As Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) prepares to embark on its 2025 “Magic & Moonlight” tour, headlining prestigious venues like London’s Royal Albert Hall, one thing is certain: Scott Bradlee’s brainchild is not slowing down.
Over the past decade, Postmodern Jukebox has earned global acclaim for its innovative fusion of modern pop hits with vintage musical styles, captivating audiences of all ages with its blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair. With over 1,000 live shows performed and millions of YouTube subscribers, PMJ has solidified its place in the music world as more than just a passing trend. The big question now is: what’s next?
As PMJ steps into 2025 and beyond, the future looks bright, full of exciting possibilities for creative evolution, new collaborations, and groundbreaking performances. In this article, we’ll explore some potential directions for PMJ in the coming years, from expanding their retro repertoire to collaborating with iconic artists and exploring new avenues in live entertainment.
The Evolution of the Retro Repertoire
One of the hallmarks of Postmodern Jukebox is its ability to transform contemporary pop songs into something timeless by reimagining them in vintage genres like jazz, swing, ragtime, doo-wop, and Motown. While PMJ has already covered a wide range of hits—from Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” in doo-wop style to a jazz waltz version of “Flowers”—there’s no shortage of musical territory left to explore. As Bradlee and his ever-evolving collective of musicians look to the future, there’s a strong possibility that they will continue to expand their retro repertoire, both in terms of the eras they draw from and the genres they tackle.
One potential direction could be a deeper dive into global vintage sounds. While PMJ has largely focused on American genres from the 1920s through the 1960s, there’s a wealth of international music styles that could add new layers of richness to their covers. In 2023, PMJ incorporated Brazilian styles like Bossa Nova and Samba into their covers of Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” and Estelle’s “American Boy;” just imagine hearing a Bollywood-inspired version of a Taylor Swift hit, or salsa version of Post Malone song. With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, PMJ has the opportunity to introduce their global fanbase to the retro sounds of other cultures, adding more variety and diversity to their already eclectic catalog.
Collaborations with Legendary Artists
Postmodern Jukebox has a history of working with incredibly talented vocalists and musicians, both well-known and up-and-coming. Vocalists like Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams, Gunhild Carling, and Puddles Pity Party have all become fan favorites, and PMJ’s collaborations have helped launch the careers of many artists. However, as the group moves into the next phase of their career, they may seek out collaborations with even more legendary artists from the worlds of jazz, soul, and classic pop.
Imagine the possibilities: a duet between a PMJ vocalist and Michael Buble, or a jazz-infused performance with Lady Gaga, whose own ventures into classic jazz standards have been met with critical acclaim. As Postmodern Jukebox continues to grow in influence and recognition, it’s not far-fetched to imagine collaborations with iconic artists who share a love for blending the old with the new. Such partnerships could not only bring new creative energy to the project but also introduce PMJ to even broader audiences.
New Retro Genres to Explore
While Postmodern Jukebox has primarily drawn from styles like swing, ragtime, and doo-wop, there are plenty of vintage genres that they have only scratched the surface of. One exciting prospect for PMJ’s future is exploring new retro genres that haven’t yet been fully integrated into their repertoire. For instance, they could dive deeper into the sounds of early rock ‘n’ roll or the British Invasion era of the 1960s, reinterpreting songs from The Beatles or The Rolling Stones in unexpected ways.
Another potential direction could involve experimenting with the golden age of country music or bluegrass, genres that have a rich history of storytelling and musicianship. While PMJ has already dabbled in country with their cover of The Smith’s “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out,” featuring Ashley Campbell, the daughter of country legend Glen Campbell, there’s room for further exploration of these distinctly American genres.
Bradlee might also look to the 1980s, which has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to its synth-heavy sound and bold fashion. PMJ could take this a step further by reworking iconic ‘80s hits like “Take On Me” or “Tainted Love” into big band or jazz arrangements, putting a sophisticated spin on the music of a decade known for its exuberance.
Expanding the Live Experience
Postmodern Jukebox’s live shows have become just as renowned as their YouTube performances, thanks to their immersive, variety show-style format. Fans of all ages flock to PMJ concerts not only for the music but also for the experience—a night of dazzling performances, vintage glamour, and audience participation. As PMJ looks to the future, they may explore new ways to elevate their live shows even further.
One exciting possibility could involve incorporating more theatrical elements into their performances. With their deep roster of vocalists, musicians, and dancers, PMJ is well-positioned to create a show that feels more like a Broadway production than a traditional concert.
Storytelling through music, set design, and choreography could become a bigger part of their performances, turning each tour into a truly immersive experience that transports audiences to different musical eras.
Reinventing Digital Content
As a project that initially found fame on YouTube, Postmodern Jukebox has always been at the forefront of digital content creation. However, as platforms evolve and new technologies emerge, PMJ has the potential to reinvent the way they engage with audiences online. With the rise of short-form video platforms like TikTok, PMJ could experiment with creating bite-sized vintage covers that capture the attention of a younger, digital-savvy audience.
Another avenue for growth could be virtual concerts and interactive livestreams. During the pandemic, many artists turned to virtual performances to connect with fans, and PMJ was no exception. As technology improves, PMJ could create virtual experiences that feel just as engaging as their in-person concerts, allowing fans from around the world to experience their shows in real time, regardless of location.
Conclusion: The Future of Timeless Music
As Postmodern Jukebox looks toward 2025 and beyond, their future is filled with possibilities. Whether through new collaborations, expanding their retro repertoire, or pushing the boundaries of live entertainment, PMJ is poised to continue evolving their unique brand of music. Scott Bradlee and his team have proven time and again that great music transcends time, and with their creative vision, there’s no telling what musical heights they will reach next.
In an ever-changing music industry, Postmodern Jukebox offers something truly rare: a bridge between the past and the present, the familiar and the new. As they prepare to take the stage at Royal Albert Hall and beyond, one thing is certain—everything old is new again, and PMJ’s journey is far from over.
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