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
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.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
FEATURED EVENTS
