On the evening of Monday, December 11, 2023, Billy Yost took the stage at the Felix Magazine Charity Dinner Series, held at the upscale Joy District in downtown Chicago. This event, hosted by Felix Magazine, benefits The Apareció Foundation, an organization dedicated to lifting young girls out of poverty and fostering leadership skills among low-income girls. The night was not just about fine dining and philanthropy; it was a celebration of music, community, and hope, with Billy Yost’s performance as the highlight.
As guests indulged in a culinary journey that blended gourmet dining with philanthropy, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The event featured delicious dishes, expertly paired wines, and an ambiance of luxury that made for a truly memorable experience. The connection Yost established with the audience through his music added a special touch to the evening.
Billy Yost hails from the small town of Beresford, South Dakota, a place known as the home of the Watchdawgs. His journey from this quaint town to the bustling music scene of Chicago is nothing short of inspiring. The origins of his band, The Kickback, trace back to his days at the University of South Dakota. It was there that inspiration struck while reading about the Enron case in his criminal justice textbook. A casual suggestion from his roommate, Randall, to use the singular form of the band’s name, helped shape its identity.
Reflecting on his musical genre, Yost shared, “We’ve always been a pop rock band operating in disguise as ‘indie rock’ or whatever you had to say before. It was okay to say you make sad songs for people to sing loudly.” This blend of introspective lyrics and energetic performances has become a hallmark of The Kickback’s music.
Yost’s musical journey spans decades and cities, from Beresford to Chicago, involving numerous records and countless hours of dedication. “It took me about twenty years, moving from Beresford, SD to Chicago, and many records to make the kind of music I first made at my parent’s house in South Dakota,” Yost explained. His influences are eclectic, ranging from ’60s hits and Randy Newman to David Foster Wallace and the Criterion Collection. He credits these diverse sources with shaping his unique sound.
One significant aspect of Yost’s creative process is his work ethic, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I used to sit around waiting to be inspired by something, but when COVID hit, I got better at recording at home and became what would be a workaholic. I won’t do anything if I don’t get a demo or two made weekly,” he revealed. This disciplined approach has allowed him to maintain a steady output of music despite the challenges of balancing a day job, a very understanding wife, and a dog who doesn’t quite respect the magic of music.
The themes in Yost’s music often explore deeper emotional landscapes, encouraging listeners to sing out loud and think critically about the lyrics. “I want to write a song you want to sing out loud. The more you think about the words, the weirder you feel about it,” he said, reflecting on his lyrical intentions.
Despite the many highs of his career, Yost has faced significant challenges. Moving to Chicago in 2009, he spent a decade as a substitute teacher while maintaining an intense touring schedule. “That imploded a marriage and any sense of mental well-being. I spent about five years getting my life together,” he admitted. Yet, the support of his bandmates, Jonny and Dan, has kept The Kickback moving forward. “We keep improving, and there are 100,000 reasons why we should have stopped by now. And we haven’t. And that makes me very happy,” Yost expressed with gratitude.
Connecting with the audience through live performances is a vital part of Yost’s artistry. He enjoys the challenge of winning over new listeners, even if it sometimes leads to frustrations taken out on his guitars. “We’ve spent much time as a ‘who the hell are these guys’ band on a bill. I love trying to win people over,” he shared. This dedication to live performance has earned The Kickback a reputation as an excellent live band.
One of the standout moments in Yost’s career was when their song “False Jeopardy” was featured in the movie “To the Bone.” “That was one of those external affirmations that, unfortunately, meant a lot to me,” he said. Another memorable experience involved climbing the scaffolding at a California wine and hot air balloon festival, channeling his inner Eddie Vedder. While security chastised his brother for the stunt, Yost himself faced no repercussions.
Looking ahead, Yost is excited about the future of The Kickback. They recently finished recording their third album in Chicago with producer Noam Wallenberg. “The best record we’ve made by far. We’re all proud,” he stated. This new album represents a significant milestone, allowing the band to showcase their growth and evolution.
In early 2024, the band signed with a record label, marking a new chapter for The Kickback and promising more opportunities and exposure in the music industry.
Yost’s advice to aspiring alternative musicians is both candid and humorous. “Have wealthy parents and don’t tell anyone. We didn’t have this luxury, but it would have helped. Whenever you wonder how someone seems to be ‘making it,’ it’s probably because they have wealthy parents. Just do your thing. The music business is eff’d,” he remarked.
Billy Yost’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and a deep love for music. His story highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and the music, despite the numerous challenges and setbacks. From his humble beginnings in South Dakota to his current success in Chicago, Yost’s dedication to his craft continues to inspire.
The Felix Magazine Charity Dinner Series was more than just an evening of music and fine dining. It was a celebration of community and the transformative power of giving. The funds raised during the event will go towards supporting The Apareció Foundation’s mission of empowering young girls through education and leadership opportunities.
Reflecting on the event, Yost expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform for such a meaningful cause. “I was blessed and honored; we had a wonderful time. I was able to take my fiancé with me. We met many great people that night, and the performance was also super chill. That was my first time performing solo without the band. It was special because it showed I could perform on my own for a great cause. It’s always rewarding to make sure that we leave the world slightly better than how we found it. It was a very humbling experience, but overall, we had a great time,” he shared.
As Yost and The Kickback look to the future, their plans include more live performances, new music releases, and potential collaborations. They are set to perform at MidSommar Fest in Chicago, one of the city’s largest street festivals, and have plans for a mini-tour across the United States, including performances in Miami, New York, and hopefully, a return to the Dominican Republic by the end of 2024.
“Our show will be special because I haven’t performed in the D.R. since 2015, the last show I did with one of my old bands. I’m looking forward to that. It’s going to be a special moment,” Yost said with anticipation.
Billy Yost’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of music. His journey, marked by both triumphs and trials, highlights the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision and never giving up on one’s dreams. As he and The Kickback prepare for the next chapter in their musical journey, there’s no doubt that their legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.
Stay tuned for more from Billy Yost and The Kickback as they continue to make waves in the music industry and beyond. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to connect with listeners on a deep level ensure that their music will continue to captivate and inspire for years to come.
Billy Yost’s performance at the Felix Magazine Charity Dinner Series was not just a highlight of the evening, but a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and support worthy causes. The combination of fine dining, philanthropy, and heartfelt music created an unforgettable experience that will resonate with attendees long after the last note was played. As Felix Magazine continues to host such impactful events, the ripple effects of their efforts will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter future for many.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Marshelle R. Sanders
- Photography
- Meagan Shuptar
- Retouching
- Brianna Kish
- Grooming
- Alba Irahola of the LAB Artist Agency
