Asbury Park singer-songwriter Jonathan Tea, pictured far left with his hot alt-country band Hooper, has released a new solo single “Never Give Up on Us,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY NICK KIEFER

It’s been a while since Asbury Park singer-songwriter Jonathan Tea’s 2020 single, “Chased by Drones.” That’s because he’s been busy as keyboardist-vocalist in the hot alt-country act Hooper, winner of the 2022 Makin Waves Best New Artist Award.

But fans enthusiastically have responded to the lovely new solo tune “Never Give Up on Us,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Never Give Up on Us” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on May 19 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin or MixCloud.

“This was a strictly solo project,” Jonathan said. “I wrote, produced, recorded, and mixed the song at my studio, Tea House Studios. I played all instruments and sang all vocals.

“I feel like this is an urgent song,” he continued. “It's about the power of love to overcome obstacles in life, but on a deeper level, it's about believing enough to show up for each other and work through the tough times together. It's a promise, a mantra.”

The beautiful love song was inspired by his wife Stacy.

Mastered by Frank Gagliardi at The Fuselage in Nashville, “Never Give Up on Us” will not be part of an LP expected to drop in the fall, Jonathan said.

“I'm putting finishing touches on it,” he said. “That's a different sound altogether, more Americana.“

Jonathan will announce solo dates soon, but in the meantime he’ll play two huge dates with Hooper May 20 at Lakehouse Block Party in Asbury Park and June 17 at Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood. 

More about Jonathan, visit https://jontea.com. For more about Hooper, click https://instagram.com/hooper_band.

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