Mad World with Haley and Puddles on PMJ Top Hat on Fleek

[Tusk]

In a recent interview, Scott was asked whether he's considered PMJ putting out original music, he replied with something akin to " if it ain't broke, don't fix it". My interpretation is he was saying PMJ's identity is rooted in this formula, take modern music, put it through a vintage make over and find exceptional musicians and singers to perform it.

We talk about Scott's innovative approach to nurturing and promoting his band and musicians without the aid of traditional music industry strategies, taking advantage of the social media reach and technologies currently available. But I wonder how much he's willing to experiment with his wildly successful formula? He's brought in augmentation to the formula, tap dancers, cabaret type choreography, even flaming saxaphones, yet the basic formula remains, a static camera shot of a vocalist performing whilst musicians play behind them.

Would he consider a little more production? Telling a story augmenting the song? Adding atmosphere, different lighting, multiple camera angles, close ups and editing?

I suppose that he puts out weekly videos pretty much limits the time and effort he can put into each video, so is only able to innovate in small ways for the sake of efficienciy.. How long can he continue to go at the manic rate of arranging songs, working with musicians so he can put out weekly videos? Will there be a time when he needs to reassess his output? Going at such a rate potentially is a drain on innovative arrangement, possibly leading into a 'sameness'

We became aware of Scott and PMJ because Haley and Casey joined them close to the beginning of them really taking off (some might say the addition of Haley and Casey accelerated the ascent), so our awareness began, basically at the beginnings of the formula finding it's footing to take off. You'd think that after several years, they would have to change the formula somewhat to avoid going stale.

The way they do things now, minus too much production, is intended to put the focus on the music and the band, I get it. But you must wonder will there be a time to innovate even that?

One idea that comes to mind is to apply the innovation to their live performances...I think the monetary "bread and butter" comes from touring and merchandising, while the income from monetizing their videos is a solid financial base from where they can do what they need to do. I propose that they stay with the formula for their videos, but bring production and "theatre" to their live shows, increasing their 'must see' buzz.

That is a major asset that Casey brings to their shows, his live performances have always been to an energized crowd, a master at bringing the fun and enthusiasm to his audiences.

In Haley's case, her duet with puddles, with this song in particular there is much potential to bring mood, lighting and showmanship. They kind of do it in Morgan's performances of "Take me to church", a singular spotlight on Morgan, provides a dramatic backdrop to her vocals, the abscence of sound, but for the keystrokes of Scott's piano, makes for a powerful impact performance.

Something to muse on for PMJ's future...