xm radio yacht rock 2023

See Yacht Rock Revue Live During The Reverse Sunset Tour Presented by SiriusXM

Yacht Rock the night away on any of their 24 tour dates.

The Reverse Sunset Tour Dates

3.10 — Lexington, KY — Manchester Music Hall 4.27 — Oklahoma City, OK — Tower Theatre 5.12 — Birmingham, AL — Avondale Brewing Company 5.18 — Destin, FL — Concerts in the Village 5.19 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues 5.20 — St. Augustine, FL — St. Augustine Amphitheater 6.16 — Philadelphia, PA — The Fillmore Philadelphia 7.1 — Isle Of Palms — The WindJammer 7.2 — Isle Of Palms — The WindJammer 7.7 — New York, NY — The Rooftop at Pier 17 7.8 — Asbury Park, NJ — Stone Pony Summerstage 7.13 — Hyannis, MA — Cape Cod Melody Tent 7.14 — Boston, MA — Leader Bank Pavilion 8.12 — Indianapolis, IN — TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park 9.1 — Selbyville, DE — Freeman Arts Pavilion 9.9 — Denver, CO — The Mission Ballroom 9.10 — Aspen CO — Belly Up Aspen 9.15 — San Diego, CA — Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay 9.16 — San Diego, CA — Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay 9.17 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren 9.21 — Sacramento, CA — Ace Of Spades 9.22 — Saratoga, CA — The Mountain Winery 12.15 — Columbia, SC — Columbia Township Auditorium

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Ron Harrell is a columnist for Barrett Media. He founded Harrell Media Group, specializing in radio and audio brand consultation, fractional management, and talent coaching. He has worked in every role on the Programming and Branding side during his career, becoming management and executive-focused in the post-Telecom Act era. Ron has held leadership roles for media groups such as ABC/Citadel, CBS Radio, Chancellor Media, Cumulus Media, Hope Media Group, Hubbard Broadcasting, and WAY Media. 

Interested parties are invited to learn more about his company Harrell Media Group and reach out by email at [email protected] .

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If you follow the genre of music identified by soft rock artists like Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Ambrosia, Pablo Cruise, and Kenny Loggins, you know Yacht Rock has become more than a weekend feature for radio station critics.

The Labor Day Weekend. It’s the first reminder of summer’s closing days. It’s back to school for the traditionalists. More importantly, it’s the final season of emotional significance for Yacht Rock.

If you follow the genre of music identified by soft rock artists like Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Ambrosia, Pablo Cruise, and Kenny Loggins, you know Yacht Rock has become more than a weekend feature for radio station critics.

The smooth sounds of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s occupy full-time status on the SiriusXM satellite dial, Pandora and iHeart Radio’s streaming channels, and a few FMs like Key 97.3 , Key West, FL., and 106.3 Mac FM, Smooth Sailing , Cheboygan, MI. Cincinnati ’s Q102 programs Yacht Rock music on the WKRQ-HD2 station as the brand Smoothinati .

However, the SiriusXM channel receives the most attention in radio’s social media circles. I learned the genre’s name in the late 2000s through the Yacht Rock mockumentary video series. The opening music is the intro to Michael McDonald’s Sweet Freedom . For those of us DJ-ing on pop radio in the mid-’80s, that song intro is a jock favorite to ramp-up. 

For non-radio readers, ramp-up means talking over a song’s introduction. To take you even deeper into this non-scientific world, radio DJs often judged themselves on their ability to “walk up that ramp” to the point where the vocal begins or a noticeable music crescendo happens in the song intro. 

During a review of the performance, called an aircheck session, you might see a radio DJ smile and virtually high-five their Program Director and proudly say, “I hit that post!” Years later, we discovered the audience wasn’t as impressed with this tactic as we had hoped, but we continued to perform this emotionally satisfying high-wire act.

It’s a rhythmic piece of audio art not shared by every radio talent. If you think it doesn’t make a difference, watch JoJo Cookin’ Kincaid’s Q-106 San Diego video aircheck and convince me the audience didn’t feel it.

Back to the Yacht Rock mockumentary series. The grainy, primitive video was hosted by one of the show’s creators, Hollywood Steve. He would introduce each of the twelve episodes, telling the stories behind the origins of the smooth, soft rock movement. The acting, by design, was campy and exaggerated. I laughed and shared the link with friends and radio colleagues who grew up being influenced by that era of music.

The video series would pop up in my algorithm periodically through the years, but I didn’t think about Yacht Rock until radio talent coach Steve Reynolds started posting his opinions about the SiriusXM channel in 2019. His first post critiqued a song being played on the Yacht Rock channel. 

“Unfamiliar, stiff! Stop!” are the words used in Steve’s first Facebook post. It got the attention of his fellow radio comrades and became a fun way to engage and be sarcastic about a music genre many of us loved or disliked. Either way, the interaction and passion were created through music.

The radio industry Yacht Rockers community is opinionated, just like everyone listening to the radio. In our pending political election season, passion and opinion belong to the spoken-word formats. The News/Talk stations will benefit from increased audience listening and advertising spending through November 5th. 

However, music stations must be aware of the gift of emotional relief their stations offer in this hostile and noisy political season. Our audiences are non-verbally asking for something to remove their brains and hearts from the tension of the season. But we can’t just play it. We have to engage the conversation with the audience.

According to radio industry veteran consultant and analyst Guy Zapoleon, Top 40 music is showing signs of emerging from one of the format’s longest doldrum cycles. Before reading his data, I would’ve agreed. I’m listening to Top 40 radio more often these days. Whenever I tune in, I hear Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, or Teddy Swims songs, and I happen to like those new songs. If Top 40 is experiencing a Rebirth, as Zapolean claims, it’s good for all formats because it brings people to the radio dial and the radio devices.

How do we create audience engagement through our music? We can thank Taylor Swift for giving us a Masterclass during the Eras Tour. Smart radio programmers and marketers took advantage of the passion her music and personality created, and those stations aggressively aligned their products with the moment.

Whether you’re playing Guns N’ Roses on your Classic Rock station or TobyMac on your Contemporary Christian Music station, the audience found you because of the music. Yes, they stay or leave for other reasons, but the passion for the music opened the door of opportunity.

Radio DJs/Hosts/Presenters can be different by engaging with the music you play. Spotify and Pandora playlists can’t perform that magic. Maybe the engagement branches into social media, video, and event content. But it starts with your primary product’s connection through Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Hip/Hop, Country, Gospel, Classic Rock, Jazz, or Yacht Rock music. Let the audience know or feel that you’re aware of the music you’re playing. The audience is aware.

Find your Yacht Rock and create the engagement. But don’t include Christopher Cross’s “Arthur’s Theme.” That doesn’t fit the format. 

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Yacht Rock 311 Ch. 311 rock

Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You'll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!

Fooled Around And Fell In Love

• Elvin Bishop  

I Keep Forgettin' (82)

• Michael McDonald  

Ventura Highway

Feels So Good

• Chuck Mangione  

Escape (The Pina Colada Song)

• Rupert Holmes  

Love Is The Answer

Just Remember I Love You

Searchin' So Long

Kiss On My List

• Daryl Hall  
• John Oates  

Fool (If You Think It's Over)

• Chris Rea  

• Kenny Loggins  

Open Your Eyes

• Bobby Caldwell  

Afternoon Delight

• Starland Vocal Band  

• Bertie Higgins  

Silly Love Songs (Remastered)

Never Gonna Let You Go

• Sergio Mendes  

• Robbie Dupree  

More Than I Can Say

• Leo Sayer  

Biggest Part Of Me

Imaginary Lover

• Atlanta Rhythm Section  

Baby Come Back

It Never Rains In Southern California

• Albert Hammond  

Any Major Dude Will Tell You

• Steely Dan  

Goodbye Stranger

• Supertramp  

© 2024 xmplaylist.com All rights reserved.

Not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Sirius XM Radio Inc. The official SiriusXM website can be found at siriusxm.com . The channel names, marks, emblems and images are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Thurston Howell Band: Your Premier Yacht Rock Spectacular

Set Sail with SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock: Tune to 14 & 311

Embark on a Smooth-Sailing Musical Voyage with Yacht Rock Radio

Welcome aboard the musical cruise of Yacht Rock Radio on Sirius XM! If you’ve been searching for “what channel is yacht rock on Sirius XM?”, you’ve just found your smooth-sailing destination. Yacht Rock Radio, also known as Yacht Rock 311, offers a commercial-free haven where the soft rock songs of the late ’70s and early ’80s come to life.

Your Port of Call for Classic Soft Rock

Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the very best of ’70s/’80s smooth-sailing soft rock. It’s where the iconic voices of Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, and other titans of this mellow musical era’ll serenade you. This station encapsulates the essence of what was once known as the West-Coast sound or adult-orientated rock (AOR), now lovingly termed ‘Yacht Rock’, thanks to the 2005 online video series that coined this term.

Where to Tune In

Find your musical getaway on Sirius XM Radio 14 during the summer months, and on Sirius XM Radio 311 for the rest of the year. Yacht Rock Radio ensures that your listening experience is always top-notch, whether you’re basking in the summer sun or cozying up during the cooler months.

Why Choose Yacht Rock Radio on Sirius XM?

• Non-Stop Music: Immerse yourself in hours of uninterrupted soft rock classics.
• Expertly Curated: Each song is a handpicked gem, ensuring the finest listening experience.
• Seasonal Variations: Two channels for year-round enjoyment – Channel 14 in summer and 311 otherwise.

Set Sail with Sirius XM’s Yacht Rock Radio

Join the legion of yacht rock enthusiasts who’ve made Sirius XM’s Yacht Rock Radio their go-to station for smooth tunes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of this genre or exploring it for the first time, channels 14 and 311 are your gateways to an era of music that soothes the soul and lifts the spirits.

Stay Connected with Thurston Howell

Keep in tune with the latest from Yacht Rock Radio and other yacht rock news by staying connected with us here at Thurston Howell. We’re your guide in the world of yacht rock, bringing you closer to the music that makes life a smooth sail.

What happened to yacht rock radio on siriusxm?

What Happened to Yacht Rock Radio on SiriusXM?

SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio, a beloved channel dedicated to soft rock and easy listening, ceased to exist in July 2017, leaving fans in a state of confusion and mourning. What led to this sudden discontinuation? Let’s dive into the details and explore the history of the channel to find out what went wrong.

History of Yacht Rock Radio

Launched in 2012, Yacht Rock Radio was a labor of love for SiriusXM. The channel was designed to pay homage to the smooth, laid-back sound of the 1970s and 1980s, featuring the greatest hits from iconic acts like the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, the Doobie Brothers, and Hall & Oates. The channel quickly gained a dedicated following, with fans adoring the seamless blend of nostalgic sounds and the station’s retro atmosphere.

Popularity and Reception

Yacht Rock Radio experienced unprecedented success during its early years, attracting a vast audience of adults aged 25-55. The channel consistently ranked among the top 10 most-listened-to channels on SiriusXM, with over 3.5 million listeners tuning in every month. Critics praised the channel for its impeccable programming, attention to detail, and ability to curate the perfect mix of songs and artists.

The Tragic End

So, what went wrong? On July 3, 2017, SiriusXM abruptly shut down Yacht Rock Radio, citing a reorganization effort aimed at creating a more "flexible" channel lineup. Fans were devastated , taking to social media to express their shock, sadness, and outrage. Many considered Yacht Rock Radio to be an integral part of their daily routines, and its demise left a void in their entertainment.

Rumblings of Closure

Red flags were raised months prior , when SiriusXM began reducing Yacht Rock Radio’s playlist to incorporate more contemporary music and eliminating certain programming segments. Many listeners speculated that the channel’s demise was imminent, but nothing could have prepared them for the devastating announcement.

Legacy Lives On

While Yacht Rock Radio may be gone, its impact on SiriusXM’s channel lineup and music fans is still felt. The channel’s archives and playlist are still accessible online, and SiriusXM’s commercial-free Yacht Rock station , available through the SiriusXM app, continues to keep the legacy alive. Additionally, Yacht Rock Radio’s fan base has continued to grow, fostering a strong sense of community among devotees.

Reception and Response

In response to the backlash, SiriusXM executives apologized for the sudden shutdown and expressed their gratitude to Yacht Rock Radio’s loyal fans. While the company failed to acknowledge any wrongdoing, SiriusXM pledged to revive or relaunch a Yacht Rock Radio-inspired channel in the future. Although this promise has yet to be fulfilled, fans remain hopeful.

Comparative Analysis: Channels Surviving and Failing

To provide some context , we can look at other SiriusXM channels that have fared similarly or worse:

As we can see, even popular channels can face closure if they don’t adapt to changing tastes and preferences. In Yacht Rock Radio’s case, its focus on 70s and 80s music made it less adaptable to the rapidly changing musical landscape.

Yacht Rock Radio’s discontinuation is a stark reminder of the ever-shifting nature of the entertainment industry. Although fans mourn the loss of this beloved channel, SiriusXM’s promise to revive a similar station gives hope for the future. The legacy of Yacht Rock Radio continues to live on, with fans finding solace in online playlists and archival content. As the world moves forward, one thing remains clear: music will always be a constant in our lives, and we must continue to celebrate its timeless power.

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Cast Away Your Worries with Smooth-Sailing Yacht Rock

Drop your anchor and relax with our yacht rock channels and shows.

It’s yacht rock season all year long at SiriusXM as we bring you your favorite smooth-sailing hits from the 1970s and ’80s. With channels like Yacht Rock Radio, Yacht Rock Deep Cuts, and Yacht Soul, plus exclusive shows like “Club Yacht Rock,” you’ll be instantly transported to turquoise seas and cool breezes.

Yacht Rock Channels on SiriusXM

Yacht rock radio.

Yacht Rock Radio has docked at satellite channel 17 for the 2024 summer season, playing artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, and other titans of the genre. Plus, catch the brand-new weekly mix show “Club Yacht Rock.” It’s the kind of rock that doesn’t rock the boat!

Club Yacht Rock: Weekly Broadcast Schedule

An app-exclusive channel, Yacht Soul features nonstop soulful and funky (but still so, so smooth) R&B and soul from the late ’70s and early ’80s from artists like George Benson, Earth Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie, Bobby Caldwell, Quincy Jones, Kool & the Gang, Al Jarreau, and more.

Yacht Rock Deep Cuts

For the biggest yacht rock fans around, stream the Yacht Rock Deep Cuts channel — available exclusively on the SiriusXM app — for lesser-known (but still delightfully smooth) yacht rock songs.

What is yacht rock?

Yacht rock is more than just a musical style; it represents an era of laid-back sophistication and an easy-going lifestyle. While we may not all have a yacht, with yacht rock, we can still experience the vibes.

A genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, yacht rock is characterized by its smooth melodies and polished production popular among yacht-owning individuals during this era. The music often features lush arrangements and a clean, polished sound that is easy on the ears, with catchy lyrics and harmonious vocals. The overall feel is relaxed and laid-back, suitable for leisurely activities — like sailing on a yacht.

Yacht rock often incorporates elements of jazz and R&B. Saxophone solos and Fender Rhodes electric piano are common. The lyrics in yacht rock songs often explore themes of romance, introspection, and escapism. The tone is generally positive and reflective, matching the easy-going nature of the music.

Some of the most iconic yacht rock artists include Steely Dan, Toto, Michael McDonald (both solo and with The Doobie Brothers), Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, and Hall & Oates.

Today, yacht rock continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal. Its smooth sounds continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and relaxation, making it a beloved genre for many music enthusiasts.

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