Bootleg: Beyond The Setlist. A New Era

Notes on live music, connection, and the emerging future, by Bootleg founder and CEO Rod Yancy

🎤 Sound Check

Bootleg is stepping into a new era.

After an energizing week in Atlanta where we partnered with mtheory and the Music Managers Forum to host some of the most compelling events of the week, it’s clear that something is clicking.

Over and over again last week, I’d find myself in a conversation with someone where I didn’t need to tell them all about Bootleg because they had already heard about us. The vision is resonating. The signal is getting stronger.

And, we're adding more fuel to the fire. I am honored to welcome Ted Cohen to the team as an advisor and consultant. A trailblazer in music and technology, Ted helped shape the digital landscape at EMI and has guided countless companies at the forefront of innovation. His belief in what we’re building is a powerful signal that Bootleg is onto something big.

I’m most proud that we’re not just building a company, we’re building it with soul.

Bootleg is rooted in a deep respect for the music, the artists, and the moments that move us. This isn’t just about tech or revenue. It’s about capturing what makes live music unforgettable and giving it back to the people who love it most.

I’ve always believed in what we’re building. It’s powerful to see that belief shared by artists and leaders across the industry.

⚡️ Live Wire

The industry’s moving fast. I’m just trying to stay tuned in, and share what I hear along the way.

🚀 What 100 Million Tickets Tell Us

According to Music Business Worldwide, Live Nation has already sold over 100 million tickets in 2025, surpassing all of 2019’s numbers with half the year still ahead. It’s a potent reminder that live music isn’t just back, it’s accelerating. Artists who are saying yes to touring, connection, and innovation are riding a wave of momentum. At Bootleg, we’re honored to support that wave, helping artists capture the magic of each night and turn it into lasting impact and continuous revenue.

🔗 Read the full article via Music Business Worldwide

🎤 Big Win for Zach Bryan

At just 29 years old, Zach Bryan has landed two massive deals reportedly worth a combined $350 million. He renewed his contract with Warner Records for future releases and is in talks to sell part of his publishing catalog to the newly formed Merritt Group. It’s a staggering number for an artist whose debut album dropped in 2019 and who only signed with a major label in 2021. Proof that authenticity (and rabid fan support) can rewrite the industry playbook.

🔗 Read more via Country Chord

🎟️ 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

🎹 Welcome to Bootleg, Jack’s Mannequin: We’re thrilled to partner with Jack’s Mannequin and C3 Management to capture their entire upcoming tour, celebrating 20 years since their debut album. This one’s pure nostalgia that deserves to be preserved. Now fans can relive every moment on Bootleg.
🎥 The Fan POV: We just dropped a new video on Instagram that walks through the full fan experience: attending a Judah & The Lion show, buying the Bootleg, and listening back in the app. If you’ve been curious what it actually looks and feels like, this is a great place to start. Check it out here and give us a follow.

🔗 See the Latest Bootlegs

🎵 Fade Out

The conversations are different. The energy is different. There’s a sense that something meaningful is taking shape.

We’re not chasing attention. We’re earning trust by staying focused on the artists, the fans, and the feeling that brings them together. That’s what Bootleg has always been about.

Thanks for being part of it.

With gratitude,

Rod Yancy

Founder & CEO, Bootleg.live