Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Home" by C.R. and the Nones

Jersey City-based C.R. and the Nones’ third single, “Home,” precedes the Nov. 6 release of their debut LP, “Living in Fear,” on the New York City indie Favorite Friend Records. Pictured is frontman Chris Gennone, who released five albums with his previous band, C.R. and the Degenerates. PHOTO BY SAM MUSSELMAN   

With his previous band, C.R. and the Degenerates, Jersey City singer-songwriter Chris Gennone released five albums between 2016 and 2018. The prolific artist is maintaining that with the Nov. 6 LP, “Living in Fear,” by his new band, C.R. and the Nones, on the New York City indie Favorite Friend Records. The band just released the album’s third single, “Home,” which is the Makin Waves Song of the Week and can be enjoyed here.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Home” also can be heard 5 and 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and midnight at ThePenguinRocks.com and 6:45 p.m. on Friday and Monday on its “Radio Jersey” show.

Chris’ mix of punk, heartland rock, country, folk, and indie rock with the Degenerates is refocused on “Living in Fear.” After demoing 20 songs, he spent a considerable amount of time in the studio, ensuring that each song sounded just right, pouring over the tiniest details, and fleshing out lush arrangements. Chris said he focused this time out not only on songwriting but also arranging. 

Written during what he says one of the darkest periods in his life, “Living in Fear” shows Chris at his most raw and vulnerable, recounting challenging experiences, including a devastating breakup and a period of homelessness. But at Favorite Friend, Chris has found a musical home.

Founded by Tom Gallo, producer of the Look at My Records! podcast and blog, and Nick Lafalce of the band Atlas Engine, Favorite Friend marks its first-ever album release with “Living in Fear.” 

Check out the two videos the label released for this summer for the LP: 

Bob Makin is a reporter for USA TODAY NETWORK and the former managing editor of The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this column in 1988. Contact him via email and like Makin Waves on Facebook.

EVENT PREVIEWS

Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.

---

MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.

---

Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.

---

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.

---

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.

---

51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th

(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

---

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.

---

McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.

---

51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.

---

The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.

FEATURED EVENTS