New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Carpool Lane" by Jake Thistle

By Bob Makin

originally published: 04/11/2025


The Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Carpool Lane,” is the latest single from Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Jake Thistle. PHOTO BY JDI MEDIA

Jersey Shore singer-songwriter Jake Thistle has accomplished much at the young age of 21.

To celebrate, the Wonder Bar is hosting Jake’s 21st birthday party. The April 12 show also serves as a release party for his latest single, “Carpool Lane,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Carpool Lane” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on April 11 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



Jake’s influences include three of my favorite artists: Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and Tom Petty. He’s shared the stage with Bruce, Jackson and members of TP’s band, the Heartbreakers.

He’s also been:

* Voted Best Americana of 2022 on Indie Boulevard for “Ghosted Road,” his debut with current label, Montclair-based Gold’n Retriever

* Named an official artist for WhyHunger's Artists Against Hunger and Poverty, who include Bruce, Jackson, as well as Brandi Carlisle

* Honored with a special service award from the American Cancer Society for significant contributions to the cause through his music

* Shared bills with Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Eddie Vedder, The Lumineers, and Wilco

* Featured on CBS News, Variety, Billboard, American Songwriter Magazine, BBC Radio, The Record, WCBS FM, NYC's Q104.3 FM

* Also on stage with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Earl Slick (David Bowie/John Lennon), Jon Herington (Steely Dan), Mark Whitfield (Sting), Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan), Low Cut Connie, Jeff Slate (Rolling Stone), and Lou Pallo (Les Paul)

* On tour in Europe and across the U.S., and for crowds of thousands at major music events, such as Audacy’s Beach Life Festival, Tom Petty Weekend in Florida, Rocktoberfest in Brooklyn, and Baconfest in Easton, PA.

“I've had an absolute blast playing and writing, and have been so lucky to hang around so many amazing musicians and people that I've been able to learn from,” Jake said. “I'm incredibly proud to have found something that not only brings me joy, but can be used to make other people happy. I certainly think passion is something that can be found at any age, but I feel incredibly lucky and grateful I found mine early.”

Jake co-produced “Carpool Lane” with the track’s drummer-keyboardist-mixer Tyler Sarfert.

The song’s sole composer, Jake sings and plays guitar, piano, keyboards, and bass on the tune, which was mastered by Drew Lavyne.

“There’s an interesting conflict that sometimes comes with the freedom to escape,” Jake said. “It’s an excitement of a new future, yet a frustration of having nothing left to leave behind. The concept behind ‘Carpool Lane’ comes from this, and the sense that running doesn’t necessarily free you from yourself. It’s the first of a new batch of songs I’m thrilled to release. I’m incredibly proud of the direction the new record is going, and am thrilled for everyone to hear more!”

The birthday show will debut new songs from a forthcoming album and benefit Fulfill, the Jersey Shore hunger organization, and Tazzy Animal Rescue Fund.

Jake then will participate in a John Prine tribute April 18 at Township Crier, Beacon, NY, with David Frye, Gary Solomon, Chris Brown, Loren Korevec, Michelle Solomon and Joe D'Urso. Then he’ll go on tour opening for Fantastic Cat from May 1 to 11 throughout the Northeast. He’ll also participate in tributes to Jackson Browne on June 22 at Woodbridge Concert Series at Woodbridge High School Fields with Late for the Sky; Warren Zevon Aug. 1 at The Vogel in Red Bank with Pat Guadagno, Vini Lopez, and Arlan Feiles, and Tom Petty Aug. 31 back at Woodbridge Concert Series at Woodbridge High School Fields.

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

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- For the fifth year, the South Jersey Jazz Society (SJJS) will "unofficially" kick off the summer beach concerts on the William Morrow Beach in Somers Point with music by the PJ Keiter Octet on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of "musicforthemorningafter"

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Pete Yorn Solo Acoustic: 25th Anniversary of musicforthemorningafter on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:00pm. The New Jersey native celebrates the release of his debut album, which put him in the national spotlight.
Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on June 5th

Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on June 5th

(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Concerts in the Studio presents Bastards of Fine Arts on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:30pm. The band includes Matt Keating, Jason Mercer, Steve Mayone, and Greg Wieczorek. You could say they are a new band with old roots.
The Newton Theatre presents L.A. Guns on June 6th

The Newton Theatre presents L.A. Guns on June 6th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- L.A. Guns comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band has been rocking for roughly 40 years since establishing themselves as the undisputed sleaze kings of the Sunset Strip, and, eventually, the world.

Jazz Royalty Comes to the Hamilton Stage on June 6th

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Saturday, June 6, 2026 marks the date when Jazz Royalty comes to Hamilton Stage with Dizzy Gillespie alumni and Grammy winning bassist John Lee in collaboration with 16-time Grammy winner Paquito D' Rivera.
The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" at Anderson Park

The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" at Anderson Park

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Anderson Park. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy an al fresco performance under the stars. Admission is free. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Boss Bash" featuring The B-Street Band

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Boss Bash" featuring The B-Street Band

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre will host its annual fundraising event, "The Boss Bash," on Saturday, June 6, 2026, featuring two electrifying performances by The B-Street Band — the longest-running and most requested tribute to Bruce Springsteen in the country.
Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June

Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.
Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th

Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.

Prudential Center presents Mexican superstar Carín León on June 7th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mexican superstar Carín León entered a bold new chapter of his acclaimed career with the release of Muda - his new studio album and one of the most eclectic of his catalog. See for yourself when he performs at the Prudential Center on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.

 

MORE EVENTS

Click on the listing to bring up its webpage


Happy Together 2026

Friday, June 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Catherine Russell & Sean Mason

Friday, June 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
Princeton, NJ


The Blues Project

Friday, June 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


The B Street Band: The Boss Bash

Saturday, June 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Manasquan, NJ


The B Street Band: The Boss Bash

Saturday, June 06, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
Manasquan, NJ



 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info