By Bob Makin
originally published: 11/01/2024
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Live for the Night,” the new single from North Jersey-based The Antoine Poncelet Band. PHOTO BY KENNY BIEBER
Just in time for Halloween, the goth-flavored The Antoine Poncelet Band have released “Live for the Night.”
The energetically ghoulish tune is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Live for the Night” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Nov. 1 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 band’s sixth single is a spooky anthem for all “creatures of the night.”
Antoine explained, “‘Live For The Night’ was originally conceived as a vampiric ode to the rock clubs and nightlife of New York and New Jersey, like QXTs, Limelight, Mother, with a nod to the films ‘The Hunger’ and ‘Near Dark,’ but eventually turned into an allegory about family and independence in the modern age.”
Antoine originally wrote and recorded the song 10 years ago in his bedroom. New life was given to the vampiric tune with a fresh arrangement by his band: guitarist Peter Quilla, bassist-vocalist Mark McClemens and Meteor Police/Dream of When? drummer Justin Wright.
The single was recorded by Doug Lane of Jon Caspi & the First Gun and mixed by Cyborg Amok’s Greg Bullock, who also contributed keys and synths to the recording.
The digital b-side, an experimental-sounding dance remix, sounds even spookier, like ghosts on a dance floor that’s on a battlefield. The remix is by AllSmoke.
“Koby Miller is the guy behind AllSmoke,” Antoine said. “He used various samples of elements from the song and remade it into an entirely new creature!“
To capitalize on the drama, power, theatrically, and thrills of seeing The Antoine Poncelet Band live, director Brian Jude and his son Jacob shot and edited a video from performance footage of the band on stage at QXTs in Newark.
The club has been one of the few sanctuaries for lovers of the night for more than 30 years and always had been the dream stage to play for Antoine.
“Thankfully, the band has been able to grace the stage of QXTs several times over the past couple of years and wanted to pay tribute to them with this video,” Antoine said.
Brian previously had directed the band’s video for “Drowning Men,” which had its premiere showing at QXTs. His credits include They Might Be Giants and The Vigilante Cowboys, Peter’s other band. Jacob is an English major at Kean University in Union.
“Jacob really brought his passion for music, acting, and film to this project,” Antoine said, “and will be one of the main forces behind a concept video for the song that he and Brian will be working on over the winter to coordinate with next year’s release of ‘The Best of The Antoine Poncelet Band.’”
Check out The Antoine Poncelet Band live on Nov. 30, Debonair Hall, Teaneck, opening for Shadow Circus's tribute to “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and Jan. 25, Ghost Hawk Brewing Co., Clifton, with Paul Crane & Overend Watts and Mourning Coffee.
For more about The Antoine Poncelet Band, visit them at @theantoineponceletband on Facebook and Instagram.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
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
Gene DiNapoli Presents David Maiocco's Liberace Tribute at HACPAC
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Gene DiNapoli Presents David Maiocco's electrifying tribute to Liberace at Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Showtime is 3:00pm.
The Newton Theatre presents Walter Trout
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Blues guitarist Walter Trout returns to the Garden State on Sunday, April 19, 2026 with a show at The Newton Theatre. Showtime is 7:00pm.
The Vogel presents Chris Pinnella & The Big Band Project
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Get ready for an electrifying afternoon of music as Chris Pinnella & The Big Band Project take the stage on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at The Vogel, delivering a high-energy, crowd-pleasing concert experience that reimagines the sound of a classic big band for today's audiences. Showtime is 3:00pm.
Award-Winning Rockland Jazz Composer Takes New Live Album to Paramus
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- Popular local jazz act The Peter Furlan Project host their New Jersey album release party for their freshly revealed Live At Maureen's Jazz Cellar at Bergen Community College's Ciccone Theater on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Vivid Stage presents Old Friends: A Cabaret with Charles Thomas
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center in Summit, will present Old Friends, a cabaret featuring vocalist Charles Thomas and pianist Rick Knutsen on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:00pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jonatha Brooke
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jonatha Brooke on Friday April 24, 2026 at 7:30pm. The singer-songwriter merges evocative folk, melodic pop, with an edgier roots rock sensibility.
MPAC presents The String Queens on April 24th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! The String Queens come to Mayo Performing Arts Center, Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Rhett Miller of Old 97's
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Rhett Miller on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Rhett is a revered singer-songwriter known for his more than three decades fronting the popular rock band Old 97's who were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 Americana Awards at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Clint Black Brings His Back On The Blacktop Tour with Special Guest Gareth to CarteretPAC on April 25th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Clint Black Brings His Back On The Blacktop Tour with Special Guest Gareth to the URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Get the Led Out to Perform Three Nights at Scottish Rite Auditorium
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents three nights of Get the Led Out from April 23-25, 2026. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, the band has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
