Let's all give Postmodern Jukebox a rest, okay?
So before I start writing, let me get one thing out: this isn’t a shady blog post aimed at anyone that has performed to Postmodern Jukebox.
As someone who produces burlesque shows - and that tries to be pretty encouraging to anyone starting their performing journey - one of the biggest frustrations when putting a lineup together is a total overwhelming number of acts set to Postmodern Jukebox.
It’s like the Harlem Nocturne of the 00s.
And I’m a totally guilty party here too. I use Postmodern Jukebox in class a lot. I’ve picked it for the odd act - especially for the more ‘crowd pleasing’ or burlesque novice kind of shows.
Because it’s great music. If you are teaching you get a lot of the vintage style and beats - but with something your students will recognise and be able to hum along to. Or if you are in a crowded event where you might be the one burlesque number, you instantly give the audience a little giggle with your song choice.
So what’s the issue?
The one perspective I can offer is that if you are applying for a show or a festival, you make life a bit hard on the producing team and set yourself up on the back foot. Because if there are so many acts applying with this soundtrack, you are immediately in competition with a heap of other performers. No one wants to come to a show with acts all set to the one singer or style. Variety is pretty important to a good audience experience.
But I love the humour and the mixes of modern songs, I hear you cry!
Yes me too! And if you have your heart set on something, look knock yourself out. Because it might just be a truly great act. Or if you have an existing number to a Postmodern Jukebox song, don’t let this blog post (read by about 20 people I’m sure!) put you off or make you feel like you have to change.
If you feel inclined though, start to explore music from the era itself. Maybe hop into some 1940s or 1950s classics if you aren’t familiar and start to listen for styles and artists you like.
Heart set on reworked modern songs? There’s definitely some great alternatives. Some of my faves include:
The Puppini Sisters (the OG in my opinion)
Lady Gaga (yep, she’s done great covers with Tony Bennett!)
The Rev Rockers
Berk and the Virtual Band
Richard Cheese
Have you gotten a bit of Postmodern Jukebox fatigue? What are some of your favourite alternatives?