Jona Bechtolt of the post-pop trio YACHT (Young Americans Challenging High Technology) has been based in Los Angeles for some time now, but he grew up in Astoria.

His father, Warren Bechtolt Jr., told the Ear several years ago that Jona started his music career taking piano lessons with Astoria musical icon, Betty Phillips. When he was in middle school, he was the drummer for Astor Street Opry Co.’s “Shanghaied in Astoria.” 

“We’ve been getting emails and messages for years asking for us to put the 2007 album ‘I Believe In You. Your Magic is Real‘ back on streaming,” Jona posted recently on the YACHT’s Facebook page. YACHT, formed in 2002, consists of Jona Bechtolt, Claire L. Evans and Rob Kieswetter.

“The truth is that record is so old we didn’t have a decent image file of the artwork, so we couldn’t submit it to distributors!” Jona added. “Thankfully we had a scuffed old LP lying around and our dear friend @jjstratford was able to take a photograph of it for us. So as of today, it’s back! Listen to it anywhere albums stream, or hey — it’s Bandcamp Friday! Grab it on Bandcamp so you never lose it again. Xo.”

While you’re at it, you might want to catch up with YACHT on Instagram at @teamyacht, and watch some of their videos on the TeamYACHT website. You might well find yourself dancing in your chair. (Photo: Jona Bechtolt/Jennifer Juniper Stratford)