Scott Bradlee: The Postmodern Jukebox Maestro

Scott Bradlee is an American pianist, arranger, and producer best known as the visionary creator of the viral music collective Postmodern Jukebox. Hailing from Glen Rock, New Jersey, his project has reimagined modern pop hits in vintage jazz, swing, and doo-wop styles. This unique formula has propelled the collective to massive online success, selling out global tours and moving millions of records independently.

Early career

Born in 1981, Scott Bradlee began his musical journey as a jazz pianist in New York City, playing in clubs and working as a session musician. His early independent releases, like 2009's "Mashups by Candlelight," showcased his talent for genre-bending, but mainstream recognition remained elusive. Bradlee's breakthrough idea germinated from a series of YouTube videos where he transformed contemporary songs into 1920s-style ragtime pieces.

Breakthrough

The launch of Postmodern Jukebox in 2013 marked a definitive turning point. A vintage swing cover of Miley Cyrus's "We Can't Stop," featuring singer Robyn Adele Anderson, became a viral sensation, garnering millions of views. This success established the collective's signature model: rotating a vast array of talented vocalists and musicians to produce time-warped covers. Their self-released albums, such as "Historical Misappropriation" and "Swipe Right For Vintage," frequently topped the iTunes and Billboard Jazz charts.

Key tracks

We Can't Stop — This 1920s-flavored Miley Cyrus cover was the viral hit that launched Postmodern Jukebox into the global spotlight.

All About That Bass — Their doo-wop take on Meghan Trainor's song became another massive success, further cementing their formula and introducing singer Kate Davis.

Seven Nation Army — This haunting, slow-burning gospel rearrangement of The White Stripes' rock anthem demonstrated the collective's depth and versatility beyond upbeat numbers.

Creep — Haley Reinhart's powerful, blues-drenched vocal performance on this Radiohead cover became a fan favorite and a staple of their live shows.

Thrift Shop — Transforming Macklemore's hip-hop hit into a swinging, brassy number showcased Bradlee's ingenious and playful approach to arrangement.

The collective's model allowed for constant reinvention, leading to collaborations with a wide range of artists from "American Idol" alumni like Haley Reinhart to established stars like "Weird Al" Yankovic. They have released dozens of albums and EPs, maintaining a prolific output primarily through direct-to-fan channels. Their global tours consistently sell out theaters, proving the enduring appeal of their live, analog reinterpretations in a digital age.

Fans of Scott Bradlee's inventive, vintage-inspired style may also enjoy the retro-modern blends of Lake Street Dive, who combine soulful vocals with jazz-infused pop. The theatrical cabaret rock of The Piano Guys shares a similar flair for classical and pop fusion. For more genre-defying instrumental prowess, explore the work of Jon Batiste, whose work spans jazz, R&B, and Americana. The sophisticated pop arrangements of Sara Bareilles also resonate with Bradlee's melodic and piano-driven sensibilities.

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox enjoys frequent rotation across a diverse network of radio stations featured on this website. Their unique sound finds a home on adult alternative stations, dedicated jazz and swing channels, and online radio streams that champion innovative covers and independent music projects. The collective's extensive catalog of reinvented hits provides a perfect fit for thematic programming and specialty shows.

Listeners can discover the timeless yet contemporary music of Scott Bradlee and Postmodern Jukebox through the radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their inventive takes on modern classics, a testament to Bradlee's vision that continues to resonate on airwaves and stages worldwide.