New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Kanak releases "Not Right Now"

originally published: 02/23/2024

Photo by Stephanie Kanac

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) --  "'Not Right Now' captures the essence of a struggle against the tide of challenges and unfulfilled expectations," says lead singer/songwriter Tom Kanach of New Jersey-based rock band Kanak, about their newest single and video which was released on February 23rd. The propulsive and driving single sheds a light on the reality of postponed dreams and aspirations, a common thematic thread that ties together their upcoming EP, On The Outside (release date: March 22, 2024 via Pop Clique / The Orchard).

Tom adds, “'Not Right Now' reflects on the universal experience of waiting for a better day, a breakthrough, or a turn of events, only to be met with the persistent reality of things remaining unchanged."

The follow-up to their last single "Outside" which The Jersey Sound describes as "a hard-driving groove," "Not Right Now" continues the reality check that the former single splashed. "Coming out of the global pandemic and losing my father to COVID really made me realize how fleeting time is and how lonely life can be," Tom explains.

"Not Right Now" carries an emotional weight that harbors a frustration of detours and having to learn to work through it, but with Kanak, they have an open mindset, to persevere through the overcast. "The song builds on this tension, expressing a mix of resignation and determination, acknowledging that change may be on the horizon, but it's not immediate," expresses Tom.

Recording with legendary producer and mixer Ed Stasium (The Ramones, Talking Heads, Motörhead) who had previously worked with guitarist Johnny Rao on a different project, the band was hopeful to work with him on the EP and were floored when he said 'yes.' "Having three guitar players is a challenge and we thought Ed would be the perfect fit for us," Tom explains. "So, Johnny called Ed. Ed agreed to listen to the songs. He loved them and we flew out to San Diego to record them."




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



Big supporter and friend of the band, legendary musical pundit Matt Pinfield (MTV, MTV2) lauds, "There is a clear reason why legendary producer/mixer Ed Stasium who was at the controls for the Ramones, Talking Heads, Smithereens, Motörhead and The Replacements, is putting his talents behind the exciting and promising New jersey band Kanak.

A veteran of the ever-thriving New Jersey rock scene in vital NJ bands such as Grimace, Well of Souls, and Mischief, Tom Kanach has built a formidable reputation and strong friendships with that traversed genres from Lords of the New Church to even Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys. Centralizing all of his focus and energy now into Kanak, he's ready to push out far beyond and jump headfirst into the mainstream. "There are two voices in your head," he concludes. "One saying, 'You need to fit in and be like everyone else' and the other voice saying 'Being different and unique is what separates us and makes us beautiful'." Thankfully for us, he's chosen the latter.

Kanak is Tom Kanach (vocals, guitars), guitarists Johnny Rao (David Johansen Band / Sylvain Sylvain), Peter Wood (Dramarama), bassist Joe Rowley and drummer Steve Brown. The new single and video for “Not Right Now” is available on all streaming platforms. Their upcoming EP On The Outside is due out March 22, 2024 via Pop clique music/ The Orchard.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky


FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Candlelight

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Damn

Damn The Torpedoes - The Music of Tom Petty

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

There,

There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead)

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Asbury Lanes
209 4th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
category: music


 

Band

Band Infusion Musical Night by GG

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 7:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music


 

Annual

Annual Jazz, Health and Food Truck Festival 2025

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 11:00am
Monte Irvin Orange Park
S center and South Harrison Street, Orange, NJ 07050
category: music


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info





 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Lizzie

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Griffin House on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 7:30pm. Griffin is an American singer-songwriter and storyteller. Touring and making records for over 20 years, House has a discography that includes over 13 albums.



Grammy

Grammy Award Winner Raphael Saadiq to Bring "No Bandwidth" Tour to NJPAC

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Get ready to experience an exceptional performance by Raphael Saadiq at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 8:00pm. This highly regarded one-person show, entitled "No Bandwidth," will highlight Saadiq's extraordinary talents through a compelling blend of storytelling and musicianship. Attendees can anticipate an unforgettable evening filled with artistic excellence.



Dave

Dave Koz brings his Summer Horns tour to MPAC in August

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Get set for a night of smooth summer jazz and funk with a touch of the sounds of the 1970s when Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) as part of his Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025 tour on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 7:30pm.



A

A Chat with Jasper Smith of Straight No Chaser Which Brings its "Summer: The '90s Part 2" Tour to STNJ on July 16

Straight No Chaser is bringing its Summer: The '90s Part 2 Tour to State Theatre New Jersey on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The nine-member a cappella group originated in 1996 at Indiana University in Bloomington and has gone on to sell three million albums, earn two gold records, and amass over 1 billion streams on Pandora.



Centenary

Centenary Stage Company presents Yacht Rock Gold Experience

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's 2025 Summerfest Series continues with a one-night-only concert event featuring Yacht Rock Gold Experience on Saturday, July 26, 2025 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center at Centenary University. The band celebrates the soft rock and smooth sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Showtime is 8:00pm.