Yacht Rock Radio Relocates to Channel 311
Yacht Rock Radio, the breezy soft rock station on SiriusXM, has a new home as of July 6th, 2022. The channel has officially relocated from Channel 14 to Channel 311 as part of some broader programming changes and shuffling happening across the SiriusXM lineup.
The move may come as a surprise to some longtime Yacht Rock Radio listeners who have had the station preset to Channel 14 for years. But not to worry – the relocation doesn’t impact the music or content. Fans can still hear the same smooth, melodic hits from the peak years of "yacht rock" in the 1970s and 80s. Expect to hear all the core classics from artists like Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Toto, Hall & Oates, and more.
The DJs and overall vibe of Yacht Rock Radio will remain unchanged too. So set your presets to the new Channel 311, lean back, and enjoy the smooth sailing soft rock sounds flowing from the reinvented Yacht Rock Radio on SiriusXM. It may take a moment to find the new dial position, but the same breezy yacht rock you know and love can now be heard on Channel 311.
Defining the Yacht Rock Genre
Yacht rock refers to the smooth, breezy soft rock music that became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The name "yacht rock" is a nod to the luxurious, laidback feeling evoked by the melodic songs in this genre. While the term wasn’t widely used until the 2000s, yacht rock emerged as a distinctive sound in the mid-to-late 70s.
The yacht rock genre is known for its mellow grooves, tight musicianship, close harmonies, and lush production. The songs often revolve around nautical or romantic themes. The core yacht rock groups and artists include Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Toto, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oates, and others. Their polished soft rock hits like "Sailing" by Christopher Cross, "What a Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers, and "Rosanna" by Toto have come to define the breezy yacht rock sound.
Origin of Yacht Rock Radio
In 2016, SiriusXM launched a dedicated radio channel called Yacht Rock Radio to showcase and revive interest in the breezy soft rock genre. The channel airs each summer from May through August, treating listeners to a few months of smooth yacht rock tunes from the 1970s and 80s.
Some of the legendary artists featured on Yacht Rock Radio include Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Toto, Hall & Oates, and many more. The channel plays their hits as well as deeper cuts and rarities.
Since its launch, Yacht Rock Radio has succeeded in sparking new enthusiasm for the yacht rock genre, introducing it to younger generations who may not have been familiar with those classic soft rock acts. For older listeners who grew up on yacht rock, the channel provides a nostalgic trip back to the easygoing ’70s and ’80s.
By airing as a limited seasonal offering, Yacht Rock Radio has managed to keep the format feeling fresh and special each summer. Fans eagerly anticipate its return every May like the launch of summer itself. The station has played a key role in the yacht rock revival happening today.
Where Else Can You Stream Yacht Rock Music?
For those looking to get their yacht rock fix outside of SiriusXM, there are plenty of other streaming options available.
Pandora offers an excellent Yacht Rock Radio station that serves up all the breezy soft rock hits from the 70s and 80s. The Pandora algorithm does a great job of selecting songs and artists that define the yacht rock sound, like Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, and Kenny Loggins. Listeners can skip tracks or give songs a thumbs up or down to further refine the station to their tastes.
Other streaming radio providers like iHeartRadio and TuneIn also offer dedicated yacht rock channels for on-demand listening. These are great options for music fans who already use those platforms regularly. The stations provide a similar selection of tracks with DJs and limited commercial interruption.
During the summer months, many terrestrial and FM radio stations also switch over to a yacht rock format for the season. So for those who still rely on traditional radio, scanning local stations could uncover some that are playing all yacht rock, all the time.
With the plethora of streaming music services available today, listeners can also easily build custom yacht rock playlists. On Spotify, Apple Music and other platforms, search for some favorite yacht rock artists to start building a library of mellow hits from the era. Throw in a few compilations like Yacht Rock Smooth Sailing or Yacht Rock Summer for even more suggestions.
Building a Yacht Rock Playlist
For on-demand listening of the best yacht rock hits, consider building your own custom playlist on a streaming platform like Spotify or Apple Music. This allows you to hand-pick your favorite tracks and queue them up just the way you like.
When creating a top-notch yacht rock playlist, be sure to include classics like:
- "What a Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers
- "Sailing" by Christopher Cross
- "Rosanna" by Toto
- "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys
- "Baby Come Back" by Player
You’ll also want to feature key yacht rock albums like Steely Dan’s Aja, The Doobie Brothers’ Minute by Minute, and Michael McDonald’s If That’s What It Takes. Sprinkle in plenty of Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oates, and other smooth 70s/80s artists.
The beauty of building your own yacht rock playlist is being able to customize it with your personal favorites. Queue up the breezy hits that best capture the laidback yacht rock vibe and sail away to smooth soft rock anytime.
Yacht Rock Artists Still Touring
Yacht rock may seem like a relic of the 70s and 80s, but many of the genre’s key artists are still actively touring and releasing new music today. Michael McDonald, the distinctive voice behind hits like "What a Fool Believes" and "I Keep Forgettin’," continues to tour regularly as a solo artist and with the Doobie Brothers. In 2017, McDonald released his first album of original material in 17 years, Wide Open, which featured collaborations with artists like Warren Haynes. The album shows McDonald still exploring smooth yacht rock sounds well into his 70s.
Kenny Loggins, known for yacht rock classics like "This Is It" and "Danger Zone," is also still touring actively both solo and with his former duo partner Jim Messina. Loggins shows no signs of slowing down, consistently playing around 70 shows per year at venues across North America. He also released his latest solo album in 2009, showing his continued passion for creating new music.
Christopher Cross, best known for his hits "Sailing" and "Ride Like the Wind," still frequently tours smaller venues and casinos. While his touring schedule is not as extensive as in his heyday, Cross continues connecting with fans eager to hear his easygoing yacht rock hits performed live. He also released a new album in 2018, his first in over a decade, proving that yacht rock never fully sails into the sunset.
Other artists like Boz Scaggs, Orleans, Little River Band, and others associated with the yacht rock sound also continue touring regularly on the nostalgia circuit. Their ongoing presence on the concert stage is a testament to the lasting appeal and loyal fanbase of smooth, melodic yacht rock. For both longtime fans and newer generations, hearing yacht rock live in concert keeps the breezy vibes of the genre sailing strong.
Yacht Rock Pop Culture Revival
Yacht rock has seen a major pop culture revival in recent years, indicating a renewed interest in and appreciation for the breezy soft rock sounds of the 1970s and 1980s. This is likely driven by a combination of nostalgia from older listeners who grew up with the music, as well as discovery by younger generations.
The genre has inspired comedic tributes like the web series "Yacht Rock" that parodied the behind-the-scenes drama between real-life yacht rock artists. It also became the theme for dance parties and festivals like the Yacht Rock Revue shows, where tribute bands faithfully recreate the smooth hits live on stage. Even major touring acts like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, and others have leaned into the yacht rock label by branding recent tours as "Yacht Rock" shows.
Clearly the melodic, feel-good sounds of yacht rock have captivated the public imagination again in a major way. The revival shows how the genre has managed to stand the test of time and remain relevant even decades after its heyday. Yacht rock’s comeback is a testament to the enduring artistry and musicianship that went into crafting these smooth pop-rock hits that still resonate today.
The Enduring Appeal of Yacht Rock
Yacht rock has seen a surprising resurgence in popularity in recent years, driven largely by the power of nostalgia. For many listeners who came of age in the 1970s and 1980s, the breezy soft rock sounds of bands like Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, and Kenny Loggins stirs up fond memories. Even younger generations who didn’t experience the genre firsthand have developed an appreciation for its smooth, melodic style.
There’s just something uniquely catchy and appealing about the lush production, airy vocals, and feel-good vibes of yacht rock that have allowed it to stand the test of time. Songs like "Sailing" by Christopher Cross, "What a Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers, and "Rosanna" by Toto still sound as fresh today as they did decades ago. The genre has proven it has real staying power, endearing old fans while continually winning over new ones.
While tastes change, yacht rock has managed to float on, buoyed by its breezy rhythms and ability to conjure up nostalgia. The laidback, harmony-laden hits of the yacht rock era seem destined to sail smoothly on into the future.
Yacht Rock Radio Listeners Respond
Yacht Rock Radio fans had plenty to say about the recent channel move on SiriusXM. Many listeners took to social media to react, with the overall sentiment being relief that their favorite breezy soft rock hits were still accessible, just at a new location.
"So glad I can still get my Yacht Rock fix on channel 311! Was worried it was gone for good when I couldn’t find it on 14 anymore."
This Twitter user echoed the feelings of many who were initially confused by the disappearance of Yacht Rock Radio from its normal seasonal home. But once they discovered it on channel 311, it was smooth sailing again.
"Loving the new 311 home for @YachtRockRadio – still the perfect soundtrack for summer cruising with the top down!"
Comments like this show that most listeners were unfazed by the change in channel number. As long as the yacht rock classics were still flowing, they were happy to follow the station wherever it sailed.
"Woke up in a panic that I couldn’t find my fave Yacht Rock tunes! All good now that I know you’ve moved to 311 and not gone away completely."
Some fans admitted to a moment of panic when they couldn’t initially locate the station. But the mood quickly turned to relief upon learning the channel switch was only a minor relocation, not an end to Yacht Rock Radio entirely.
The station’s passionate listeners made it clear that as long as smooth hits from the likes of Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates, and Kenny Loggins keep playing, they’ll always be happy to set their radio dials to those feel-good yacht rock sounds.
The Future of Yacht Rock
Yacht rock has proven its staying power over the past decade, riding a wave of nostalgia to find new popularity with both longtime fans and younger generations discovering the genre for the first time. Looking ahead, the smooth, breezy sounds of yacht rock seem poised to enjoy continued success and longevity into the future.
Several factors point to yacht rock having room to grow its audience and influence. The rise of streaming and playlists makes it easier than ever for new listeners to find and fall in love with yacht rock classics. As long as there’s an appetite for feel-good throwback tunes, yacht rock should have no trouble finding new fans.
Yacht rock also benefits from a timeless quality – its mellow, harmony-rich sound transcends eras and fads. Songs from artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, and others from the genre’s heyday continue to sound fresh, which will help yacht rock hold its appeal moving forward. The genre has proven adaptable as well, evolving beyond its 70s/80s roots while retaining its essence.
Looking ahead, it’s not hard to imagine a new wave of artists emerging to put a modern spin on yacht rock. The ingredients are there for a revival – smooth melodies, tight musicianship, sunny lyrics. A neo-yacht rock scene would likely fuse elements of today’s pop, R&B, and electronic music with yacht rock’s core DNA. And covers of classics by contemporary acts could further widen the genre’s reach.
Yacht rock found its niche once before when the time was right. The breezy, nostalgic sounds of the genre seem primed for staying power and continued resonance in the streaming era. Don’t be surprised if you hear echoes of yacht rock on the airwaves for decades to come.