By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/29/2023
Asbury Park singer-songwriter Via Crowe is the Makin Waves Song of the Week with “Brain Chemistry” from her self-released debut album, “UNFINISHED.”
Having played Asbury Lanes earlier this week to celebrate the self release of her debut album, “UNFINISHED,” young Asbury Park singer-songwriter Via Crowe is flying high.
Let’s keep her soaring with the sultry, surf-tinged heartbreak of “Brain Chemistry” as the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Brain Chemistry” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 29 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and MixCloud.
“Brain Chemistry” is very jazz driven within a new genre proclaimed by Via as jindie, a mix of jazz and indie rock.
Produced by Evan Rudenjak at Lakehouse Recording Studios, “UNFINISHED” was released on Oct. 27 to rave reviews.
“The operation of making this album influenced me as an artist by truly finding myself in my artistry and what my aesthetic is for my music!” Via said. “This album takes you through the stages of my childhood going into adulthood as a commemoration of childhood!
“Playing Asbury Lanes has been a dream of mine since I was so little and to have made my first headlining show for my debut album release was absolutely surreal,” she continued. “Playing for an absolutely packed house was incredible!!”
Via not only recorded “UNFINISHED” at Lakehouse, she also was a student at it Music Academy.
In 2024, she will be playing extensively in the tristate area with her six-piece band. For specific details, visit https://www.viacrowemusic.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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is another one of Pat Guadagno's popular tribute shows featuring an all-star cast. Limited tickets remain.
Todd Sheaffer & Yarn to headline 2026 Soulstice Music & Arts Festival
(CLINTON, NJ) -- Todd Sheaffer & Friends, Yarn and the Bobby Syvarth band featuring Tim Carbone will headline the Second Annual Soulstice Music & Arts Festival in Clinton. The 3-day event, with over 25 bands, takes place at the Red Mill Museum in historic Clinton from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026. The festival is presented by the Pattenburg House and The Peace Love Music Movement.
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