(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Power-pop queer-punk band Teenage Halloween have released their first ever official music video for the single "Drown" from their 2020 self-titled LP Teenage Halloween. The band previously released singles "Holes", and "Stationary" which Paste Magazine called "... an explosive pop-punk anthem."
In a press release, the band said “Drown” is about the condescending thoughts and feelings that people with OCD have when they are in a dysphoric state, but at the same time its triumphant because we’ll all die at some point anyway so one day these feelings will end.
"'Drown' was one of the last songs we wrote for our album and the first one Eli wrote for the band. Luk took a lot of the singing style from Glocca Morra’s early material and felt a lot of love for the Replacements-esque energy from the lead guitar. We called it 'Eli’s Song' for awhile and morphed into 'Drown' because Luk was watching a lot of mob movies."
"The video is reflective of how we’ve been feeling as a band during the pandemic. How empty it feels to work and write but not be able to have that in person experience and celebrate, especially having released our first full length record. We had a blast shooting the video even though we had to listen to that song probably 500 times that day. Luke’s uncle actually makes an appearance at the end of the video, probably the best part tbh. A special thanks to the venue House of independents (where we filmed) and to Jordan Hidalgo & team (who filmed and helped with the video)."
Predominantly a queer-identifying band, the songs on the album reflect that experience holistically with lyrics that grapple with vulnerability, community, extreme existentialism, mental illness, and gender euphoria. The album maintains constant energy, and that energy also celebrates the bravery of being a queer band. Further, the songs speak in narratives, making sure people are held accountable for their actions and in the same vein, given the opportunity to communicate that self-reflection.
The self-titled 2020 album Teenage Halloween was recorded by Evan Bernard in Big Mama’s Recording Studio. It is available to order or stream here. The record was released by Don Giovanni Records.
Band photo by Sonya Alfano
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Here is a look at shows taking place from February 10-16, 2026 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas.
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
Alex Dawson is full-time faculty at Rutgers University, where he teaches creative writing with a focus on folklore, fantasy, and horror; hosts Inside the Writers House, a video chat with acclaimed authors from all over the world; and leads fable-fueled Study Abroad programs to some of the planet's most mythical places.
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