By Bob Makin
originally published: 05/10/2024
“Better Off,” the latest single from Jersey Shore-based The Break Plans, is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO BY DIANE DIMEMMO
In “Better Off,” the big sound of The Break Plans does Asbury Park and the Jersey Shore proud with their poppy harmonic take on mining the dark side of relationships that Springsteen did years before with songs such as ‘Point Blank’ and ‘Darkness on the Edge of Town.’”
The new single from their forthcoming EP is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Better Off” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on May 10 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
The single launches the indie-poptimistic trio’s series of monthly releases culminating in their debut EP, “Mistakes Are a Friend of Mine.”
The deceptively uplifting tune is about taking the initial blow of a gut-wrenching breakup by adopting the rallying cry from your friends that you really are now in a better place.
“Heartbreak is really hard and can be incredibly lonely,” lead vocalist Colton Braun said. “I wanted to talk about those experiences so many of us have had. What I’ve learned is that there’s a great deal of freedom that comes from finally letting go. Writing these songs with my band was the most cathartic thing I’ve ever done. I hope our listeners can relate and find comfort in it.”
The crafty, catchy EP is comprised of six songs, including the next single, a powerful ballad, “All Torn Apart,” with country singer Jessica Rose, and a cover of The Fray’s “You Found Me.” Each tune on “Mistakes Are a Friend of Mine” addresses a different phase of self-discovery and growth following the end of the aforementioned meaningful relationship.
“Better Off” follows several successful singles that won’t be on the EP, including 2022’s “Fashionably Late,” which placed in the top 40 of iHeart’s and Mediabase’s Adult Contemporary Charts for 12 weeks straight. The Break Plans — also guitarist Mikey Strawz and drummer Dan Carr — are brand ambassadors for Slate Digital’s wireless mic series and signed with MGM Distribution and Sentric Music Group.
Upcoming festival appearances include North To Shore on June 22 and Musikfest on Aug. 3. For more, visit https://www.thebreakplans.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
Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th
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Tropicana Showroom presents Gov't Mule on Friday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City presents Gov't Mule on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 9:00pm. For three decades, Gov't Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable.
bergenPAC presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. UB40's unmistakable blend of reggae rhythms and pop sensibility made them one of the most successful British bands of all time.
Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Hot Tuna, an iconic American blues rock band, has been delivering a profound musical experience to audiences pushing six decades.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
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State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday
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Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August
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The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
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