Bootleg: Beyond The Setlist. Championships
Notes on live music, connection, and the emerging future, by Bootleg founder and CEO Rod Yancy
🎤 Sound Check
Championships don’t happen by accident. Just ask OKC.
The Thunder brought a title home with strong leadership, young talent, and the vision to believe in something bigger, even when no one else could see it.
Sounds a lot like the life of an artist. There are seasons of flow, and seasons where it feels like you’re just trying to stay above water.
There are millions of artists out there. Hundreds of thousands of new songs released every day. That’s what makes the ones who break through so special. They’ve battled setbacks, bet on themselves, and built something that connects. Something that lasts.
It’s fitting that this week, as a new NBA Champion from Oklahoma is crowned, we are rolling out our new Bootleg Champions program. This is an invite-only program for forward-thinking artists to help shape the future of live music and leave a mark on culture.
Champion Artists get early access to Bootleg, guaranteed advances, tour sponsorships and white glove support; plus the opportunity to use their influence to champion a new era of artist empowerment.
We believe in artists who lead. Not just chasing viral moments, but building movements. Bootleg Champions aren’t just early adopters. They’re builders. Visionaries. That’s who we created Bootleg for and that’s who we’re inviting in.
OKC just proved what’s possible when young talent steps up and plays the long game. The next era of music belongs to those who are ready to lead.
⚡️ Live Wire
The industry’s moving fast. I’m just trying to stay tuned in, and share what I hear along the way.
🎙️James Blake Invites a New Era
“If we have an issue with the music business, we’ve got to develop a new one.”
James Blake said this in a recent Financial Times interview, and it hit home. The truth is, most artists today are caught in a system that undervalues their work, rewards algorithmic noise over real connection, and demands content over craft. There are too many problems to count with the status quo of the music industry, and it doesn’t get better by attacking the old systems but by building the new. Blake has been a leader on this front for years, and it’s inspiring to see him continue to walk the path of authenticity, ownership, and a more human music experience for himself and for his fans.
🔗Read the full James Blake interview →
🎪 Bonnaroo Did the Right Thing
When extreme weather rolled in, Bonnaroo made the hard call—canceling the festival and initially offering a 75% refund. Fans spoke up, and to their credit, the festival listened. They updated the policy and issued full refunds across the board. Canceling a major event is never easy, but prioritizing safety and honoring the trust of your community is what builds real, lasting loyalty. Respect to the fans for speaking out, and to Bonnaroo for making it right.
One silver lining: Jack’s Mannequin quickly pivoted and played a surprise show at Cannery Hall in Nashville. We were there to capture it, and the full set is already available on Bootleg.
🔗 Read more at Digital Music News
🎟️ 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
🚀 Bootleg Hits a Milestone
That’s 1,000 live performances that fans didn’t just witness, they took them home. 1,000 moments that were too good to let fade. And most importantly, 1,000 new revenue opportunities for artists who bet on themselves and their connection with the crowd. We’re just getting started, but this number matters. Every Bootleg sold is a step toward a more sustainable, artist-led future, and a reminder that fans are hungry for something real.
🚀 Behind the Scenes Magic
It’s been just over a week since our time in NYC for A2IM Indie Week and the Music Managers Forum and as expected, follow-ups have been the name of the game. There’s more in motion than we can share just yet, but let’s just say some big announcements are on the horizon. Stay tuned.
We’re always open to connecting, so if you’re an investor, manager, or label rep, don’t hesitate to reach out directly.
🎵 Fade Out
The Thunder reminded us that greatness can come from unexpected players rising to their potential, believing in the possibilities and showing up when it matters most.
Championships aren’t just trophies, they’re proof that belief, consistency, and a strong team can change the game.
To everyone out there creating in the margins, leading with heart, and playing the long game: we see you.
The future is unwritten, but it’s starting to sound pretty damn good.
With gratitude,
Founder & CEO, Bootleg.live
www.bootleg.live