By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/19/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Psychic,” a local hit by the nationally buzzing Asbury Park band Surfing for Daisy. PHOTO BY KENNY PRICE
I didn’t know if the psychic in the local hit by the nationally buzzing Asbury Park band Surfing for Daisy is the Boardwalk’s legendary Madame Marie, but I do know that the artist protagonist of this absorbing, atmospheric tale is cut from the same cloth as the young gypsy minstrel who made her a legend.
An immediate follow-up to Surfing for Daisy’s acclaimed self-titled full-length debut, “Psychic” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Psychic” can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin, Mixcloud and RadioJersey.net.
The release of “Psychic” coincided with a sold-out headlining show at the fabled Stone Pony, which will have been sandwiched by a breakthrough appearance at Sea.Hear.Now and another national tour in 2026.
Recorded at DIMM Studios in Freehold by Rob Chiarappa, who also produced, Mike Chiarappa,who also mixed and mastered, “Psychic” was written by Surfing for Daisy vocalist-acoustic guitarist Nick Francis.
“I had a spacey, ethereal guitar part written but had no direction for it,” Nick said. “I happened to be driving home from Atlantic Highlands one day and passed a big Psychic sign. I immediately went home, inspired to write about someone who walks into a psychic shop to get some life guidance. The song took a literal and metaphorical form around the idea that we’re not here on this earth for a very long time, therefore, knowing your path won’t necessarily keep you alive.
“The idea is also inspired by the 27 Club, specifically Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin, who, in reality, lived such a short time, but made such an incredible impact and implanted themselves into history forever,” Nick continued.
“Psychic” also features drummer Steven Filippone, keyboardist-vocalist Kathryn McCarty, bassist Cam Seidel, mandolinist Dave Fredericks and guitarists Mike Bernabei and Dan DiSantis.
With what started with friends jamming on an Asbury porch has turned into something much larger. Surfing for Daisy’s songs are a dynamic rollercoaster with heartfelt lyrics, punching rhythms and screaming guitars.
Championed by the legendary New Jersey photographer Danny Clinch, Surfing for Daisy will continue to make the City by the Sea proud in 2026. They’ll play Dec. 19 and 20, Press Room, Portsmouth, NH, with King Kyote; Jan. 29 to Feb 5, The Rock Boat leaving from Miami; March 7, Mercury Lounge, New York City; March 12, Songbyrd, Washington, DC; March 13, Cat's Cradle Back Room, Carrboro, NC, and March 15, Richmond Music Hall, VA. More dates will be announced soon.
You also can enjoy “Psychic” on Apple Music.
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
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Bluegrass is more than a style of music. It's a tradition built on storytelling, shared songs, and musicians gathering to play together. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Albert Music Hall will celebrate that heritage during its annual Bluegrass Fest, an evening that combines educational sessions, opportunities to experience the Hall's renowned Pickin' Shed, and three hours of live performances.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
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