Bootleg: Beyond The Setlist. Making Space For What Matters
Notes on live music, connection, and the emerging future, by Bootleg founder and CEO Rod Yancy
🎤 Sound Check
I am currently in Australia, where I’m on a long-awaited trip with my family and a few close friends. We’re making our way across the continent, and already, the time away has been clarifying.
This isn’t just a vacation: it’s a pause I’ve worked a long time to be able to take. For years, my life has centered around building - first with Oath, now with Bootleg. Most of my travel has been tied to that growth, not rest.
Lately, though, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to lead differently. To delegate with intention. To trust the teams that I’ve helped build. And to make room for what inspires: family, friends, adventure and living all life has to offer.
It’s not always easy to step back. But what I’m seeing more clearly than ever is that the right people and systems don’t just keep things going, they elevate them.
I’d be lying if I said there weren’t a few Bootleg meetings happening while I’m here. But the truth is, this work lights me up and balance doesn’t mean shutting everything off. It means making space for what matters.
I’m grateful. For the people in my life, for this moment of alignment, and for the reminder that growth isn’t just about what we build, it’s also about what we’re willing to release.
After all, if we’re not building to improve the lives of others and enjoy our own more fully… what are we doing?
⚡️ Live Wire
The industry’s moving fast. I’m just trying to stay tuned in, and share what I hear along the way.
🚀 Copyright Chaos, and What Comes Next
As an attorney and music tech founder, I’m watching the latest developments in the U.S. Copyright Office with deep interest. The recent report outlining internal dysfunction and systemic challenges highlights just how critical (and fragile) our copyright infrastructure really is. For companies like Bootleg, which rely on clarity around rights, licensing, and ownership, a strong and functional copyright system isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. While the issues described don’t pose an immediate threat to our model, they do underscore the need for ongoing vigilance and thoughtful innovation in how creators and platforms navigate intellectual property in the digital age.
I'll be watching closely as this story unfolds and continuing to advocate for systems that work: for artists, rights holders, and the fans who support them.
🔗Read the full article via 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
🎧 New Feature: Bootleg Previews
We’re rolling out a new feature we’ve been excited about for a while: Bootleg Previews. Now in testing at select shows, fans will be able to hear a portion of the live recording before purchasing. In some cases, they’ll even get full access for 24–48 hours before it’s gated. This is all about deepening fan engagement and helping more people experience the magic before making a decision. We’re excited to expand this feature as we learn and iterate.
🎸 Welcome to Bootleg, Mother Road Sons
Growing up in Oklahoma in the ’90s, it was impossible to escape Hanson’s MmmBop – especially with the group’s hometown roots in Tulsa. That’s why I’m especially excited to share that we’ve partnered with Isaac Hanson to Bootleg the debut performance of his new band, Mother Road Sons.
With this project, Isaac leans fully into alt-country, teaming up with some of the best live musicians in Oklahoma. Check out their first show now on Bootleg!
🎵 Fade Out
There’s a strange kind of clarity that comes from being far from home. The day-to-day noise quiets down, and what really matters tends to rise to the surface.
This month, it’s trust. Team. Time. And the reminder that growth isn’t always about acceleration, it’s about alignment.
The music plays on, and the mission stays the same.
Thanks for being here.
With gratitude,
Founder & CEO, Bootleg.live