By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/25/2023
Here are the top 10 albums by New Jersey indie artists, according to Makin Waves:
Jackson Pines, “Pine Barrens, Volume One” — With Makin Waves Album of the Year Award-winning “Pine Barrens, Volume One,” Jackson Pines concentrate on the traditional music of the Jersey Pinelands dating as far back as 1700. Yet, their full-on live energy remains intact. Click here for more.
Renee Maskin, “Shimmer” — “Shimmer” is the 2023 Makin Waves Female Artist of the Year Award winner’s masterpiece. The Mint 400 recording artist added a lot hyphens to her singer-songwriter-guitarist tag, including producer and multi-instrumentalist. Click here for more.
Bruce Tunkel, “sixtyandthensome” — Bruce Tunkel has released 10 solo LPs, the latest of which, “sixtyandthensome,” may be his best. I said that about him before, but while Bruce may be getting older, he’s also getting even better as a singer, songwriter, musician and producer. Click here for more.
Fake Pockets, “Reverie” —Another Mint 400 recording act, Fake Pockets’ penchant for power-pop continues on the six-song “Reverie,” the 2023 Makin Waves Award winner for Best EP in an expressive but edgy mash up of Natalie Merchant, The Pixies and Weezer. Click here for more.
Cranston Dean, “Northern Town” — Fans of classic and roots rock will love all six of Cranston’s albums, but “Northern Town” may be his best yet. Whether mining a New Orleans vibe or compassionately waxing political, “Northern Town” is a great place to visit. Click here for more.
The Well Wish, “Promises” — Featuring Makin Waves Best Vocalist Award Winner Anya Angeloni, The Well Wish’s long-awaited EP is a five-song affair of the heart that chronicles a promise of one kind or another, as well as the complicated intricacies of relationships. Click here for more.
Dogs in a Pile, “Bloom” — Fans of 311, O.A.R. and Slightly Stoopid will dig the reggae-tinged jam ‘n’ groove of Dogs in a Pile’s sophomore LP, just as the Dog Pound delighted in a maturation of songwriting and harmonies that lived up to the LP’s title and matched the 2023 Makin Waves Band of the Year’s stellar musicianship. Click here for more.
Juliana Frangella, “Intrusive Thoughts” — If Taylor Swift was haunted by the ghost of Warren Zevon, it might sound like the empathetic reliability, witty wordplay and skewering sarcasm of this 10-song full-length debut masterfully crafted by Makin Waves Producer of the Year Mike Montrey. Click here for more.
San Tropez, “Maybe Tomorrow” — This full-length Mint 400 debut from a local supergroup featuring members of some of New Brunswick’s best ‘90s bands is the epitome of why artists never should give up on their art. The 10-song “Maybe Tomorrow,” which converges the San Tropez’s roots in shoegaze, dream pop, and indie rock, was reissued this summer by Shore Dive Records. Click here for more.
The Vaughns, “Egg Everything” — On the eve of their 10th anniversary as a band, The Vaughns released their full-length debut for Equal Vision Records. “Egg Everything” follows the 2021 EP, “rom-coms + take-out,” their first venture for the Albany-based indie, home to Coheed and Cambria. Click here for more.
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
Low Cut Connie to Celebrate Album Release at The Vogel on July 3rd
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Low Cut Connie was going to play the ParkStage show on July 3, 2026, but it was rescheduled due to the heat. Instead, he will celebrate the release of his latest album Livin' In The USA at The Vogel. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
Carteret PAC presents Hellfest
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Hellfest from July 3-5, 2026 with over 18 bands performing each day! Tickets are available per day or with a three day pass.
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
FEATURED EVENTS
