YACHT ROCKERS CHART NEW WATERS
A CONVERSATION WITH NICK NIESPODZIANI OF YACHT ROCK REVUE
Ahoy, matey! Have you ever set sail on the smooth seas of yacht rock music? If not, brace yourself for an enchanting journey with Yacht Rock Revue (YRR)! This fabulous nine-piece cover band has charmed fans across the globe with their flawless beloved tunes from the late ’70s and early ’80s, sprinkled with some original YRR gems. So, get ready to ride the waves of nostalgia because this band has performed over 500 classic songs since its conception.
Founder, lead vocalist, and lyrical wizard Nick Niespodziani teamed up with his buddy Peter Olson during their Indiana University days to form a band. After tossing their caps in the air at IU, they packed up their one-of-a-kind sound and irresistible charm and headed straight for the vibrant streets of Atlanta, GA.
While hanging out in Atlanta in 2007, Niespodziani and Olson’s indie rock ensemble took over a club’s basement every Thursday night, unleashing their musical whims. One fateful evening, these guys from Indiana decided to dive into the smooth vibes of yacht rock, and guess what? They sold out the show! Suddenly, they found themselves purchasing vans, setting up an office, and amassing an impressive collection of polyester shirts that would put their dads’ wardrobes from ‘78 to shame.
While yacht rock may have originated in LA, Niespodziani and his band were the first to truly make it a thing. They transformed from small club performers to crowd-pleasers, entertaining thousands at sold-out amphitheatres! The band quickly attracted a quirky fanbase known as the Anchorheads. According to Niespodziani, these Anchorheads are like treasures to their hearts! They’re fiercely loyal to YRR and understand that the band’s talents go far beyond just belting out tunes from Daryl Hall & John Oates or Michael McDonald. You can spot an Anchorhead at any YRR concert—they’re the ones sporting captain’s hats and nautical attire, making them stand out in the crowd!
Niespodziani is quick to clarify that this isn’t merely a cover band; he’s also a maestro of crafting original tunes and LPs.
YRR’s debut album, Hot Dads In Tight Jeans, is a dazzling display of the band’s full spectrum of talents, whisking listeners away to a more contemporary soundscape. With tracks like “Bad Tequila”, “Step”, and the fan favourite, “The Doobie Bounce”, you’ll be treated to lively falsettos and a groovy bass while the rest of the album channels a cool vibe reminiscent of Yacht Rock. This album was tailored for a young crowd and cited as a must-have LP!
YRR struck gold when Pat Monahan from Train invited them aboard the VH1 Sail Across The Sun Cruise. The chemistry between both bands was instantaneous! Monahan recognised a spark and extended an annual invite for YRR to join Train on their summer cruise escapades. Niespodziani described Monahan as a super chill guy with a sharp, witty sense of humour that makes hanging out with him an absolute blast!
It doesn’t stop there! Yacht Rock Revue was asked to open for co-headliners Train and REO Speedwagon on the Summer Road Trip 2024 North American Tour. This musical adventure spanned 44 cities, starting on July 8 in Wisconsin and concluding on September 11 in Arizona.
Niespodziani shares that this summer marked their very first grand tour! Sure, they had a couple of gigs with Kenny Loggins last year, but nothing quite like this. It was all uncharted territory for YRR, and they were pleasantly taken aback by how smoothly everyone clicked together. No drama, no diva antics, and absolutely no prickly personalities—now that’s a rarity in the concert-touring world!
There were times when things went wrong on this tour, like in Ohio when Niespodziani lost his wedding ring and was bitten by a dog in Vermont. Meanwhile, their saxophonist, David Freeman, stirred up some late-night shenanigans by tooting his clarinet in Train’s dressing room; the door manager was not a fan! But hey, even Train couldn’t help but chuckle at that one! And as if that wasn’t enough excitement, they had to navigate a global travel fiasco that included dodging tornadoes in Missouri and trying to escape Florida while the hurricanes threw themselves a shindig. What a whirlwind!
Spending time with Monahan and Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon and their band members made up for the craziness. There were more fun times than not, including wild pranks, which made touring on a bus for the first time and living in tight quarters a blast. Niespodziani noted that most bands do not experience that kind of camaraderie through an entire tour, which ends in a lasting brotherly bond.
One of the biggest misconceptions about tribute bands is that they don’t provide original music, but YRR has smashed that thought process into a million pieces.
Since the tour ended, YRR has been in the recording studio working on a double concept album called Escape Artist. Part one of the album is out now, and part two will be released on November 29, 2024.
Escape Artist is about how the band provides escapism for their audience, which can be seen on the faces of their concertgoers. Niespodziani teamed up with Elliot Lurie from the band Looking Glass, who was known for his 70s hit song “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)”, to write the song “Tropical Illusion” for the album.
Overflowing with a captivating array of singles that showcase their smooth yacht rock vibes, the album boasts tracks like “Waves,” a spellbinding journey through life’s intricate ups and downs, beautifully brought to life by band member Kourtney Jackson. Then there’s “Sail On”, a song that transports you to sun-drenched Caribbean shores as Olson serenades you with visions of a carefree life.
The tune “Bad Decisions” will hit the airwaves just as you read this! It’s Niespodziani’s top pick and favourite song from the album. The lyrics dive into that universal quest for attention—something we’ve all dabbled in, from toddlers to grandpas. Its delightful yacht-rock vibe and a dash of contemporary rhythm are done in a captivating David Bowe style.
What’s in store for YRR? In the summer of 2025, they’re gearing up for a tour across America, and guess what? They’ll be the sole band lighting up those arenas! Rumour has it that the idea of a YRR tour cruise is also floating around. So, keep your peepers peeled and your ears perked!
YRR has solidified its place in the illustrious history of yacht rock. YRR’s legacy will go down as the tribute band that redefined themselves by mixing cover songs with original music with a modern twist, keeping them hip and relevant to all ages.
So, grab your captain’s hat and prepare to sail away with Yacht Rock Revue for a cruising fun time. Rock on, YRR!
CATCH YACHT ROCK REVIEW AT THE OLG STAGE AT FALLSVIEW CASINO ON NOVEMBER 15
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Photo Credits: Mitchell Davidson and Emily Butler Photography
