Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Yates.
Hi Jason, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Music has been the central passion of my life! Over the years, I’ve recorded and toured with numerous bands, performing for audiences from dive bars to amphitheaters all over the United States. These days, I’m focused on family life and managing Wicked Good Sandwiches, a restaurant and music venue in Clarksville, TN. Despite my busy schedule, I still make time to play music whenever I can.
My musical path began as a teenager. A couple of friends and I landed a weekly gig playing top 40 country songs at a local club in our small town. Even though we were still learning, that experience was invaluable and really helped us figure out how to be a band.
I hadn’t planned on coming to Clarksville, but when my friends decided to attend Austin Peay after high school, I followed them to keep our band intact. I attended APSU for a few years but my focus was playing music in bars and local clubs, rather than on my studies. In 1999, my band Guardrail connected with a booking agent who offered us an opportunity to tour, so I quit school and hit the road.
Guardrail signed a developmental deal with an indie label in Nashville. They saw potential in the band but our songs never fully resonated, and eventually we moved on.
In 2001, I joined P Jones (Project Jones) – I had had a six year run with this group. We toured relentlessly all over the country, put out an independent album in 2004, then released another record under Eclectik Records in 2006. It was a fun time, for sure – we were able to share the stage with some of our favorite acts and really achieved a good amount of success.
After my time with P Jones, I decided to settle down and start a family. I got married and shifted my focus to playing music locally/regionally, becoming a weekend warrior and staying within a few hours of home.
In 2012, my wife and I decided to open Wicked Good Sandwiches. By this point, I was pretty burned out from playing live and after two decades, I needed a break. I kept my house gig at O’Connors Irish Pub (Hot Tub Party-Every Friday) and started playing at a church but otherwise took a step back from performing.
Although I played less in the following years, I remained heavily involved in the local music scene by managing my venue, booking bands, and running sound.
In 2018, my good friend Dusty Mahan approached me about filling in on a European tour with his band Fuzzripper. While the tour fell through, it sparked my return to the stage, leading to the formation of The Electric Mahan and later dadBop.
Nowadays I’m pouring most of my extra energy into my 90s tribute band, Saved By The Music. I’ve reunited with some of my oldest friends for this project, and we’ve built significant momentum throughout the Southeast over the past year. We have a show coming up in Columbia, TN on November 15th at The Mulehouse – Check out the ticket link below!
The 90s alt-rock era is probably my favorite musical period; many of my all-time favorite albums were released between 1995 and 1999, and that era definitely shaped my bass playing more than any other. Bands like Oasis, Gin Blossoms, Tonic, Better Than Ezra, Matchbox Twenty, Third Eye Blind, and The Refreshments were all particularly impactful.
I’m in a great place right now, only taking on gigs that genuinely interest me—no more playing just for the paycheck.
I recently played on a fun studio project, Oceans Between Us. Our debut single drops on Halloween and will be available on all streaming platforms.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The early days at WGS were certainly challenging. I was juggling three other jobs while trying to launch the business. My typical day started with working lunch shifts at WGS, then I would head to my bartending job at 4 PM, leaving my wife Patti to manage the shop on her own. After that, I would DJ at a local nightclub until 3 am. On my only day off, I spent seven hours working at a church. This grueling cycle lasted for over three years, with me working seven days a week. It was tough, but we persevered and came out stronger on the other side.
As you know, we’re big fans of Wicked Good Sandwiches. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Wicked Good Sandwiches is an eatery and music venue located in Downtown Clarksville, near APSU. My wife and I opened the shop in 2012, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating thirteen years in the community! We’ve received incredible support, and we’re grateful for it.
We mainly serve sandwiches and burgers, along with appetizers and beer – think classic greasy college food.
Some of our popular items include The Italian Grinder, Steak and Cheese, The Southwest Burger, and The Turkey Pesto.
The music venue side is currently on hold since my 90s tribute band has been keeping me so busy, but we do plan to get back to hosting indie shows again at sometime down the line. Running a mom-and-pop business can be demanding and often exhausting, but it’s definitely been a fun adventure and we truly appreciate everyone that has been a part of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wickedgoodsandwiches.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savedbythemusic90stribute/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonyatesonbass/
- Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/Savedbythemusic90stribute/
- Other: https://www.jasonyatesonbass.com
Image Credits
Will Rain Photography
Jami Tatum Photograpy
Cody Hegler
Jon Duncan Photography
