Covers have always been a thing in the music industry worldwide, but for Scott Bradlee and the viral Postmodern Jukebox, the pop songs of today is given a new tune, taking us all back to the good old jukebox times. They are even giving Maroon 5's song "Maps" a new take.
Based in New York, musician Scott Bradlee started reinterpreting music in YouTube and created the viral sensation Postmodern Jukebox, comprised of talented musicians who gave modern songs a new taste, feel and sound.
In his blog, the jazz pianist noted that his goal with the viral Postmodern Jukebox is to change the mindset of his audience when it comes to music and songs.
"My goal with Postmodern Jukebox is to get my audience to think of songs not as rigid, ephemeral objects, but like malleable globs of silly putty," he said. "Songs can be twisted, shaped, and altered without losing their identities-just as we grow, age, and expire without losing ours-and it is through this exploration that the gap between 'high' and 'low' art can be bridged most readily."
The Postmodern Jukebox recently dipped listeners back to the 70s with their take on Maroon 5's "Maps," with the soulful voice of Morgan James.
Aside from "Maps," Postmodern Jukebox also placed a more sophisticated taste on Rihanna's "Only Girl," Katy Perry's "Birthday" and even Miley Cyrus's "We Can't Stop," which garnered over 10 million views on YouTube.
In an interview with Huffington Post, Bradlee shared that he hopes this project inspires other independent artists to never give up on their talent, in spite not having enough funds to work out an album or get a management. "I want independent artists to know that you don't need to spend a ton of money on making an album or shooting a music video -- in fact, you probably shouldn't," he said.
"There's no barrier to entry in the music industry anymore; if you want to sell a lot of music, all you need is an interesting idea and a mobilized fan base," the jazz pianist added.
In 2013, the Postmodern Jukebox had placed number nine on the Billboard Jazz charts.
In his blog, jazz pianist Bradlee said: "I want to contribute to the pop music lexicon in the best way that I can. I want to encourage others to push the boundaries of genres, and give them the tools to do so. Together, I want to create an alternate universe of popular song."
The Postmodern Jukebox is scheduled to go on their "Eviction Tour" this coming October.
