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
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.
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.
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