“I have my ship
and all her flags are a-flying,
She is all that I have left
and music is her name.”
— “Southern Cross”, Crosby, Stills and Nash
Confession time: I have a guilty pleasure and its name is “yacht rock". Despite its overly-polished production and too-earnest lyrics, there's a certain charm to yacht rock, especially when it’s performed by a cover band at a harbor bar with friends nearby and a cold beverage in hand. Maybe we midwesterners embrace this escapism and cheese factor more passionately than our friends on the coasts who can dock and roll any time they want, but there’s no better soundtrack for an easy Sunday on Buckeye Lake or weekends with friends exploring the restaurants and hidden beach bars of Marblehead on Lake Erie.
“The Lake Is My Music” symbolizes the passion of our sailing friends on Lake Erie
It’s with this love of musical cheese and summer breeze that we’ve launched the Yacht Rock Collection — a series of designs that embody the genre’s luxurious and easygoing vibe. The roots of yacht rock can be traced back to the California music scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when songs like “Rich Girl” by Hall & Oates, "What a Fool Believes” by Michael McDonald and “Africa” by Toto dominated the FM airwaves. But the genre received its name much later in 2005, when a group of smooth-music-loving comics created a short-film series that retroactively classified the genre. For more on that story check out Rolling Stone’s history here.
Similar to this group’s admiration, our collection hopes to revisit and elevate the genre. The collection includes new designs like "My Lady Is The Sea”, which depicts the vintage image of Brandy from the classic hit "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" and symbolizes that track’s sense of maritime mythology and the longing for lost love. For those sailing around Ohio, the aqua hues of ”The Lake Is My Music" whimsically incorporates the shape of Lake Erie into a musical note.
Our “Easy” tee transports you to the 70s with its tropical color palette
Obviously, yacht rock isn't just about the music — for some it's a lifestyle encapsulated by its distinctive fashion sense that draws inspiration from coastal living. While we’re game for the captain hats and Hawaiian shirts worn by fans of tribute bands like the pitch-perfect Böaterhead, we also love the 80’s retro-chic electric pink and blue found in our “Yacht Rock” design inspired by Miami Vice. Meanwhile, the soft pastels and wordless simplicity of our “Soft Rock Sunset” would look just as nice under a lightweight linen jacket or over resort boutique swimwear.
All of the designs that encompass the Yacht Rock Collection seek to reflect the leisurely and carefree spirit of the genre. In today's fast-paced world, where stress and chaos seem to be constant concerns, the allure of yacht rock provides the perfect soundtrack for moments of tranquility and indulgence. So here's to yacht rock, with all its cheesiness and charm. Here's to the memories it stirs up and the smiles it brings. Because at the end of the day, isn't that what music is all about? So grab a cold one, crank up the bluetooth speaker, and let's set sail on a voyage of nostalgia and good times. After all, with yacht rock, the journey is just as important as the destination.
“Soft Rock Sunset” is a stylish combination of smooth grooves and surf culture
You can find all of these designs at our Yacht Rock Collection page here. As a final celebration of the genre, I leave you with this playlist for your listening pleasure as you stroll through the site searching for your next favorite resort wear.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas,
Dave