By Bob Makin
originally published: 07/03/2026
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Sick About It” from The Orangutwins’ recently released EP, “We Are A Genius.” PHOTO BY GYDA GASH
The Orangutwins, a quirky, edgy, socially conscience two-piece featuring singer-songwriter-guitarist Carolyn Marosy and drummer Andrea “Big Mama Freak” Kusten, have released their debut EP, “We Are a Genius.”
The video track, “Sick About It,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Sick About It“ also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on July 3 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 video was shot by Robert Langdon and edited by Carolyn.
The four-song EP was produced by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Ricky Byrd and Bob Stander, Grammy-winning producer, engineer, guitarist, bassist and owner of Parcheesi Recording Studio in Huntington, NY. Bob also recorded, mixed and mastered.
“Originally written in 2019, the demo of this song found its way into a documentary produced in the UK by Montaj Media called ‘On Resistance Street’ and had screenings in the UK and Italy in 2023 and 2024,” Carolyn said.
In 2026, she revised some of the lyrics and music and brought the song to new levels with her newly formed duo.
Now a full-on anthem for those who relate to its message, “Sick About It” aims to defend democracy and the promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.
“The Orangutwins feel rock ‘n’ roll can — and has changed the world — one loner, misfit and rebel at a time,” Carolyn said.
Orangutwins are inspired by musicians who aren't afraid to speak out politically through their music. They count John Lennon/Yoko Ono, Joe Strummer, Bruce Springsteen, Steppenwolf and the counter culture of the 1960s to have heavily influenced their music and lives.
Orangutwins will celebrate the release of the EP release with two sets on July 12 at Otto’s Shrunken Head in New York City. Hopeless Lovers will open the show. Other upcoming performances are Rosendale Street Festival, 3:30 pm, July 19, Theatre Stage, Rosendale, NY (Carolyn also on SOY stage at 2); Aug. 27, NightSwim, Kingston, NY, with General Grievance, Your Best Nightmare, Hopeless Otis, and Oct. 10, Avalon Lounge, Catskill, NY, with Karyn Kuhl Band and Tracy City.
In the meantime, check out “Sick About It” and the whole“We Are a Genius” EP on Bandcamp.
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
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.
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