By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/17/2025
Each year, Makin Waves picks the 12 independent New Jersey-based music acts who made the most waves. That means residing at least half the year in and paying income tax to New Jersey (and not just from here), extensive touring in support of a new original LP or EP, preferably internationally; professional quality narrative videos; singles that garnered broadcast and online radio play and significant streams; national press, and other awards. Note that the Dirty Jersey Dozen are presented in alphabetical order. To get a sense of pecking order, please check out the 27th Annual Makin Waves Awards here!
Brielle Brown — This Jersey Shore singer-songwriter’s latest and greatest album, “In Art & Soil the Same,” was written over the course of a 15-month long fellowship with The Witness Institute, which continues the work of Nobel laureate Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. Three of the album’s songs were co-written by Brielle’s Grammy-winning husband and producer Marc Swersky.
Dogs in a Pile — After touring the nation all year, this Grateful Dead-inspired Asbury Park band released their third and what may be their best album, “Distroid.” The funk fest of 10 tasty jams ‘n’ grooves is peppered with island spice and rap dabbling and spawned a couple of great videos. Dogs in a Pile will do a two-night New Year’s stand at Woodstock’s Bearsville Theater before heading to the West Coast again early next year.
Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones — Right before they signed with the bicoastal indie Broke Records, Asbury Park-based Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones dropped “Too Easy to Kill,” their second EP in as many years and a follow-up to the amazing 2024 full-length debut, “Everything Must Go.” Broke is now promoting “Too Easy to Kill.”
Arlan Feiles — In support of “Diaspora,” his best album yet, this legendary Jersey Shore singer-songwriter once again toured Europe. Back home, the composer and co-star of “The Devil and Daisy Dirt” just landed in an even hotter ticket with an extended New Brunswick PAC run to be co-produced by New Jersey Hall of Famer Kevin Smith.
Flycatcher — These Asbury Park indie darlings toured nationally in support of their acclaimed third LP, “Wrench.” They ended the year and are beginning the new one as a headliner booked by Paladin Artists. In addition to national tour dates, the new LP spawned several tasty videos.
Renee Maskin — One of the hardest-working artists in the Jersey scene, Asbury Park-based Renee Maskin makes amazing albums faster than some people can order soup. This year’s platter, “Is It Real,” made her label, Mint 400 Records, proud. For the follow-up single, “Wonderland,” Renee went out in her own. Both the album and single featured fantastic videos by Renee’s partner, internationally acclaimed filmmaker John Decker.
Never the Name — This new band immediately put out an impressive LP, the seven-song “Millennial Boomer Consumer,” which sounds like a cross between the funkiness of Red Hot Chili Peppers with the smooth R&B of Phillip Bailey. Impressive videos helped build Central Jersey-based Never the Name’s buzz, which will continue into the New Year.
Patty C — This Highlands singer-songwriter released successful singles and videos in support of his debut EP, “Happy Camper.” The fun but sincere tribute to his native Jersey Shore was impressive, as was the video for the local hit “Spreading the Love,” and shows with his backing band, the Pints; a band called En Delirium, and duo shows with fellow Jersey Shore tunesmiths Dan Apy and Cranston Dean.
Surfing for Daisy — This super hot buzzing Asbury Park band sandwiched an appearance at Sea.Hear.Now and a sold-out Stone Pony headlining show with a nationally heralded full-length self-titled debut album, a live EP, and the local hit follow-up single, “Psychic.” Championed by New Jersey legend Danny Clinch, Surfing for Daisy will continue to make the City by the Sea proud in 2026.
Jake Thistle — In anticipation for his eagerly awaited next studio album, this young North Jersey singer-songwriter released several impressive singles and videos and toured Europe in support of them. A star in the making, Jake Thistle will have a national breakout year in 2026.
Williams Honor — It’s been three years since Williams Honor released their sophomore LP, “Ex,” but they just dropped a really tasty video for one of the album’s most popular songs, “Goodbye Tulsa.” This Asbury Park/Nashville-based country-rock duo also toured Europe and released an excellent summer single, “Whiskey Truck.”
Yawn Mower — This beloved Asbury indie band celebrated a decade together with the release of their sophomore album, “I Just Can’t Wait to Die,” on Mint 400 Records. Four fun, tongue-in-cheek videos promoted the LP, which they’ll continue to support with extensive touring.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and Instagram 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 Orchestra Players 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."
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd
(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny and the music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny - The Music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Dude Cervantes & The Panchos will open the night. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 7:30pm.
Shinedown to Play Shows in Newark and Philly in July
(NEWARK, NJ) -- One of the biggest bands in the world, Shinedown, will be releasing their brand new studio album EI8HT on May 29, 2026 (via Atlantic Records) and released the new song "Outlaw." In addition, they announced their massive Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour, taking the band to 11 countries across 54 dates, including local stops at Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday, July 21st and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 23rd.
Middletown Arts Center presents Reina Williams + The Remedy
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents a concert featuring Reina Williams + The Remedy on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Special guest performers Renee Maskin and Patrick Bamburak will open the show. Enjoy an evening of original music spanning reggae, hip-hop, soul, folk, Americana, and indie rock from some of New Jersey's most talented musicians. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd
(MADISON, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Harmonium Choral Society presents I Dreamed Last Night. Directed by Lennie Watts with music direction by John Fischer, I Dreamed Last Night is a one woman show with Gloria Bangiola. There are songs and stories about dreams, hopes, wishes, ambitions, fantasies, nightmares, impossibilities and that big ol' American one we are all still working to make real. Showtime is 7:00pm.
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Summer Jazz: Drummer Joe Farnsworth and Special Guests at William Paterson
For more than three decades, Joe Farnsworth has been one of the most admired drummers in modern jazz, revered for his superb technique, driving swing, and unwavering commitment to the jazz tradition. A Massachusetts native mentored by legendary drummers Alan Dawson, Arthur Taylor, and Jimmy Lovelace, Farnsworth has appeared on nearly 400 recordings and performed with an astonishing array of jazz masters, including McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Pharoah Sanders, Cedar Walton, Harold Mabern, and Wynton Marsalis. He is also a founding member of the acclaimed hard bop collective, One for All, alongside longtime musical associates tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trombonist Steve Davis, the late trumpeter Jim Rotondi, and pianist David Hazeltine.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
FEATURED EVENTS
