With 25+ years documenting rock’s evolution, Yates combines a journalist’s curiosity with a archivist’s precision. His work at Jaxsta and SiriusXM makes him a unique bridge between music’s analog past and digital future.
“The best stories aren’t told—they’re excavated.”
We’ve followed Rod Yates’s work for over two decades as he’s become one of Australia’s most authoritative voices documenting rock music’s cultural footprint. His career blends old-school journalism rigor with modern multimedia storytelling, creating a bridge between music’s golden eras and today’s evolving industry.
Yates’ 2021 deep dive into The Angels’ seminal album became a masterclass in music archaeology. By interviewing surviving band members and studio engineers, he reconstructed the chaotic creative process behind tracks like No Secrets. The piece contextualized the album’s influence on grunge pioneers like Pearl Jam, featuring never-before-seen studio photos that went viral among rock archivists.
“He’d come home smelling of beer and cigarettes, clutching crumpled lyrics about highway hellrides. Little did we know they’d become anthems.”
This intimate 2023 profile revealed Scott’s pre-fame life through Thornton’s memories, including his near-fatal 1969 motorcycle accident. Yates balanced nostalgia with clear-eyed reporting, debunking myths about AC/DC’s early days while humanizing the iconic vocalist.
Conducted three months before Rudd’s legal troubles made headlines, this 2022 piece showcased Yates’ ability to extract candid reflections. The drummer discussed everything from the Back in Black sessions to his unique rhythmic philosophy. Music journalists praised how Yates framed Rudd’s contributions within rock’s percussive evolution.
Yates prioritizes stories connecting past and present, like his 2023 piece tracing Nirvana’s drum sounds to 70s Australian pub rock. Successful pitches might highlight anniversary reissues with unreleased studio footage or interviews exploring how classic techniques influence modern producers.
His podcast episode with Bruce Springsteen’s longtime guitar tech demonstrates interest in unsung contributors. Consider pitching profiles of studio engineers, touring crew veterans, or instrument makers preserving analog traditions.
While Yates acknowledges streaming’s impact, he rarely covers TikTok virality or platform algorithms. A 2024 pitch about vinyl’s resurgence among Gen Z collectors succeeded by tying it to manufacturing innovations at classic pressing plants.
His best work combines archival materials with fresh interviews. When promoting a band’s reunion tour, include offers to review original tour diaries or coordinate interviews with both current members and retired collaborators.
Yates spends weeks researching subjects, as seen in his 8,000-word Guns N’ Roses oral history. Pitches should allow for similar immersion—avoid embargoed exclusives requiring rushed turnarounds.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Music, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
