AT THE LIBRARY

Jennifer Cyr is co-ordinator of library collections for the Region of Waterloo Library. She recommends:

Outside the Jukebox: How I Turned My Vintage Music Obsession into My Dream Gig by Scott Bradlee (Hachette Books, 256 pages)

Scott Bradlee’s YouTube viral sensation, Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ), is now a vibrant musical group touring the globe. “Outside the Jukebox” is a behind the scenes look at PMJ and its creator, Scott Bradlee. It offers highlights and lowlights of Bradlee’s life and career in an easygoing, relaxed and often amusing way.

“Outside the Jukebox” reads as part memoir and part guide to young artists. Bradlee doesn’t delve too much into his private life, but rather shares stories about his motivation and vision for a musical group and details how he went from struggling artist on the verge of giving up his dream, to a successful pianist and producer for PMJ.

Among the pranks and antics of his bandmates, Bradlee provides insight into what he feels new artists need to accomplish their goals in the digital media age. He further describes how PMJ grew from the early days with little help or knowledge on how to plan a tour to present day, with shows taking place across multiple continents.

Bradlee thanks others, whether PMJ members or not, for their efforts which contributed to the success of PMJ. His acknowledgement demonstrates the value of collaboration and co-operation that helped make him a success, despite his obsessive need to control. “Outside the Jukebox” may connect with readers who enjoy memoirs, music or pop culture.