Jonathan Bree

New Zealand-based artist Jonathan Bree today announced his fifth studio album, Pre-Code Hollywood, will be released digitally on April 14th (with vinyl coming on May 12th) via his own Lil’ Chief Records, in partnership with Secretly Distribution. A dark disco album full of sad bangers, the collection is Bree’s most exciting and pop-forward work to date, featuring scorching production and guitar work from the legendary Nile Rodgers on two songs. One of which, the LP’s alluring title track, is out today alongside a self-directed video of Bree and his mannequin band, who are renowned for never being seen without their masks. “Pre-Code Hollywood” is a theme song for Bree’s masked, anonymous anti-hero persona, and references The Hays Code: a set of industry guidelines enforced in Hollywood between 1934 and 1968 that censored what ideals in art should be championed, and what should be driven underground, rather than accepting the nuance in creation.

The track’s accompanying video is set in the late 1970s, where Bree and his band are performing on a fictional ‘Top of the Pops’-style live TV show called 'Radio Vision.' Dick Driver makes a guest appearance as the host, mimicking his role in New Zealand’s influential early music video program 'Radio With Pictures,' which aired from 1976 to 1989 and was the catalyst for MTV. “Pre-Code Hollywood” is part of a series of music videos presented on 'Radio Vision,' the first being 2022’s loosie single “You Are The Man.”

The celestial opening notes of the album transport listeners to a complex sonic world that celebrates classic pop of a bygone era, while experimenting with the avant-garde in a way that is distinctly modern. Pre-Code Hollywood exudes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of a John Hughes movie soundtrack. Across it, Bree explores complicated, often poignant relationship dynamics with winking wisdom, all set to the stirring sounds of driving synths, bendy strings, and dark, orchestral electro.

Bree began his musical career at age 12 as the drummer in his adult cousin’s goth band, which was cut short when his mother sent him to live in Australia with his father, an aspiring cult leader. Bree subsequently left home at 14 and independently navigated his teenage years, eventually forming The Brunettes (Sub Pop) with partner Heather Mansfield, and touring relentlessly for much of the early aughts. Eventually, the frustrations of pursuing a traditional route to success pushed Bree to take a long break from releasing his own music, and focus instead on expanding his Auckland-based record label (Lil’ Chief Records), and producing/collaborating with other artists like Princess Chelsea. Bree returned to releasing music as a solo artist in 2013. His breakthrough 2017 hit “You’re So Cool” has amassed over 28 million views on YouTube and was voted Time Out New York’s music video of that year. 

A producer and musician best known for his cinematic brand of orchestral pop, Bree’s deep baritone and musical arrangements—which often feature sliding strings and chamber instruments such as the celeste, harp, and timpani—draw inspiration from classic artists like Lee Hazlewood and Serge Gainsbourg, but are reborn as something entirely his own. And now with his latest entry in a line of impressive solo work, Bree and his artistry are even more striking and fully realized than ever on Pre-Code Hollywood.

Bree will be touring throughout Europe in April and May. See below for a current itinerary of dates.