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

[ButterandBloom]

I don't have any expectations for the video on this one, Scott has his shtick on PMJ videos that is amusing at times. Haley always classes it up in her videos (I am totally biased) but not sure how you can do that with a 7 foot clown.

I don't have a problem with Haley exhibiting a different side of her personality for the PMJ audience. I think Haley has potential for some comedy shtick and this number could show that. We've seen her interaction with Casey on some of their gigs, and it can be pretty funny. She seems to have some natural comedy timing. In fact I could imagine her some day after (not if, but after) she becomes popular hosting, or at least appearing on Saturday Night Live and being funny in some skits.

Just remembered this little bit that evidently was recorded during the Mad World session. Probably answers the question as to whether or not Mad World was recorded at Scott's apartment, or in a different location.
https://instagram.com/p/8lO2tYAugE/

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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...

I agree with you Tusk. As venues become larger, such as the Microsoft Theater, and tickets become more expensive, the shows have to grow to accommodate the expectations. Of course the solo numbers, derived from the videos, will still be the bread and butter of the show, but the production needs to be enhanced with more, and better group numbers. The stages are getting bigger, and the empty space becomes more apparent. Scott seems to be moving in that direction, as evidenced by the increase in numbers involving "full cast."

The problem with increasing the production value of the show, if it includes more props, equipment, etc., is that it becomes harder logistically to make one day jumps from city to city. It also would require a more stable cast to keep the quality level high enough. But, there has to be incentive for cast members to stay with PMJ over their individual bookings. To date that doesn't seem to be the case, so there is a constant flow of talent in and out of the cast.

Maybe this isn't a problem for PMJ fans who come to the show predisposed to like everything on the program, as long as it's something or someone recognizable from the videos. But, in the long run, I don't think Scott can rely on this core base to sustain him indefinitely. Some people will come to the shows on the recommendation of others, or from reviews or advertising, and they will take everything they see on face value. I noticed at the Club Nokia performance that many people, at least in the balcony, got up and left before the encore. My guess is that they were not dyed in the wool PMJ video viewers, or I think they would have known that AATB was 100% certain to come on as an encore.

My wife is an example of someone who did not come to the show as a confirmed PMJ fan, but basically to support my interest in Haley and PMJ. She is very picky, but found the show uneven; some of it she liked, some of it she felt lacked professionalism.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hope Scott isn't sticking too strongly to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. IMO he needs to be open to thinking a little outside his PMJ box in order to keep growing. Maybe the first indication is that he is handing over the piano to another musician, I assume so he can spend more time on the production end. I agree with you that he can't keep up his manic pace indefinitely. How long will he be able to do his weekly Periscope sessions?

Time will tell. In the meantime, I wish the best for him to be successful, especially since the better the PMJ product the better it is for Haley and all associated with it.