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

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Berlin Under A presents "Roots Rock Women" on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The lineup includes Debra Devi, Faith NYC, Stephanie Marie & The Double-Knit Players. Doors are at 5:30pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Susan Werner

The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Susan Werner

​(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Susan Werner on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Over the course of her twenty five year career, Susan Werner has earned a reputation as "one of the most innovative songwriters working today" (Chicago Tribune).​
State Theatre New Jersey presents The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is the ultimate ABBA tribute, touring through North America for the past 20 years. The audience and the press all agree that "This is the closest to ABBA you'll ever get!"
Bergen Institute for the Creative Arts at Bergen Community College presents Back to Bergen on April 16th

Bergen Institute for the Creative Arts at Bergen Community College presents Back to Bergen on April 16th

(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Bergen Institute for the Creative Arts at Bergen Community College presents Back to Bergen, a new live music concert series featuring none other than the college's own music program graduates performing original music and classics. Held Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the college's Ciccone Theater, the inaugural installment will showcase the program's success at producing top notch musicians across a variety of genres from classical and jazz to R&B, pop and rock.
WilloLand Duo performs on April 16 as part of Westminster Conservatory Noontime Series

WilloLand Duo performs on April 16 as part of Westminster Conservatory Noontime Series

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 12:15pm, Westminster Conservatory at Nassau will present the WilloLand Duo. The performers, Kevin Willois, flute and Patricia Tupta Landy, piano, are members of the teaching faculty of Westminster Conservatory. The recital will take place in the Niles Chapel of Nassau Presbyterian Church (61 Nassau Street) in Princeton. It is open to the public free of charge.
MPAC presents Patti LaBelle on April 17th

MPAC presents Patti LaBelle on April 17th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Legendary vocalist Patti LaBelle comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. Through the years, the songbird's name has become synonymous with grace, style, and class.
Killer Queen to Perform at Scottish Rite Auditorium

Killer Queen to Perform at Scottish Rite Auditorium

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- Killer Queen, the award-winning UK-based Queen Tribute featuring the incredible Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, will perform at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The group's ambitious twelve-week 2026 US Tour runs from April 16 to October 23. 
Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR

Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades. A limited number of tickets remain for the show.
The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on April 17th

The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on April 17th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Christ Congregation Church. Two women plus ten instruments equal one good time when the award-winning duo of Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon take the stage. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Remember Jones to present 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder

Remember Jones to present 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life"

(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.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS






 

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