Every year since the early 1990s, the Makin Waves Dirty Jersey Dozen has recognized the 12 NJ indie acts that have made the most waves. By “made the most waves,” I mean they toured extensively in support of a superior new LP or EP that was promoted with well-received singles and professionally made videos. Along the way, the garnered a bit of national press and maybe won an award or two. The Dirty Jersey Dozen are presented in alphabetical order. So here we go …
America Part Two – AP2 made waves with two national tours in support of the latest EP, “AP2-niverse.” The raucous trio released three impactful singles for the EP tracks “The Same” and “You Are All (…Splatter),” as well as a cover of Link Wray’s “Rumble.” All five of the EP’s tracks were treated to tasty videos. With Dimm Management behind them, America Part Two are sure to keep makin waves in 2023. Read more here.
Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son – One of the nicest guys within the Asbury Park music scene also deserves all the success he and his band can get artistically, especially with the inspiring anthem “We Go On,” the title track of their latest EP. Tireless road work included a couple of regional tours. See them at Light of Day Festival on Jan. 13 at the Wonder Bar in Asbury with Dave Hause & The Me. Read more here.
Cathedral Ceilings – A hard-working Dromedary recording act who toured throughout New England, Canada, and the Midwest in support of their debut full-length album, “Summer of Misguided Dynamite,” and garnered some fine press doing it in such outlets as New Noise. They also released a couple of impressive videos for the singles “Nancy” and “Every Summer’s Eve.” Read more here!
Dentist – This beloved Asbury trio released their fourth album, “Making a Scene,” their second for L.A. indie Cleopatra Records. They played Cleveland and Canada in support of it, as well as a spot on the main stage of the Sea.Hear.Now Festival. Cleopatra released three solid videos for the LP tracks “New Dress,” “Check the Calendar,” and “Someone Like You.” The band will play Fisu Games Festival in Lake Placid in January. Read more here.
Doc Rotten – In support of their latest LP, the largely politically minded “United Resist,” this Trenton-based punk band toured the East Coast twice and released a great video for the lead single, “Psych Ward 101.” While not as active as previous years, Doc Rotten still made some tasty waves with cool tunes. Read more here.
The Happy Fits – Touring Europe is a lock for the Dirty Jersey Dozen, which this Hunterdon County trio did in support of their third full-length album, “Under the Shade of Green.” Half of the 12-song LP was promoted with some of the best Jersey music videos made this year. Yet another tour kicks off in April for the 2022 Makin Waves Band of the Year. Read more here.
Katie Henry – The 2022 Makin Waves Female Artist of the Year also toured Europe … twice! Her aptly titled sophomore LP, “On My Way,” was among the top 20 released this year, according to Blues Rock Review. But Katie isn’t about to rest on her laurels. She has early 2023 dates from Eastern PA to Central Florida. Read more here.
Matt O’Ree Band – M.O.B. toured several times down to Florida, where bikers dig their Allmans-meet-Led Zep vibe heard on a bunch of great albums, the latest of which is the well-received “Hand in Glove,” featuring a couple hot vids. The band also nabbed three Makin Waves Awards for Best Vocalist (Eryn), Guitarist (Matt) and Drummer (John Hummel). They’ll end the year with a holiday show on Dec. 30 at Hopewell Theater. Read more here!
Pollyanna – The best band out of Old Bridge since The Ergs! have released two full-lengths in as many years on I Surrender Records, onetime home of Jersey’s Midtown. In support of the latest, “Slime,” Pollyanna toured the nation and landed on MTV with the clip for “Relationship Anxiety.” They capped the year off with the rousing holiday single, “Christmas Garbage.” Touring continues in the New Year with Pictoria Vark on a Midwest trek in February and Crawlers on a West Coast jaunt in March. Read more here!
Sean Tobin & the Boardwalk Fire – After touring nationally behind third album, “Ghost of the Arcade,” the 2022 Makin Waves Male Artist of the Year’s strong spirit was sought after for top hometown gigs with dynamite band, the Boardwalk Fire, including Jan. 15 at Light of Day with Jake Clemons, Doug Zambon of The Vansaders, Alexander Simone & WHODAT? Live Crew and more. One of the tastiest videos of the year also accompanied his impressive album’s haunting boardwalk-inspired title track. Read more here!
Well Wisher – When they’re makin waves, they make big ones, and that continued to be the case for Well Wisher behind another strong LP, “That Weight,” this time for Egghunt Records, an indie based in Virginia, a state the band frequently play in the midst of regional touring. A clip for the opening track, “Need You Around,” also promoted the album. Read more here!
Yawn Mower – After years of releasing EPs and singles as a two-piece, this beloved Asbury act dropped their full-length debut, “To Each Their Own Coat,” on the invaluable indie Mint 400 Records. A steady stream of regional touring followed with a larger ensemble to match the full sound of the LP and was preceded by a well-made clip for the single “Sixteen Minutes” directed, edited and co-shot by drummer-vocalist Biff Swenson. The band will play Fisu Games Festival in Lake Placid in January. Read more here!
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
