Bootleg: Beyond The Setlist. The Next Big Shift in Music Isn’t What You Think
Notes on live music, connection, and the emerging future, by Bootleg founder and CEO Rod Yancy
🎤 Sound Check
I love when a subtle moment shifts everything.
A few weeks ago in St. Louis, I caught the Judah & the Lion tour opener as Bootleg just launched a new partnership with the band. Great show, packed house, full of energy. But more than anything, it reminded me why we’re in this business.
There’s nothing like live music. The way it moves people. The way it brings everything into focus for a night, or even just a song.
The past few weeks have been a sprint. But that night reminded me: it’s not just about tech or trends. It’s about moments. And making sure they last.
This newsletter is a place to explore that: the pulse of live music, the tools shaping the future, and the sparks that keep us all coming back.
Glad you’re here.
⚡️ Live Wire
The industry’s moving fast. I’m trying to stay tuned in, and share what I hear along the way.
Will Spotify's DJ Compromise Streaming Revenue?
The big streamers keep pushing AI deeper into the listening experience — shaping not just what we hear, but how we hear. While that’s arguably a win for personalization, it raises big questions for artists and managers:
Will AI help or hurt discoverability? Will revenue become even more concentrated at the top? For those of you in the music business, cracking the algorithm might soon require understanding AI as much as music itself.
Are AI Collabs the New Featured Verse?
AI-generated vocals and synthetic co-writers are no longer just tech demos — they’re landing placements, earning streams, and stirring up conversation. From Grimes’ open-source voice model to viral AI-Drake tracks, the boundary between human and machine is dissolving fast.
For those of us who live for live shows, the question is — will AI creep into that space too? Or will it make real, human connection on stage even more powerful?
🎟️ Backstage Pass
At Bootleg, we help artists capture and sell high-quality audio recordings and photographs from their shows so fans can collect and relive the moment, and artists can keep earning beyond the encore.
What’s Moving
🎤 Live Drop: Judah & The Lion are now on Bootleg! That tour opener gave me chills, and I love that I can tap back into that feeling on Bootleg.
🍔 SXSW: Bootleg had a presence (and a burger dinner hang) down in Austin last month. We co-hosted with our friends at Music Managers Forum and have loved reconnecting with folks in the weeks since.
🔗 In the news: Thanks to our friends at Music Ally for the recent interview and feature – excited to see more folks tuning in to what we’re building.
🎵 Fade Out
I know everyone is moving fast, so I appreciate you taking a moment to pause with me.
If something sparked a thought, feel free to pass it on or reach out