Greetings From Yacht.

Countless musical legends and top sellers on the charts have made themselves into icons to be venerated. Their every action deliberated upon by adoring fans. Perhaps it is a reflection of an innately human desire to find comfort in the ritualistic guidance of a leader, be it religious, political, or even musical. Yet, as with any musical phenomenon, change is a necessity of life,  and YACHT is an ever changing thing.

“I am very easily bored,” says YACHT founder Jona Bechtolt. “Every six months I have to do something to change it or I’ll go completely crazy.” Change, as the lifeblood of a fickle industry, has served to morph the profoundly celebrated indie electronic group that is YACHT. Jona met Claire Evans in 2008, and the two went on a journey to reflect on the inexplicable lights of Marfa, Texas, which led to the creation of their latest album See Mystery Lights.

Beginning their new tour  in Vancouver, they duo added Bobby Birdman to the bill and to the YACHT family. “YACHT seeks to explore all frontiers.”  The band’s manifesto sums up it’s origins, while simultaneously serving as an open ended insurance policy.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this self proclaimed “band, belief system and business,” is the focus on a symbiotic relationship between the band and its fans. Travelling from town to town giving presentations, rather than performances. Evans suggests it creates an autonomous zone for YACHT’s member network. “It’s exhilarating, sort of like having an embassy or meeting a local diplomat…and it makes it seem like your work has been started for you.”

While there are many who meet the ideals and musical culture of YACHT with enthusiasm, Evans admits their presentations have not always received a warm welcome. “There’s a certain way people like to act at concerts, almost ritualistic. That’s really interesting to us and we see that as the musical version of going to church.”

To be a member of YACHT is individually determined. YACHT has no expectations of its members. “It’s more about self affiliation and kinship,” says Evans. “The fundamental ideology of YACHT is about self empowerment and the fact that you can control and mould your own fate based on the tools you’ve been given.”

As current of an issue as musical iconology is, the dissemination of music through tools like computers and the internet has also become a focus of the bands attention. As one of those tools capable of shaping fate, the vast spread of music culture through online downloading is considered a blessing to YACHT.

“I think  it’s just being honest, we do sell music as a product” remarks Bechtolt. While being blunt about their business motives, the group does not deny that modern technology  holds an important role in solidifying the bond between a band and its fans. “Once you put out a record it becomes part of the phenomenon. As much as it’s ours, it’s theirs,”states Evans.

When asked what he envisions for YACHT’s future, Bechtolt grins. “I think it won’t even be recognizable. Maybe it won’t even be called YACHT.”  Whatever the future holds for these musical explorers, it is certain that their past and present have culminated into a unique blend of cultural awareness,  and musical experimentation.

For more information visit:

http://www.myspace.com/yacht

http://www.teamyacht.com

Words by Adriana Sveen

Photography by Wilkosz and Way

Make – Up: Aga Bona

Styling: Lindsay Sutton

CLAIRE

Sweater – Custom Made – Stylists Own

JONA

Trench – Chronicles of Never – Leo Boutique
Sweater Collar – Stylists Own
Jewelry By John James
Waistcoat – Cheap Monday – Leo Boutique 
Tank – Sexuality American Apparel
Belt – Nudie Jeans – Leo Boutique
Pants – American Apparel

CLAIRE

Jackt – Stylists Own
Shirt – Fox Sparrow Vintage Boutique