Each year, Makin Waves picks the 12 independent New Jersey-based music acts who made the most waves. That means residing at least half the year in and paying income tax to New Jersey (and not just from here), extensive touring in support of a new original LP or EP, preferably internationally; professional quality narrative videos; singles that garnered broadcast and online radio play and significant streams; national press, and other awards. Note that the Dirty Jersey Dozen are presented in alphabetical order. To get a sense of pecking order, please check out the 27th Annual Makin Waves Awards here!
Brielle Brown — This Jersey Shore singer-songwriter’s latest and greatest album, “In Art & Soil the Same,” was written over the course of a 15-month long fellowship with The Witness Institute, which continues the work of Nobel laureate Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. Three of the album’s songs were co-written by Brielle’s Grammy-winning husband and producer Marc Swersky.
Dogs in a Pile — After touring the nation all year, this Grateful Dead-inspired Asbury Park band released their third and what may be their best album, “Distroid.” The funk fest of 10 tasty jams ‘n’ grooves is peppered with island spice and rap dabbling and spawned a couple of great videos. Dogs in a Pile will do a two-night New Year’s stand at Woodstock’s Bearsville Theater before heading to the West Coast again early next year.
Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones — Right before they signed with the bicoastal indie Broke Records, Asbury Park-based Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones dropped “Too Easy to Kill,” their second EP in as many years and a follow-up to the amazing 2024 full-length debut, “Everything Must Go.” Broke is now promoting “Too Easy to Kill.”
Arlan Feiles — In support of “Diaspora,” his best album yet, this legendary Jersey Shore singer-songwriter once again toured Europe. Back home, the composer and co-star of “The Devil and Daisy Dirt” just landed in an even hotter ticket with an extended New Brunswick PAC run to be co-produced by New Jersey Hall of Famer Kevin Smith.
Flycatcher — These Asbury Park indie darlings toured nationally in support of their acclaimed third LP, “Wrench.” They ended the year and are beginning the new one as a headliner booked by Paladin Artists. In addition to national tour dates, the new LP spawned several tasty videos.
Renee Maskin — One of the hardest-working artists in the Jersey scene, Asbury Park-based Renee Maskin makes amazing albums faster than some people can order soup. This year’s platter, “Is It Real,” made her label, Mint 400 Records, proud. For the follow-up single, “Wonderland,” Renee went out in her own. Both the album and single featured fantastic videos by Renee’s partner, internationally acclaimed filmmaker John Decker.
Never the Name — This new band immediately put out an impressive LP, the seven-song “Millennial Boomer Consumer,” which sounds like a cross between the funkiness of Red Hot Chili Peppers with the smooth R&B of Phillip Bailey. Impressive videos helped build Central Jersey-based Never the Name’s buzz, which will continue into the New Year.
Patty C — This Highlands singer-songwriter released successful singles and videos in support of his debut EP, “Happy Camper.” The fun but sincere tribute to his native Jersey Shore was impressive, as was the video for the local hit “Spreading the Love,” and shows with his backing band, the Pints; a band called En Delirium, and duo shows with fellow Jersey Shore tunesmiths Dan Apy and Cranston Dean.
Surfing for Daisy — This super hot buzzing Asbury Park band sandwiched an appearance at Sea.Hear.Now and a sold-out Stone Pony headlining show with a nationally heralded full-length self-titled debut album, a live EP, and the local hit follow-up single, “Psychic.” Championed by New Jersey legend Danny Clinch, Surfing for Daisy will continue to make the City by the Sea proud in 2026.
Jake Thistle — In anticipation for his eagerly awaited next studio album, this young North Jersey singer-songwriter released several impressive singles and videos and toured Europe in support of them. A star in the making, Jake Thistle will have a national breakout year in 2026.
Williams Honor — It’s been three years since Williams Honor released their sophomore LP, “Ex,” but they just dropped a really tasty video for one of the album’s most popular songs, “Goodbye Tulsa.” This Asbury Park/Nashville-based country-rock duo also toured Europe and released an excellent summer single, “Whiskey Truck.”
Yawn Mower — This beloved Asbury indie band celebrated a decade together with the release of their sophomore album, “I Just Can’t Wait to Die,” on Mint 400 Records. Four fun, tongue-in-cheek videos promoted the LP, which they’ll continue to support with extensive touring.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and Instagram and contact Bob at [email protected].
