By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/20/2025
Here are the top 10 albums by New Jersey-based indie artists for 2025, according to Makin Waves.
“Diaspora,” Arlan Feiles — This heartbreaking journey through the horrors that the Jewish Diaspora has faced during and after the Holocaust is a plea for peace and cry for justice that the splintering world desperately needs.
”In Art & Soil the Same,” Brielle Brown — 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. The Institute aims to activate and empower leaders to act with humility, reflection, and sensitivity, and, in turn, to influence their communities towards moral action. Three of the album’s songs were co-written by Brielle’s Grammy-winning husband and producer Marc Swersky. All are featured in a clever lyrical songbook on YouTube.
“Beacons,” Nefesh Mountain — Equal parts Allman Brothers Band and New Grass Revival, this rockin’ take on bluegrass also has a strong geo-political stance, calling for peace in a world that’s lost its will and way.
“Too Easy to Kill,” Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones — Right after Asbury Park’s Emerson Woolf & the Wishbones released this second EP in as many years — which sandwiched a 2024 full-length debut — they got signed by Cali indie Broke Records. The label now is promoting the five-song “Too Easy to Kill,” so it’s getting even more national airplay.
Self-titled, Surfing for Daisy — This nationally heralded full-length self-titled debut album helped develop Surfing for Daisy into Asbury Park’s buzz band of the year, which led to an appearance at Sea.Hear.Now and a sold-out headlining Stone Pony show.
“Wrench,” Flycatcher — If The Beatles had a gang fight with Nirvana and somehow enlisted Bruce Springsteen as referee, the results might sound like this rag-tag Paul Westerberg-like dichotomy of harmony and pain. Asbury Park understandably is extremely proud of these indie darlings’ third LP.
“Distroid,” Dogs in a Pile — “Go Set,” the opening track of this lushly funky album by Asbury’s internationally acclaimed jam ‘n’ groove band, features the line, “Like a chesire with a smile like Tillie.” I strongly suspect that upon hearing this entertaining exercise in virtuosic, you’ll smile like the Palace Amusements icon too. Besides the Pink Floyd-meets-Steely Dan standout “Thomas Duncan, Pt. 3,” I love that on Apple Music, the closing reprise of “Samba for Sam” auto played into the opening snort of Grateful Dead’s “Casey Jones.” To me, that says Dogs in a Pile have picked up the torch the Dead passed to Phish. May the Rock Gods bless ‘em!
“Here All Along,” The Well Wish — The Well Wish’s third EP in a decade continues their fantastic AAA music that deserves more success in the next decade based on the strength of some of the scene’s best vocals, guitar playing and bass playing.
“Is It Real,” Renee Maskin — Like Springsteen’s “Meeting Across the River,” Renee Maskin’s third solo LP since 2020 is filled with cinematic marvel. That she makes amazing videos with her BF, internationally acclaimed filmmaker John Decker, just adds to the splendor.
“Among the Deranged,” The Azures — If you like The Doors, you’ll love this female-fronted blast of psychedelic blues that also owes a nod to Hawkwind. On this sophomore LP, the Jersey Shore-based Azures prove they are the real deal.
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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