In an era where pop music dominates the airwaves, it’s rare to come across a project that successfully bridges the gap between modern hits and the musical styles of yesteryear. Yet, this is precisely what Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox has done, capturing the hearts of millions around the globe with its creative reimagining of contemporary songs in vintage genres. What began in a basement apartment in Astoria, Queens, has blossomed into an international sensation, touring the world and performing in iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall and the Sydney Opera House. The story of Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) is not just about music; it’s about innovation, passion, and the power of nostalgia in a modern world.
The Basement Beginnings
The genesis of Postmodern Jukebox can be traced back to Scott Bradlee’s lifelong love for jazz and classic American music. Bradlee, a New Jersey native, was a child of the 1980s, but his musical sensibilities were firmly rooted in the past. He was enchanted by the sounds of ragtime, swing, doo-wop, and big band, genres that had largely faded from the mainstream by the time he was born. However, Bradlee’s passion for these vintage styles remained steadfast, even as he pursued a career in music.
In 2010, Bradlee, then a struggling jazz pianist living in a small basement apartment in Queens, began experimenting with reinterpreting modern pop songs through a vintage lens. The initial idea was simple but revolutionary: What would today’s pop hits sound like if they had been composed in the 1920s, 1940s, or 1950s? Although his initial “viral” moment came in 2009 with a ragtime piano medley of 1980s hits, Bradlee continued to refine the concept into a project called, “Postmodern Jukebox,” which he started in early 2010. It was then that Bradlee recruited a handful of musician friends from the local jazz scene, and began reworking contemporary songs into “old-school” one-take video productions.
The first truly viral Postmodern Jukebox video that Bradlee uploaded was a 1940s-style remake of “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, which he released in 2013. The video racked up 1 million views on YouTube in only a week’s time, generating positive engagement from fans all over the world. Suddenly, Bradlee’s little experiment was attracting widespread attention, and Postmodern Jukebox entered the mainstream.
The YouTube Sensation
What set PMJ apart in the crowded YouTube music scene was not just its ability to create high-quality vintage covers, but also its commitment to honoring the musical traditions of the past. Bradlee didn’t just slap a 1920s filter over a pop song; he carefully arranged each tune, drawing on the authentic jazz, ragtime, and swing arranging techniques that inspired him, from both jazz composers like Jelly Roll Morton and Duke Ellington, and crossover classical composers like George Gershwin. His attention to detail resonated with both younger audiences, who loved the novelty of hearing familiar songs in a new way, and older generations, who appreciated the skill and homage paid to classic American music.
As the project gained traction on YouTube, the rotating cast of PMJ collaborators grew. Singers like Morgan James, Casey Abrams, and Puddles Pity Party (who Bradlee billed as the “Sad Clown with the Golden Voice”) became recurring performers in PMJ videos. Puddles’ debut appearance in Bradlee’s 2013 reimagining of Lorde’s “Royals” helped to introduce the Sad Clown to millions of fans worldwide. Today, Puddles has his own thriving solo career, thanks in part to his work with Bradlee.
By 2014, Postmodern Jukebox had a strong following on YouTube, and Bradlee realized that the demand for their music extended far beyond the internet. Vintage-loving fans were clamoring to see the group live, so Bradlee took the next logical step: a concert tour.
From YouTube to the World Stage
PMJ’s first official tour kicked off in 2014, hitting major cities across the U.S. and Europe. Audiences were enchanted by the group’s theatrical performances, which brought the charm and energy of their YouTube videos to life on stage. The show’s variety show format—complete with tap dancers, comedic emcees, and a rotating lineup of vocalists—offered something for everyone. The diversity of performers and musical styles made it feel as though each concert was a bespoke experience.
The tour was a resounding success, and PMJ quickly found themselves playing to sold-out venues and receiving rave reviews from industry publications like Billboard and Pollstar.
Their reputation as a live act grew exponentially, with fans praising the group for creating an atmosphere that was equal parts nostalgic and contemporary. It wasn’t just a concert; it was an immersive experience that transported audiences back in time.
As the tours continued, so did PMJ’s online presence. Bradlee and his collective kept churning out new videos every few weeks, covering everything from Guns ‘n’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” in 1920s New Orleans blues style to a ‘40s Andrews Sisters style version of the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe.” Each new release was met with enthusiasm from their growing fanbase, and by 2024, PMJ had amassed over 6 million YouTube subscribers.
Collaborations and Critical Acclaim
Postmodern Jukebox has not only won over fans but also garnered the praise of the original artists whose songs they rework. Beyoncé, Billy Idol, Def Leppard, and Hanson are just a few of the artists who have expressed admiration for PMJ’s innovative covers. These endorsements helped to further legitimize the group and drew even more attention to their work.
In addition to their high-profile collaborations with American Idol vocalists like Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams, PMJ has also played a key role in discovering and launching new talents.
A Legacy of Reinvention
As Postmodern Jukebox celebrates over a decade of hard work and success, the project shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, the group marked its 1,000th live performance and celebrated ten years of touring the globe. Bradlee’s ability as an arranger and producer to continually reinvent contemporary music through a vintage lens while identifying outstanding talent has kept PMJ fresh and relevant, appealing to multiple generations of fans.
PMJ’s upcoming tour, set for 2025, will see them headlining London’s Royal Albert Hall, a fitting venue for a group that has made such a profound impact on the world of live music. With their “Magic & Moonlight” tour set to captivate audiences across Europe, it’s clear that Scott Bradlee’s vision of marrying the past and present continues to strike a chord with listeners worldwide.
Postmodern Jukebox’s rise from a basement apartment in Queens to global fame is a testament to the timeless appeal of great music and creative storytelling. What began as a niche project has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, uniting people across generations through the universal language of music. Whether you’re an old soul or a fan of modern pop, Postmodern Jukebox offers something for everyone—a reminder that, as Bradlee has said, “everything new is old again.”