Who is Yacht?

Elliott Smith, The Shins, The Dandy Warhols, The Decemberists, Modest Mouse. There must something in the water down in Portland, Oregon. This former sundown town is like your best friend's cool mum who passes out glasses of soda pop to all the skaters, freaks and geeks of the neighbourhood with nary a judgmental eye. Portland currently plays host to a burgeoning live music scene, not to mention being the birthplace of SuicideGirls and the hometown of Chuck Palahnuick. It's clear that there's always something new to uncover in the city of roses.

One of its somewhat lesser known residents, though no less notable, is Jona Bechtolt. He began his mission of 'fine grunge music and hugs' by forming one-man-band 'Yacht' in 2001, and has since developed into a whirlwind of dance compositions and multi-media wizardry. This is a man whose creative output is almost frightening in its breadth. And if that wasn't enough to make you feel shamefully unproductive, this is also a man whose multi-faceted work stretches across the global arts community.

During 2004 he began collaborating with songstress Khaela Maricich. She had been performing alone as The Blow since 2002 but together they formed a formidable pop-duo; relentlessly recording and touring for the length of their professional relationship. During the brief period of their partnership they crafted two veritable gems; LPs masquerading as pop albums. In reality these releases are magnificent amalgamations of electronica, folk, indie, and rather surprisingly, hints of r'n'b.

Since leaving The Blow earlier this year Jona has poured all his creative energy into making Yacht this winter's indispensable audio delight. To do so he has embarked on a mammoth tour, including China of all unlikely places, before landing in the UK on 6th November – catch him in intimate surroundings at serious-indie-men-with-beards club night Stutter at the Thekla Social in Bristol.

It's Jona's shining originality that broadens his appeal across continents way beyond his native Oregon. He has a special ability of producing records that get you all tingly and excited about music. With technical abilities that mere mortals can only dream of he creates light-hearted melodies and bubblegum pop that you'd be a fool to disregard. Catch Jona now at one of Yacht's legendary dance-parties before he gets over-hyped.

www.myspace.com/yacht

www.teamyacht.com