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Makin Waves Song of the Week: “Invisible” by Ian Bamberger

By Bob Makin

originally published: 12/10/2020


Brooklyn-based, Jersey-raised singer-songwriter-guitarist Ian Bamberger has released a new single, “Invisible,” which was written during and inspired by the pandemic. PHOTO BY ARIN SANG-ARAI

Making music since he was 12, Brooklyn-based, Jersey-raised singer-songwriter-guitarist Ian Bamberger reignites his rising star with his latest single, the acoustic rock ballad “Invisible,” which can be enjoyed here as the Makin Waves Song of the Week:

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

“The song tells the story of coming to love yourself and allowing yourself to be fully ‘seen’ by strangers and the people you love,” Ian explained. “‘Invisible’ musically builds throughout the song and eventually crescendos into a giant chorus with vocal harmonies. There are some great guitar licks sprinkled throughout the track, and each verse acts as a new chapter within the song. The goal was to write a song that grows lyrically and sonically until the end when there are several guitars and vocal harmonies booming in unison. 

“As a rock musician at my core, ‘Invisible’ enabled me to step back from the electric guitar and truly embrace a more ethereal acoustic sound,” Ian continued. “This release marks a new chapter in my life as a songwriter and musician. This track was one of the first tunes I wrote during the beginning of the pandemic. I was fortunate enough to have the track recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by the talented Charlie O’Connor, a fellow musician whom I met while studying at New York University’s Music Business Master’s program. Charlie helped put all of the melodic ideas I had in my head into the recording, and he helped shape the musical journey of the recording from start to finish.” 




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Ian said he will release a music video for “Invisible” on Dec. 21. Then he will continue to record and release songs written during “these uncertain yet inspirational times,” he said. 

The next release early next year will be a tune entitled “Crazy World.” In the meantime, here’s a look at the videos Ian has released:  

 

Bob Makin has been a New Jersey music writer for 40 years and is a former reporter with USA TODAY NETWORK and former managing editor of The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this column in 1988. Contact him at [email protected]. And like Makin Waves on Facebook.

About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."

Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th

Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th

(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th

The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th

(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company

Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th

Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue

Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue

(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents The Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00pm. They're keeping our country's 250th celebration going with inspiring songs from these two fantastic musicals sung by four incredible vocalists!

bergenPAC presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Playing is the joy and satisfaction of touring, but it comes with the hard part -- travel, the endless miles on a bus. There's no dodging the wear and tear, and Little Feat has been playing for quite a while.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday

Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Great Auditorium. Maestro Jason Tramm leads the 50-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra in an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor. From sweeping Hollywood epics to iconic modern classics, this symphonic celebration brings the magic of film music to life with dazzling orchestral color.Showtime is 7:00pm.

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Kinderhook

Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Jeffrey Gaines

Sunday, July 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Hindley Street Country Club

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Deadgrass

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Bees Deluxe

Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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