The duo of Claire L. Evans and Jona Becholt created the band, belief system and business that is YACHT (which stands for Young Americans Challenging High Technology). The latest album release, Shangri-La, continues similar to the four prior records, with heavy synth electronic beats to get people grooving and interesting lyrics to get people thinking. YACHT performs at Fun Fun Fun Fest this Friday on the Blue stage at 4:15pm. more ›

If you go to the science webpage entitled "Universe" it will describe its writer Claire L. Evans as a "freelance science writer, science fiction critic, polymath, and musician." In the science world, it's easy to glean over the fact that the fact she's a musician in YACHT, a Pitchfork Best New Music-acclaimed act nearly as notable for their philosophy as their music, just like in the music world it's easy to glean over the fact that its sing-speaking vocalist has other, perhaps more "intellectual" pursuits. With all this in mind, we decided to call up Claire to get in-depth about this so-called "Universe," and ended up getting a full-scale tour not only of the future of technology, but humanity itself. Check out Part One to get word on Claire's science background and the people's need-to-know about scientific innovation, or just stay here to see her take on Utopia and, of course, the new YACHT album. more ›

Head out tonight for a mystical musical experience full of cosmic grooves and sci-fi funk as YACHT brings their "Road To Utopia" tour to Emo's. Claire Evan's [see our interview with her] animated vocals float smoothly over Jona Bechtolt's well-composed electro-pop beat in a feelgood way that can't help but get you moving with a smile on your face. The Portland-based duo's musical production is an upbeat treat with intergalactic inspirations. The electronics are thoughtfully produced by Bechtolt, who uses laser effects, computerized beats, distorted guitars and psychedelic synths with the addition of chanted co-ed vocals and the occasional hand-clap or cowbell. Their music is consistently energetic and optimistic. more ›

If you go to the science webpage entitled "Universe" it will describe its writer Claire L. Evans as a "freelance science writer, science fiction critic, polymath, and musician." In the science world, it's easy to glean over the fact that the act she's a musician in YACHT, a Pitchfork Best New Music-acclaimed act nearly as notable for their philosophy as their music, just like in the music world it's easy to glean over the fact that its sing-speaking vocalist has other, perhaps more "intellectual" pursuits. With all this in mind, we decided to call up Claire to get in-depth about this so-called "Universe," and ended up getting a full-scale tour of not only her background in science, but the future of technology itself. Stay tuned tomorrow for Part Two (subject matter: nothing less than Utopia) of this inside access to one of music's most engaging thinkers. more ›

In the months prior to SXSW 2008, Jona Bechtolt and Claire L. Evans (bka the Portland-based YACHT) lived in Marfa, where they recorded their forthcoming See Mystery Lights and tinkered away on a witty sleeve for the AirMac. With the group coming back to Austin this weekend, we had a good excuse to bug them about their time out West (and have a great excuse to get our heads blown Saturday by the deftest drum programming this side of Welcome To Our World). Here’s what Jona emailed us early this morning more ›

If you haven't already purchased tickets for this weekend's Fun Fun Fun Fest, there's still time. Head over here and scoop up a pair, then rest up for what promises to be a jam-packed weekend full of independent music's most compelling artists. more ›

What’s the Deal: There’s one main, overwhelming reason why The Blow made it into this week’s Le Diamant, and that’s because of their song “Parenthesis.” It’s the kind of cute and quirky pop tune that made the songs off the Juno soundtrack so viral. The Blow is the devious and rascally spawn from the mind of musician, visual artist and performer Khaela Maricich. The other half of the creative team that is The Blow is (or was) Jona Bechtolt. According to the group’s MySpace, Bechtolt has left the band, most likely to further his singing and programming in his solo project, YACHT. The Blow have this whole middle school crush ‘Do you like me? Check yes, no or maybe’ thing going on that sinks its teeth in all the way to the gums with a swirling mixture of video game-style electronics and poppy folk. more ›