By Bob Makin
originally published: 06/12/2026
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Under the Carousel,” the latest video from North Jersey singer-songwriter Josh Herman. PHOTO BY HOUSTON HERMAN
The latest video by North Jersey singer-songwriter Josh Herman is for “Under the Carousel.”
The whimsical boardwalk tune also is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Under the Carousel“ also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on June 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.
The inspiration for the song “Under the Carousel” came from conversations with the late Jim Hand, painter of many of the signs on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, where for many years, Josh has been a magician and a clown.
“Jim’s sign painting shop was a room under the carousel in the casino arcade in Seaside Heights,” Josh recalled. “He even proposed to his wife right there, as she sat on a carousel horse in the arcade.
“We knew a lot of the same people, because I performed on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk for many years and had also worked in the circus. Jim later worked for traveling circuses. Hoxie Brothers Circus is mentioned in the song.
“When Jim Hand passed away, I wanted to tell the story of his life. A life of love, work, and the magic of the Seaside Heights boardwalk and the circus.”
Josh Herman is pictured on the Seaside Boardwalk with his son, Houston, when he was a lad. Houston now is front man of the popular punk trio, Houston & the Dirty Rats. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH HERMAN
The song has been very well received, especially by those who live and vacation in Seaside Heights.
Josh has performed the song in other states as well.
“No matter where someone is from, many have had a special carousel in their childhood,” he said.
The video was directed by Jonathan McFarland of Parsippany, and the art work was done by Rickman Art from Belleville.
A video release show will be June 26 at Defying Gravitea in Pequonnock.
“I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild, so I had a number of people in the industry and filmmakers view the music video,” Josh said. “They suggested entering it in New Jersey film festivals because of its regional and narrative quality. So the plan is to enter the music video in several film festivals.”
Listen to “Under the Carousell” on Apple Music and Spotify.
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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