New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

Highwind Premieres Video for "2023"


By Gary Wien

originally published: 01/03/2020


(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Highwind, a two-piece pop-rock outfit based out of Asbury Park, is premiering the video for "2023" - a stand-alone single that is available on Spotify, iTunes, iHeart Radio, Bandcamp, and pretty much anywhere you can buy or stream music.

Highwind was founded by guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, Chris Russo Jr. as a solo project in May 2018.  He approached producer CJ Rarela to record some demos, which they liked so much that the recordings became the first full "How've You Been?" EP. Months after the recording process, Chris was joined by bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer, Dan Synn. The duo played nationally from late 2018 and through 2019, as well as taking the time to write their newest release. When playing live, Chris plays guitar and sings, Dan plays bass and sings, and they have fill-in members join on guitar and drums.

“2023” is the first co-written by the duo and New Jersey Stage asked Chris Russo about the song.

"The song, '2023,' is about episode 03 from an anime series called, 'Sword Art Online.' explained Russo. "I wrote the song after hanging out with one of my closest friends and one of our producers, CJ Rarela. We watched a few episodes of the show that night, and it was my first time ever watching the series. I felt so moved and inspired by the episode from the show that the song came naturally. We recorded the song with Pete Zengerle (Jet Jaguar, Hang Tight, Telltale, Sentinels), and had the song mastered by Jay Maas (State Champs, Title Fight, Defeater, Polar Bear Club)."

Highwind is currently writing new material and plan to head to the studio in the Spring to record new music. The band also plans on touring throughout the year.




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



"We are currently working on booking our first run of shows for the year, so no shows booked yet, per se," continued Russo. "However, we do have a music video shoot on January 26th at the Clubhouse of Toms River that all are welcome to come and be a part of! It's basically going to be an acoustic show, and we want people to just come and hang out. Bring your friends, make new ones, and come be a part of our next single! There is a Facebook event page for it, so all of the information is in one place."

You can follow the band on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Highwind wants to spread one message through their music; that it is okay to be open and honest with yourself and others. Their songwriting involves a raw expression of honest emotions. These songs are there to encourage their listeners to speak out and be open about how they feel. 

PHOTOS BY KRIS KHUNUCHAK MULTIMEDIA



Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at [email protected].



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



EVENT PREVIEWS

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Remember Jones will present a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life - a one night only theatrical event featuring the ENTIRE album and MORE Stevie Wonder hits with a full expanded band, Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, and Very Special Guests on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2:00pm. This is a unique experience that puts the audience in control.
MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Popular entertainer Tony Danza brings his Standards and Stories concert to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Combining timeless music with wit, charm, storytelling, and a dash of soft shoe and ukulele performances, Danza performs a selection of his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook while interweaving stories about his life and personal connection to the music.
Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Contemporary folk stalwart Lucy Kaplansky will perform at Jersey Shore Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Jersey-born songwriter and guitarist Dave Vargo will open the show. The show is part of the on-going Split Level Concerts Series which highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.
State Theatre New Jersey presents

State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'n Roll Revival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'N Roll Revival on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:00pm. The evening features performances by Jay and the Americans, The Grass Roots, The Lovin' Spoonful, and The Brooklyn Bridge.
Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Actor, writer, designer and producer Isaac Mizrahi will blend comedy, storytelling and jazz for a performance at Stockton University's Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Boots in the Borough to Take Place April 18th

Boots in the Borough to Take Place April 18th

(WASHINGTON, NJ) -- With country music and line dancing kicking all day, it'll be a family friendly fun-filled day of dancing, dancing and more dancing when Washington (Warren County) hosts Boots in the Borough on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The free event, which will take place in Downtown Washington from 11:00am to 7:00pm, is the first of its kind in the region.
Rock the Foundation Returns to the Westfield Armory April 18th to Support Housing for Veterans in Need

Rock the Foundation Returns to the Westfield Armory April 18th to Support Housing for Veterans in Need

(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing (FSVH) will host its annual Rock the Foundation benefit concert at the Westfield Armory from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. This signature event brings together music, community, and purpose to support veterans in need of safe, stable housing.
Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday

Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. They are the most authentic British Invasion experience this  side of the Atlantic.  Limited tickets remain.
Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday

Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday

(VINELAND, NJ) -- The Landis Rock Fest 2026 takes place Saturday, April 18th at The Landis Theater in Vineland. Get ready for a full night of original music, hard-hitting rock, and nonstop energy. Showtime is 7:00pm.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS








 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info