A deep dive into the collaborative networks of Yacht Rock

Abstract

This paper explores the collaborative networks of Yacht Rock, a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s and is currently experiencing a resurgence of popularity in the United States and beyond. In addition to using formal social network analysis to explore the development and transformation of Yacht Rock's collaborative musical network through time, we identify its most influential artists and musicians and highlight the most pivotal songs of the era – adding context with historical and archival approaches. The results indicate that a core group of studio musicians based in Los Angeles played an essential role in helping develop Yacht Rock. This reservoir of musical talent and the supporting "hard" infrastructure (e.g., recording studios, music labels) in Los Angeles helped bring Yacht Rock to the masses. However, much of this movement's success has roots in the "soft" infrastructure of the region (e.g., management, industry connections) and the network effects of bands like Toto and Steely Dan.