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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Crash" by Kanak

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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Crash" by Kanak

By Bob Makin

originally published: 06/07/2024

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Crash” from Kanak’s Ed Stasium-produced EP, “On the Outside.” PHOTO  BY STEPHANIE KANACH

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Tom Kanach is a Jersey Shore veteran of such all-time great local bands as Mischief and Well of Souls.

Yet, despite that success, the Middletown-raised rocker never had performed in California before. Well, that recently changed when his latest band, Kanak, played shows at The Viper Room in L.A. and Derby’s Bar & Grill in Hemet at the end of last month. Not only did they play those tasty gigs, but they also nabbed Cali airplay for “Crash,” the latest single off their Ed Stasium-produced EP, “On the Outside,” and the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Crash” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on June 7 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.

The band had recorded, “On the Outside,” at Ed’s studio near San Diego, but Tom was really excited to make his long-awaited live debut on Cali stages.




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“We had an amazing show at the legendary Viper Room for Matt Pinfield’s birthday,” Tom said. “It was awesome! We loved playing there, and it was my first time playing in California, so I was really excited. And then we played in Hemet at Derby’s Bar & Grill. And we closed the show with our latest single, ‘Crash,’ which is a really great song that I love to play. It has a really good groove, and I really like the theme of it. The theme is about somebody who is afraid that they are going to spiral out of control, and they’re trying to fight their demons.”

In addition to being the birthday boy at the Viper Room, the great Jersey-raised DJ & TV personality Matt Pinfield served as executive producer of “On the Outside.” His support has been invaluable to the band.

Kanak — also bassist Joey Rowley, drummer Steve Brown and guitarists Pete Wood and Johnny Rao — next will perform in Jersey on June 21 at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park with Vakili Band and Jem recording act The Cynz.

For more about Kanak, visit https://www.kanakmusic.com.

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at makinwaves64@yahoo.com




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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

(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
Bergen County

Bergen County's "Music At The Barn" Series presents The Matt Chertkoff Trio and Houston Person on Sunday

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, III and the Board of Commissioners invite the public to attend a free music concert featuring The Matt Chertkoff Trio and Houston Person on Sunday, July 26 from 4:00pm– 6:30pm at the Wortendyke Barn Museum, a County Historic Site (13 Pascack Rd in Park Ridge, NJ). This is the first concert in the 2026 music series.
MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday

MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- YouTube sensations Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) are making their Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) debut on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. Founded in 2017 by arranger / producer Constantine Delo, the band started as a group of Australian musicians, recording re-arranged covers of 70s and 80s hits and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th

State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st

NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st

The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st

Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st

(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.

New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.

The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.

 

FEATURED EVENTS



Hindley Street Country Club

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Deadgrass

Thursday, July 30, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Bees Deluxe

Friday, July 31, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


Stone Flower - ​Santana Tribute Band

Saturday, August 01, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

Wednesday, August 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ