evolved into a formidable force in the industry, transforming the genre from a guilty pleasure into a highly respected art form. The band has graced stages with legends like Robbie Dupree, Elliot Lurie, Matthew Wilder, John Oates, and Eddie Money, living the yacht rock dream. Their energetic performances set them apart, whether in intimate bar settings or rocking arenas, solidifying Yacht Rock Revue’s place in the illustrious history of yacht rock. Their concerts are immersive experiences that leave audiences yearning for more.
Yacht Rock Revue’s infectious energy has created a community of “Anchorheads” that celebrate the joy of music and the timeless allure of yacht rock. Nicholas praises, “They’re wonderful people, musical omnivores and exactly the kind of fans you dream about having when you’re a young musician.”
Whether you’re a longtime aficionado of the yacht rock era or a newcomer to its smooth grooves, Yacht Rock Revue promises an unforgettable journey across the azure waters of musical history. So, don your captain’s hat and set sail with Yacht Rock Revue for a melodic adventure like no other.
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