The Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Carpool Lane,” is the latest single from Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Jake Thistle. PHOTO BY JDI MEDIA

Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Jake Thistle has accomplished much at the young age of 21.

To celebrate, the Wonder Bar is hosting Jake’s 21st birthday party. The April 12 show also serves as a release party for his latest single, “Carpool Lane,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Carpool Lane” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on April 11 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.

Jake’s influences include three of my favorite artists: Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and Tom Petty. He’s shared the stage with Bruce, Jackson and members of TP’s band, the Heartbreakers.

He’s also been:

* Voted Best Americana of 2022 on Indie Boulevard for “Ghosted Road,” his debut with current label, Montclair-based Gold’n Retriever

* Named an official artist for WhyHunger's Artists Against Hunger and Poverty, who include Bruce, Jackson, as well as Brandi Carlisle

* Honored with a special service award from the American Cancer Society for significant contributions to the cause through his music

* Shared bills with Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Eddie Vedder, The Lumineers, and Wilco

* Featured on CBS News, Variety, Billboard, American Songwriter Magazine, BBC Radio, The Record, WCBS FM, NYC's Q104.3 FM

* Also on stage with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Earl Slick (David Bowie/John Lennon), Jon Herington (Steely Dan), Mark Whitfield (Sting), Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan), Low Cut Connie, Jeff Slate (Rolling Stone), and Lou Pallo (Les Paul)

* On tour in Europe and across the U.S., and for crowds of thousands at major music events, such as Audacy’s Beach Life Festival, Tom Petty Weekend in Florida, Rocktoberfest in Brooklyn, and Baconfest in Easton, PA.

“I've had an absolute blast playing and writing, and have been so lucky to hang around so many amazing musicians and people that I've been able to learn from,” Jake said. “I'm incredibly proud to have found something that not only brings me joy, but can be used to make other people happy. I certainly think passion is something that can be found at any age, but I feel incredibly lucky and grateful I found mine early.”

Jake co-produced “Carpool Lane” with the track’s drummer-keyboardist-mixer Tyler Sarfert.

The song’s sole composer, Jake sings and plays guitar, piano, keyboards, and bass on the tune, which was mastered by Drew Lavyne.

“There’s an interesting conflict that sometimes comes with the freedom to escape,” Jake said. “It’s an excitement of a new future, yet a frustration of having nothing left to leave behind. The concept behind ‘Carpool Lane’ comes from this, and the sense that running doesn’t necessarily free you from yourself. It’s the first of a new batch of songs I’m thrilled to release. I’m incredibly proud of the direction the new record is going, and am thrilled for everyone to hear more!”

The birthday show will debut new songs from a forthcoming album and benefit Fulfill, the Jersey Shore hunger organization, and Tazzy Animal Rescue Fund.

Jake then will participate in a John Prine tribute April 18 at Township Crier, Beacon, NY, with David Frye, Gary Solomon, Chris Brown, Loren Korevec, Michelle Solomon and Joe D'Urso. Then he’ll go on tour opening for Fantastic Cat from May 1 to 11 throughout the Northeast. He’ll also participate in tributes to Jackson Browne on June 22 at Woodbridge Concert Series at Woodbridge High School Fields with Late for the Sky; Warren Zevon Aug. 1 at The Vogel in Red Bank with Pat Guadagno, Vini Lopez, and Arlan Feiles, and Tom Petty Aug. 31 back at Woodbridge Concert Series at Woodbridge High School Fields.

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].