New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Lay It on the Line" by Ferocious Designs


By Bob Makin

originally published: 07/16/2021

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Lay It on the Line" by Ferocious Designs

Ferocious Designs, the project of Central Jersey-based singer-songwriter Brian Kelley, pictured, has dropped a video for the anthemic Peter Gabriel-like call to social justice, “Lay It on the Line,” in anticipation of a just-released five-song debut EP.

Ferocious Designs, the music project of Central Jersey-based songwriter Brian Kelley, has released the debut EP, “A Matter of Time,” featuring the single, “Lay It on the Line.” Originally released as part of Bandcamp’s Juneteenth social justice fundraiser, the Peter Gabriel-like anthemic call to arms’ statement against apathy also recently was conceptualized as a video that aims to inspire participation in Black Lives Matter and other worthwhile causes.

The five-song “A Matter of Time” features Brian out front after years of collaborating with singer-songwriter Christian Beach’s backing band and in bands throughout the ’80s & ’90s that played such venerated venues as The Green Parrot in Neptune. 

Here’s a look at the video, which features photos of Black Lives Matter rallies taken by Eugene, Ore.-based photographer David Geitgey Sierralupe: 

 

About “Lay It on the Line,” he said, “As a white male, I was horrified by the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014 — as well as the fascist response by police during the subsequent protests. I was watching the livestreams and seeing these militarized police advancing on protesters and arresting journalists. Yet, when I went through my Facebook news feed, none of my friends were even talking about it, let alone disgusted by it all.



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



“I started sharing links to the livestreams and the stories about what was going on,” Brian continued. “But most of the people who reacted either didn’t care or apparently supported an authoritarian police state, so the lyrics are essentially a call to action to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement and to address injustices carried out by those who are supposed to uphold the law.”

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at makinwaves64@yahoo.com


FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY


WP Music Department Spring Show: Purcell's Dido and Aeneas & A British Musical Theatre Review

Friday, April 19, 2024 @ 7:30pm
William Paterson University - Shea Auditorium
300 Pompton Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470
category: music

Click here for full description


Popa Chubby

Friday, April 19, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music

Click here for full description


The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute

Friday, April 19, 2024 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music

Click here for full description


Click here for more events

Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages.

Click here for more info.







 

LATEST NEWS


bergenPAC presents Broadway's Rock of Ages Band

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Broadway's Rock of Ages Band on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 8:00pm. The Electrifying Band from the original Broadway smash hit! The only trademarked group from the original Broadway production recognized as Broadway's Rock of Ages Band®


RVCC Student Jazz Ensemble to Perform on April 30th




New Jersey Youth Symphony to Celebrate 45th Anniversary at NJPAC




Sara David Buechner to Perform Beethoven's First Piano Concerto with the PSO


Click here for more event previews







New Jersey Stage

© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com

Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the Garden State
like New Jersey Stage!


Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and on our RSS feed


Art | Comedy | Dance | Film | Music | Theatre | Ad Rates | About Us | Pitch a Story | Links | Radio Shows | Privacy Policy