By Bob Makin
originally published: 02/21/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week, "Hey!," is the latest single and video from Colossal Street Jam's long-awaited LP "No Way to Live." PHOTO BY ESTELLE MASSRY
Throughout their 36-year history, Colossal Street Jam have proven over and over again how resilient they are.
After staging an amazing comeback in the wake of a long hiatus, they had to slow down and rally around co-founding guitarist Sal Marra. Once Sal recovered from cancer and all systems were go, Colossal signed a record and management deal that led to national touring and several singles and videos. But when the label/management firm folded, Colossal shook themselves off and started all over again.
On Feb. 14, they released their long-awaited LP, “No Way to Live,” the latest single and video for which, “Hey!,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Hey!” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 21 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.
“About a year and a half ago, we signed to an indie label and management, which led us to shelving the release, while only putting singles and videos out from the album,” co-founding vocalist Gene Potts said. “The album was only available at our shows while we waited for the label to make the full release date official. Due to unforeseen circumstances and health issues, the label shut down, leaving us with this album we 150 percent believe in just sitting in our hands.
“With help from our new publicity agent, Asteria Entertainment from the UK, we chose the date of Feb. 14,” Gene continued. “They have been hard at work for about a month, getting us press and radio while we anxiously awaited the release. Along with the PR agency, we were able to retain some booking agents from the previous deal as well.”
The new single was written during the COVID pandemic and goes into the media storm that followed with multiple outlets pumping false information and using scare tactics to gain the public’s attention.
“Hey!” reflects on a time when no one knew who to trust regarding what was going on in the world and the chaos and confusion it all brought with it.
"When we started writing 'Hey!,’ we wanted to capture that raw, unfiltered energy that is in our live show,” Gene said. “The song speaks to the powerful hold that the media and social media have on our lives, shaping people's views and influencing them. It's kind of a call to break free from the constant noise around us, like the line in the song, ‘Are you falling apart, cause they're breaking you?’ This is by far the heaviest riff on the album."
The album caters to rock fans with soaring vocals, crushing grooves and solid hooks. A ' 70s vibe makes it very appealing and nostalgic.
Creating “No Way To Live” was a wild strange ride through ups and downs, said Gene on behalf of his band mates who also include original bassist Tony Flora, drummer Dave Halpern and keyboardist Eric Safka.
“The pandemic and health issues threw us countless curveballs, but it also fueled our creativity and passion and desire to finish the album,” Gene said. “Every track on this album is a testament to our resilience and commitment to bringing raw, authentic rock to our friends and fans. Despite the challenges, we poured our hearts into this project because we love the music that we write together. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved and can't wait for everyone to experience it."
For more about Colossal, visit https://colossalstreetjam.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.
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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."
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
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Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
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Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
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Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
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bergenPAC presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
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Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday
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Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
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