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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Sick About It" by The Orangutwins

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.




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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.




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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

(CARTERET, NJ) -- W.A.S.P. brings its "1984 To Headless" Fall North American Tour to the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band will pay tribute to their 1st Four Albums... Live! The lineup includes Special Guest KK's Priest.
Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



W.A.S.P. 1984 to HEADLESS

Saturday, October 03, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


Popa Chubby

Saturday, December 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Popa Chubby

Saturday, October 03, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Milk & Cookies Series: Fiesta with Flor

Saturday, October 03, 2026 @ 10:00am
State Theatre Studio
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Milk & Cookies Series: Fiesta with Flor

Saturday, October 03, 2026 @ 12:00pm
State Theatre Studio
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ