Biography
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) is a rotating musical collective founded in 2011 by New York-based pianist and arranger Scott Bradlee. Bradlee, who struggled for years as a jazz musician in New York City, began experimenting with reimagining modern pop songs in vintage styles, such as swing, jazz, and ragtime. His early YouTube videos, including a ragtime medley of 1980s songs and 'A Motown Tribute to Nickelback,' gained viral traction and encouraged him to pursue this concept further[1][3].
PMJ started as a small group of Bradlee's friends recording videos in his basement apartment in Astoria, Queens. The original lineup included bassist Chris Anderson, saxophonist Ben Golder-Novick, harpist Brandee Younger, and vocalist Emma Walker. As the project grew, Bradlee's entrepreneurial approach—testing video formats, optimizing for virality, and recruiting a rotating cast of musicians—transformed PMJ into a global phenomenon. The group has since featured over 70 performers, toured six continents, and amassed billions of YouTube views[1][3].
PMJ is celebrated for its innovative reinterpretations of contemporary hits, blending genres from the 1920s to the 1960s. Their arrangements often feature brass, woodwinds, and vintage vocal stylings, breathing new life into songs by artists like Radiohead, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift. The collective's legacy lies in its ability to showcase both established and emerging talent, launching the careers of many vocalists and musicians while reviving interest in classic jazz and swing aesthetics[2][3].
Fun Facts
- PMJ's first viral hit was a ragtime medley of 1980s pop songs filmed in Bradlee's apartment[3].
- The group sometimes tours with multiple casts performing simultaneously on different continents[1][3].
- Scott Bradlee was the musical director for the immersive off-Broadway show 'Sleep No More,' which influenced PMJ's theatrical style[3].
- PMJ has been described as a 'Saturday Night Live for singers' due to its role in launching the careers of many vocalists[3].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- George Gershwin - Bradlee taught himself Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' as a child, which influenced his musical direction and appreciation for jazz and classical crossover. (Rhapsody in Blue) [Bradlee's childhood (1990s)]
Key Collaborators
- Haley Reinhart - Frequent featured vocalist; her rendition of 'Creep' became one of PMJ's most popular covers with over 110 million views. (Creep (2014)) [2014–present]
- Robyn Anderson - Early PMJ vocalist and Bradlee's girlfriend at the time; appeared in many initial viral videos. (Thrift Shop, We Can't Stop) [2013–2015]
- Adam Kubota - Longtime bassist and musical collaborator, featured in live shows and recordings. (PMJ albums and tours) [2012–present]
- Ben Golder-Novick - Saxophonist and original PMJ member, contributed to early arrangements and live performances. (Early PMJ videos) [2011–2015]
- Chloe Feoranzo - Clarinetist/saxophonist, toured and recorded with PMJ, featured in multiple videos. (Various PMJ covers) [2015–present]
Artists Influenced
- Morgan James - Vocalist who gained wider recognition through PMJ collaborations, later launched a successful solo career. (Maps, Like a Prayer) [2014–present]
- Aubrey Logan - Singer/trombonist whose PMJ appearances helped propel her solo jazz career. (Bad Romance, Give It Away) [2015–present]
- Hannah Gill - Singer for Glenn Crytzer Orchestra, PMJ appearances boosted her profile and led to solo projects. (PMJ covers, solo albums) [2016–present]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Selfies on Kodachrome | 2015-01-13 | Album |
| Emoji Antique | 2015-04-23 | Album |
| Swipe Right For Vintage | 2015-07-30 | Album |
| Clubbin' With Grandpa | 2014-05-20 | Album |
| Twist Is The New Twerk | 2014-01-31 | Album |
| Historical Misappropriation | 2014-09-02 | Album |
| Lounge Language Models | 2025-03-06 | Album |
| Top Hat On Fleek | 2015-11-05 | Album |
| Squad Goals | 2016-07-14 | Album |
| 33 Resolutions Per Minute | 2017-01-05 | Album |
| Fake Blues | 2017-04-06 | Album |
| The Essentials IV | 2025-02-06 | Album |
| The Essentials III | 2021-12-09 | Album |
| Swing The Vote! | 2016-04-13 | Album |
| Puttin' On The Rizz | 2024-04-04 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Habits (Selfies on Kodachrome)
- Creep (Emoji Antique)
- Lovefool (Swipe Right For Vintage)
- Seven Nation Army (Swipe Right For Vintage)
- Careless Whisper (Clubbin' With Grandpa)
- Oops!... I Did It Again (Swipe Right For Vintage)
- Mad World (Top Hat On Fleek)
- All About That Bass (Historical Misappropriation)
- All The Small Things (Fake Blues)
- I Swear
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 22, 2025 | 02:21 | Young and Beautifulfrom Twist is the New Twerk | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis |