Taylor Tote premieres the video to her latest single, “This Ain’t Love,” this week in Makin Waves. Also featured this week are “Jersey Rock Earbuds Mixtape” and Project BWQ. PHOTO BY PETER CHAMALIAN/MIKE HAMLETT
After winning three film festival awards for her “Fighter” video about childhood cancer, industry-respected Jersey Shore-based singer-songwriter Taylor Tote has dropped a new lyric clip for a more personal song, “This Ain’t Love,” which she premieres here in the stream below.
Produced and engineered by Grammy nominee David Ivory (The Roots, Erykah Badu, Patti LaBelle, Halestorm), the surf-tinged soul-pop song, which recalls Amy Winehouse and Dusty Springfield, was written in the wake of a long-term relationship.
“I started going out a lot more often and noticed the way people were ‘dating,’ Taylor said. “A lot of my friends had people they were just ‘hooking up’ with and nothing more. Of course, someone always falls in love and wants something more, while the other person could care less. The way some people are trying to get attention and love from another person isn’t really the loving and respectful way of either person in the ‘relationship,’ hence the line in the bridge, ‘If you wanted love you should’ve handled me differently.’
“The opening line in the chorus, ‘I’m not into you / but I came through’ stems from being attracted enough to someone to stick it out and go with the flow but not into them enough to want something long term because a lot of times in these situations we know where the intention lies,” she continued. “I’ve been in consistent relationships since I was pretty young so this is something I still really don’t understand yet and why people want to ‘date’ this way because it doesn’t usually seem to end well. So being ‘newly’ single, I made this really interesting observation, wrote a song about it, and can hopefully, stay away from it!”
Ivory is just one of several industry insiders who sing the artist’s praises: “Taylor Tote is more than up-and-coming. She's already here, you just don't know it yet! Great voice, great writer!”
Lou Plaia, ReverbNation’s co-founding executive vice president of Music Industry & Artist Relations, agreed.
“I've seen Taylor grow from just a teenager with a powerful voice to a young adult with some great songs, great stage presence and, of course, that same killer voice,” Plaia said. “Her most recent song, ‘This Ain't Love,’ had me snapping my fingers along with the song as she belted out her lyrics.”
In addition winning awards for “Fighter” at the Garden State Film Festival, the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival and the Los Angeles Move Awards in Hollywood, the rising star was named the NYC Hard Rock Rising 2017 Division Champion. She has performed at Winter NAMM in Anaheim and Summer NAMM in Nashville and toured regionally with her band: bassist Aaron Manzo, drummer Anthony Flora, and guitarists-vocalists Nick Ryan and Tom Briant.
Their next gig is Sept. 15 at Resurgence Festival in Atlantic City. More singles and videos will follow in the fall with an album expected next year ...
Trenton-raised Jersey Shore favorite Lisa Bouchelle returns on Aug. 9 to the Stone Pony with a mighty video in tow for her dreamy cover of folk legend Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind.”
Featuring pedal steel by Jeremy Steel (Emmy Lou Harris, Buddy Miller), the track was co-produced by Jeff Trott, producer and co-writer of several of Sheryl Crow’s biggest hits, and is garnering airplay on top Triple A radio stations, such as WXPN in Philadelphia and KCSN in Los Angeles, as well as country stations nationwide.
“I’ve always loved bringing my music to life visually through my videos,” Lisa said. “They’ve allowed me to channel a creative side that I don’t always have the opportunity to explore. With ‘If You Could Read My Mind,’ especially, I was able to convey a deeper part of myself that isn’t often seen by many.”
The second single from Lisa’s top-streaming EP, “Lipstick Cowboy,” follows “Only the Tequila Talkin’,” a duet with Blues Traveler front man and fellow Jersey-bred John Popper, who co-starred in the video, which has more than 100,000 views on YouTube. Meanwhile, “Lipstick Tomboy” has two million streams on Spotify.
The Pony date is part of a tour with surf-rocker Donavon Frankenreiter, a protégé of Jack Johnson. Their trek brought them up the East Coast from Florida and will continue Aug. 11, Brooklyn Bowl; Aug. 13, Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, N.Y.; Aug. 15, The Warehouse, Fairfield, Conn.; Aug. 17, Ocean Music Hall, Salisbury Beach, Mass.; Aug. 18, The Hamilton Live, Washington, D.C.; Aug. 20 and 21, The Beachcomber, Wellfleet, Mass.; Aug. 22, Bowery Ballroom, New York City; Aug. 23, Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall, Wantagh, N.Y.; Aug. 24, Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia; Aug. 26, Asbury Hall, Buffalo, N.Y.; Aug. 27, Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, Md.; Aug. 28 and 29, Beach Creek, Wildwood; Aug. 30, Daryl’s House Club, Pawling, N.Y., and Aug. 31, Higher Ground, Burlington, Vt. …
Another Jersey Shore singer-songwriter taking the music scene by storm is Ella Ross, who is backed by none other than Deal Casino on her new EP, “Wasted Youth,” which was co-produced by that band’s vocalist-guitarist Joe “P.” Parella at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park. The seven-song collection was co-produced by Eric Novod, director of education at Lakehouse Music Academy, where Ella cut her teeth as a young musician.
“Wasted Youth” is a follow-up to last year’s debut EP, “Uncharted Waters,” which also was recorded at Lakehouse and released by MOTO Records. From the new self-released effort, a video for the standout track “Dream” is due in the fall. In the meantime, Ella will play Aug. 11 at Danny Clinch Transparent Gallery in Asbury with Underwater Sounds and Aug. 31 at The Saint, also Asbury, with The Cold Seas, Drew the Recluse, Lex Rex & the Dragons, and Philosophical Tom …
While the mixtape still reigns supreme in rap circles, the rock scene turned its back on the format with the advent of CDs and playlists. Well, it’s making a roaring comeback with “The Jersey Rock Earbuds Mixtape,” a compilation of eight Jersey bands curated by Tom Hanley, host of 95.9 the Rat’s beloved “Jersey Rock” show and produced by Shore-based In the Clouds Records. The fifth in a series of monthly Earbuds compilations released by In the Clouds, the “Jersey Rock” variation features The Vansaders’ “Sunrise,” Reality Suite’s “Cut, Burn, Bruise,” The Skullers’ “Peace with You,” Levy & The Oaks’ “Out of the Blue,” Frankenstein 3000’s “Second Time Around,” The Ones You Forgot’s “Here Forever,” Experiment 34’s “Cut the String,” and Dark Sky Choir’s “Cry for the Legions.” Free copies are available to Rat listeners so tune into the station to find out how you can nab or just purchase yours via the hyperlink above. Also find out more about Earbuds and In the Clouds in an interview by Hanley with the label’s Dan Marter and Nunzio Moudatsos on the latest “Jersey Rock” podcast, which also happens to feature a chat with little ol’ me to preview the fourth and final Makin Waves Summer Concert Series at Asbury Park Brewery show on Aug. 11 …
Jersey City rockers Project BWQ recently released “American Ghost,” featuring the single and video “Phosphene.” "American Ghost" explores identity and the nature of relationships, the pain of being invisible, vulnerability and paranoia, and the healing that takes place throughout the course of life. Led by former teacher Darryl Joo, the band includes drummer-producer John Roccesano, lead guitarist Max Feinstein, and bassist-cellist Jack Breslin. Having recently celebrated the release of “American Ghost” earlier this month at FM Bar in J.C., they have gigs coming up Aug. 15 at The Fire, Philadelphia, and Aug. 16, The Brighton Bar, Long Branch …
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers To Return To Lizzie Rose Music Room (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Tommy Castro & the Painkillers return to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:30pm. Whether he’s squeezing out the deepest blues or playing the funkiest soul grooves, legendary blues and soul giant Tommy Castro knows how to ignite a crowd. Tickets are $38.00 Advance and $45.00 day of show.Experience Hendrix at NJPAC on March 29th (NEWARK, NJ) -- Celebrate the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix as Experience Hendrix comes to Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Centeron Friday, March 29 at 8:00pm. This critically acclaimed multi-artist tribute to Hendrix features performances by Billy Cox, Joe Satriani, Dave Mustaine, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doug Pinnick, Chris Layton, Mato Nanji, Kenny Aronoff, The Slide Brothers, Henri Brown, Kevin McCormick and special guest Taj Mahal. World Famous Bachata Artists To Take The Stage for Uforia Bachata Fest 2019 At Prudential Center on Saturday, March 16 (NEWARK, NJ) -- Uforia Bachata Fest 2019 at Prudential Center will bring together the world’s best Bachata artists including, Frank Reyes “The Prince of Bachata”, Hector Acosta “El Torito”, Zacarias Ferreira, Luis Vargas and Raulin Rodriguez "El Cacique”. Uforia Bachata Fest 2019, presented by Zamora Live, Euforia Radio (Univision) and Corona Extra, will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 8:00pm. The contagious Caribbean rhythm known as "Bachata" will have its gala night, marking the first time in history these world-renowned artists will perform on the same stage. Youth Symphony and Youth Orchestra To Perform at Princeton University January 27 (PRINCETON, NJ) -- The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) continues its 40th Anniversary with a concert featuring the NJYS Youth Symphony and Youth Orchestra on Sunday, January 27 at 4:00pm at Richardson Auditorium at Princeton University located at 68 Nassau Street in Princeton. Youth Symphony will open the concert with Mahler Symphony No. 1 in D major followed by Youth Orchestra performing Dvořák Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88. Rickie Lee Jones To Perform At Grunin Center (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Two-time Grammy winner Rickie Lee Jones exploded onto the pop scene in 1978 and has made a career of fearlessly experimenting with her sound and persona on more than 15 critically acclaimed albums. She brings her show “An Intimate Evening with Rickie Lee Jones” to the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts on Friday, February 22 at 8:00pm.
The Empire Strikes Back in Concert with the NJSO LIVE! at the State Theatre Some of our favorite childhood memories growing up at the Jersey Shore involved going to our town’s grand old movie palace, The Community Theater, in Toms River. Built with colonial architecture and featuring large white columns in the front, paned glass windows in the lobby, a circular brick walk from the sidewalk to the box office, and a white picket fence which enclosed a lawn and a flower bed, this local gem presented the latest Hollywood films. For kids like us back in the 1960’s, that meant pictures like Mary Poppins, Cinderella, The Love Bug, and Flipper.Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes At Riverside Rhythm & Rhyme This coming Sunday, January 20, Scott Wolfson and his band will be serving up their unique blend of Americana at the Riverside Rhythm & Rhyme series at Investors Bank Theater in Succasunna, New Jersey. The band – Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes – formed in Jersey City in 2011, and, even though the members have migrated in various directions since then, they still consider themselves to be a Jersey City band."He Totally Wowed Us!" John Oates LIVE! at SOPAC It’s brisk for an evening walk on South Orange Ave. in South Orange, NJ, this Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 evening, but it’s a good road to follow as it leads us directly to the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) for a special performance by singer, songwriter, and guitarist John Oates and his backup group, The Good Road Band.“Tons of Fun!” The Glenn Miller Orchestra LIVE! at the Grunin Center Although Friday, December 21, 2018 is the shortest day of the year, the audience of big band music lovers here at Toms River, NJ’s Grunin Center for the Arts is hoping for a long evening of classic swing and holiday tunes performed by the incomparable Glenn Miller Orchestra!Mike Davis and The New Wonders Mike Davis traces his love for the trumpet back to a Disney movie.
He grew up in a musical family, with both his parents playing strings in the Seattle Symphony. But Davis wanted an instrument of his own.
Then, at age 9, he saw “The Aristocats,” the animated film about a bunch of French felines — including a group of jazz-playing alley cats.
Upcoming Events
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers To Return To Lizzie Rose Music Room
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Tommy Castro & the Painkillers return to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:30pm. Whether he’s squeezing out the deepest blues or playing the funkiest soul grooves, legendary blues and soul giant Tommy Castro knows how to ignite a crowd. Tickets are $38.00 Advance and $45.00 day of show.
Experience Hendrix at NJPAC on March 29th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Celebrate the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix as Experience Hendrix comes to Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Centeron Friday, March 29 at 8:00pm. This critically acclaimed multi-artist tribute to Hendrix features performances by Billy Cox, Joe Satriani, Dave Mustaine, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, Doug Pinnick, Chris Layton, Mato Nanji, Kenny Aronoff, The Slide Brothers, Henri Brown, Kevin McCormick and special guest Taj Mahal.
World Famous Bachata Artists To Take The Stage for Uforia Bachata Fest 2019 At Prudential Center on Saturday, March 16
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Uforia Bachata Fest 2019 at Prudential Center will bring together the world’s best Bachata artists including, Frank Reyes “The Prince of Bachata”, Hector Acosta “El Torito”, Zacarias Ferreira, Luis Vargas and Raulin Rodriguez "El Cacique”. Uforia Bachata Fest 2019, presented by Zamora Live, Euforia Radio (Univision) and Corona Extra, will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 8:00pm. The contagious Caribbean rhythm known as "Bachata" will have its gala night, marking the first time in history these world-renowned artists will perform on the same stage.
Youth Symphony and Youth Orchestra To Perform at Princeton University January 27
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) continues its 40th Anniversary with a concert featuring the NJYS Youth Symphony and Youth Orchestra on Sunday, January 27 at 4:00pm at Richardson Auditorium at Princeton University located at 68 Nassau Street in Princeton. Youth Symphony will open the concert with Mahler Symphony No. 1 in D major followed by Youth Orchestra performing Dvořák Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88.
Event calendar Monday, Jan 21, 2019
THEATRE
I’m Not Running @ Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, Morristown - 2:00pm and 7:00pm
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Trenton-raised Jersey Shore favorite 
