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What is left for Yacht Rock Revue to prove? This top-notch group of musicians has already rocked onstage with John Oates, Eddie Money (RIP), and both versions of the band Player. They've trademarked the term "yacht rock," both metaphorically and literally (U.S. Registration Number 3834195). From humble beginnings in a basement, touring in partnership with Live Nation and Sirius XM, they now headline sold-out shows across the country, from Webster Hall in New York to the Wiltern in L.A. While rising from bars to amphitheaters, they've ticked every box on the Rock Star Accomplishments bingo card. Except for one: Writing and singing their own songs.
Yacht Rock Revue's first original record is ten songs inspired by the smoooooth sounds of the Seventies and Eighties. They've brazenly titled it Hot Dads In Tight Jeans -forgive them for bragging, but that's what they are - and it returns Yacht Rock Revue to their roots in original music.
"I had a midlife crisis. That's why we made this album," says Nick Niespodziani, the group's singer, guitarist, and spiritual leader. "Everyone in the band is a dad now, so we needed to make this happen, before we become grandpas. I've sung 'Escape' by Rupert Holmes at least a thousand times, and if that isn't paying your dues, I don't know what is."
It's rare that musicians in their 40s chase their rock star dreams. You'd have to be crazy to try. YRR knew they were underdogs, but resolved to take one more shot at the Top 40, and maybe even become a Cinderella story of midlife fulfillment.
Yacht Rock Revue began in the least-yachtiest of states, 2,000 miles from breezy Marina del Rey. Niespodziani and Pete Olson met in the fourth grade in suburban Indiana, went on to Indiana University in the late Nineties, formed the band Y-O-U, then escaped - Rupert Holmes reference intended - to Atlanta. One night, Y-O-U tucked their tongues deep in their cheeks and played a show of Yacht Rock songs. The rowdy (a nice way of saying drunk), sold-out crowd loved it.
When the club owner asked them to do it again, Niespodziani didn't want to. But the club owner had an ace up his sleeve: money.
Over the years, YRR (there's also a Dave, a Greg, and literally three guys named Mark) have turned themselves into human wine spritzers, playing 120 to 150 shows a year, mastering Yacht Rock's slick chords and mellow grooves, and partying like it's 1979.
What began as a joke among friends soon put a ripple in the zeitgeist, starting a national trend through YRR's concerts, lauded as "unabashedly joyous affairs" by Entertainment Weekly. They accumulated an extensive wardrobe of white belts and polyester shirts. Yacht Rock Revue were revered and well-compensated! Their life was a tenor sax solo! This is what every musician wants.
But even as YRR was sailing the smooth seas of tribute-band superstardom, and the band members all became dads, Niespodziani was still writing original songs. These new tunes had the spirit of Yacht Rock, but were more modern - akin to Phoenix or Air, the hip bands that adapted Yacht for a younger audience. They brought the songs to a hot producer, Ben Allen, who's worked with Gnarls Barkley, Animal Collective, and Neon Indian. Allen gave the songsa lustrous shine, for both new audiences and their ever-loyal fans, the Nation of Smooth. Niespodziani and Olson even co-wrote a song, "Big Bang," with Yacht Rock master Matthew Wilder, famous for his massive 1983 hit "Break My Stride."
"Step," the record's first single, is a peppy number replete with falsetto and bumping bass, a cross between the Bee Gees and Steely Dan's "Peg." It's also the mission statement for the album in a way, because it's about deciding who you want to be, and making space for that in your life. The seven-piece band display tight chops, and the songs incorporate Yacht Rock Revue's sense of humor, especially on the funky, pro-margarita "Bad Tequila," the flute-fired "Another Song About California," and opening track "The Doobie Bounce," where Niespodziani brags, "I used to sleep on couches/Now I sleep on nicer couches."
Hot Dads In Tight Jeans is as plush and shiny as Kenny Loggins' beard. And YRR are already dropping these new songs into their sets, to great response from longtime fans who are thrilled to hear new smooth. While others in YRR's position stick with the tried-and-true, Niespodziani hopes the album will let them welcome aboard new fans, too. To paraphrase a notable mariner... they're gonna need a bigger yacht.
"Here's how I see it," Niespodziani concludes, sliding into a waiting limousine. "We have only one fewer hit than Player did, and Player is immortal. We built this Yacht Rock thing on the power of memories and good vibes. None of that is changing; we're just gonna make a few new memories as well."
The House of Blues Orlando is an outstanding concert venue! My fiance and I were there New Year's Eve for Yacht Rock Revue. The band was phenomenal and every staff member we came across at the House of Blues Orlando went above and beyond to make our night fantastic.
Unfortunately, we were packed in like sardines which left no room to dance unless you were around the outer perimeter of the room. That wasn’t much fun because then you were far from the stage and not really able to engage with the concert because that’s where folks were hanging out talking because they couldn’t see or hear the music as good due to location you had to retract to if you had any sense of claustrophobia. If you were short, forget it, you weren’t seeing a thing that was happening on stage. Plus, too many can lights from the lower ceilings on the sides and back of venue were distracting and literally in your face. Also, drinks were ridiculously expensive. This was my first time at this location since the Roxy moved. Hated to be disappointed as I was looking forward to the show.
Yacht Rock is great! Seen them perform 7 times prior to this concert. The facility was miserable. I thought I was going to pass out from the heat.
The annual Christmas Yacht Rock Revue once again brought the audience holiday joy, laughter and sore throats from signing all night long. Yacht Rock knows their fans and performs the songs that keep the fans engaged and entertained. Only thing that could have made the night better was 10 more songs 😎
Standing Room Only was a wretched experience. I won't do that again. Being packed in like sardines was really miserable.
One of the best inverts I have ever been to! Loved the choice of songs and the musicians and singers were phenomenal!! I’m a new fan!
Amazing show. The band sounded great, played some Yacht Rock staples and a few surprises. If you love this genre and have not seen Yacht Rock Revue, do yourself a favor and buy some tickets to an upcoming show. You will not be disappointed!
I can not say enough about this band. They are an amazing, incredibly talented, authentic, 70’s & 80’s group that belts out all the favorites. My hubby & I enjoy this concert every time we go! It’s a never miss concert for us! You should not miss em too!
The greatest cover band I ever heard! Will definitely see them again!
Loved this group! First time seeing them. They were outstanding. Would definitely go and see them again.
If I could see Yacht Rock Review every week I would- they are the ultimate experience - the best music, the best crowd, and the most fun you could ever have at a concert. They couldn't be any better!!!
Such a feel good concert! You know every song from the 70s and 80s.
Met friends and danced the night away. Drinks were ridiculously over priced. Pregaming was the best
of all the yacht rock songs - they played lame songs. need to change up the playlist to songs people know and LESS Christmas music. That sucked.
This was the third time I've seen Yacht Rock Revue, second time at the Wellmont. The band always brings it - every single member contributes to what is a fun and nostalgic night of great music. They play the part, tongue in cheek, of 70s-early 80s rock icons, but always honor the music and the spirit of those days. Having said all that, however, I decided I'm done. The crowd has turned ugly. As the band as gained popularity and notoriety, the crowd has gotten bigger, more drunk, and more pushy. A few bad apples have ruined it for me. If I decide to join my friends in the audience again, it will be at the Stone Pony - outside (even in the rain) was a much better experience..
From start to finish, Yacht Rock Revue brought great music, high energy and brought back many memories! Flawless covers, amazing vocals and talented musicians made this a "must see"experience! Can't wait for the next one!
Awesome experience. Danced and sang all night. Had so much fun with my friends. Brought back a lot of memories.
This was my first time to see them I was surrounded by veteran Yachties. Now I see hey people go see them multiple times. You will sing along to every song.
This band is on point! Such amazing talent, so entertaining. Perfect play lists for all of us Yacht club music fans!! Needed more than 2 hours, I could listen for days!
I LOVE THESE PEOPLE !!! LOL I mean, I'm 59 and I am absolutely going to see this band. The vocals are amazing as well.
