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.

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Blues People with Special Guest: Jeff Levine

Saturday, July 05, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music

 

Straight No Chaser - Summer: The 90’s Part 2

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music

 

Frisson Winds

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
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Three American Troubadours: A Tribute to James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Carole King

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Axelrod Performing Arts Center
100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ 07723
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Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
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EVENT PREVIEWS

Jazz Concert at Trenton City Museum will Feature the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum will present a free jazz concert Friday, July 18, 2025 at the museum's Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park. Featuring world-renowned vibraphonist Joe Baione, the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience is the first group to perform in a series of jazz events leading up to the museum's 2026 TRENTON MAKES JAZZ exhibition, in collaboration with the City of Trenton.

The Newton Theatre presents Tonight's the Night - a tribute to Rod Stewart

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Tonight's the Night - a tribute band that celebrates the music of Rod Stewart - will perform at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 8:00pm.

Hoboken's Sinatra Park to Host Concert by Freedy Johnson and Karyn Kuhl and the Gang

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Local events organizer, Geri Fallo, who retired last year, is inviting you to celebrate with her, as she embraces new and exciting endeavors. Come enjoy a free evening of music in Hoboken's Sinatra Park (525 Sinatra Drive) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The evening is presented by Mayor Ravi Bhalla, The Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs, and Geri Fallo. The event is free, and music starts at 6:30pm. Come early for the best seating.

An Interview with Dan Kurtz of The New Deal

Formed in 1999, Toronto, Canada based trio The New Deal, is a pioneer in jam-based electronic music. The group was founded by remaining members Dan Kurtz (bass) and Jamie Shields (keys), along with Darren Shearer (drums) who left tND in 2011. Since its inception, tND has remained committed to its improvisational roots and has served as a model for other jamtronica bands bridging the gap between multiple music genres as well as the border between Canada and the United States.

Two NJ Jazz Musicians Will Play with The Jazz Ambassadors in Morristown

Pianist Anthony Pocetti grew up in Hamilton, NJ, studying piano, "doing sort of traditional piano lessons. I have an uncle who was always encouraging me to get into the jazz thing. He gave me the (Miles Davis) Kind of Blue CD, and he knew that the jazz pianist Jim Ridl was living in Hamilton."