Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Psychic" by Surfing for Daisy

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.

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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.

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