By Bob Makin
originally published: 02/21/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week, "Hey!," is the latest single and video from Colossal Street Jam's long-awaited LP "No Way to Live." PHOTO BY ESTELLE MASSRY
Throughout their 36-year history, Colossal Street Jam have proven over and over again how resilient they are.
After staging an amazing comeback in the wake of a long hiatus, they had to slow down and rally around co-founding guitarist Sal Marra. Once Sal recovered from cancer and all systems were go, Colossal signed a record and management deal that led to national touring and several singles and videos. But when the label/management firm folded, Colossal shook themselves off and started all over again.
On Feb. 14, they released their long-awaited LP, “No Way to Live,” the latest single and video for which, “Hey!,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Hey!” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 21 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
“About a year and a half ago, we signed to an indie label and management, which led us to shelving the release, while only putting singles and videos out from the album,” co-founding vocalist Gene Potts said. “The album was only available at our shows while we waited for the label to make the full release date official. Due to unforeseen circumstances and health issues, the label shut down, leaving us with this album we 150 percent believe in just sitting in our hands.
“With help from our new publicity agent, Asteria Entertainment from the UK, we chose the date of Feb. 14,” Gene continued. “They have been hard at work for about a month, getting us press and radio while we anxiously awaited the release. Along with the PR agency, we were able to retain some booking agents from the previous deal as well.”
The new single was written during the COVID pandemic and goes into the media storm that followed with multiple outlets pumping false information and using scare tactics to gain the public’s attention.
“Hey!” reflects on a time when no one knew who to trust regarding what was going on in the world and the chaos and confusion it all brought with it.
"When we started writing 'Hey!,’ we wanted to capture that raw, unfiltered energy that is in our live show,” Gene said. “The song speaks to the powerful hold that the media and social media have on our lives, shaping people's views and influencing them. It's kind of a call to break free from the constant noise around us, like the line in the song, ‘Are you falling apart, cause they're breaking you?’ This is by far the heaviest riff on the album."
The album caters to rock fans with soaring vocals, crushing grooves and solid hooks. A ' 70s vibe makes it very appealing and nostalgic.
Creating “No Way To Live” was a wild strange ride through ups and downs, said Gene on behalf of his band mates who also include original bassist Tony Flora, drummer Dave Halpern and keyboardist Eric Safka.
“The pandemic and health issues threw us countless curveballs, but it also fueled our creativity and passion and desire to finish the album,” Gene said. “Every track on this album is a testament to our resilience and commitment to bringing raw, authentic rock to our friends and fans. Despite the challenges, we poured our hearts into this project because we love the music that we write together. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved and can't wait for everyone to experience it."
For more about Colossal, visit https://colossalstreetjam.com.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
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.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania Beatles Tribute Band on Friday
(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania - a Beatles Tribute Band on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. This band invites you to take a memorable trip back to the 1960's to experience the wonderful sound and stage persona of The Beatles.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
FEATURED EVENTS
