Jona Bechtolt, known by his stage name Yacht, was born on February 12, 1980, in Madison, Wisconsin. Raised in Astoria, Oregon, he grew up surrounded by a musical family. His passion for music was ignited at a young age, and he began playing the drums alongside his brother Joel Bechtolt in a band called Allegro.
As a teenager, Jona decided to pursue his love for music full-time, ultimately leading him to drop out of high school. Instead of following the traditional educational path, he chose to dedicate himself to playing drums and touring the United States. This decision marked the beginning of his musical journey and set the stage for his future success.
Before establishing himself as a solo artist under the name Yacht, Jona Bechtolt was part of several musical groups. He first gained recognition through his involvement with The Badger King and later with The Blow. These collaborative efforts allowed Jona to hone his musical skills and develop his unique sound.
In 2008, Jona Bechtolt expanded his musical endeavors by welcoming Claire L. Evans into his group. This partnership added a new dynamic to his solo project, enhancing the creativity and innovation within his music. Together, Jona and Claire continued to push boundaries and explore new artistic avenues.
Aside from his musical pursuits, Jona Bechtolt is also known for co-founding the blogging web community Urban Honking. This platform provided a space for creative expression and collaboration, further showcasing Jona's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering artistic communities.
In 2005, Jona Bechtolt had the opportunity to collaborate with acclaimed musician Devendra Banhart on Banhart's album "Cripple Crow." This collaboration showcased Jona's versatility and ability to work with artists across different genres, solidifying his reputation as a talented and sought-after musician in the industry.
Throughout his career, Jona Bechtolt has continuously pushed boundaries and challenged the norms of the music industry. His innovative approach to music and art has earned him a devoted fan base and critical acclaim. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Jona's legacy in the indie-electronic music scene remains strong, leaving a lasting impact on listeners and fellow musicians alike.
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