New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Look Alive" by The Azures

By Bob Makin

originally published: 02/16/2024


Jersey Shore-based The Azures' "Look Alive" from their new self-titled debut album is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

Jersey Shore psychedelic blues band The Azures, winners of the 2023 Makin Waves Song of the Year, just dropped their self-titled debut album.

The meaningful jazz-adelic ballad “Look Alive” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Look Alive” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 16 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.

With verses that reference stark ‘60s jazz and choruses that sound like a ‘90s band that never was, “Look Alive” is an interesting song for The Azures. Guest pianist Jacob Jauregui is featured on the track.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



“The tune has perhaps been considered the band’s ballad, illuminated with movements and progressions flowing with a very constant, reminding statement throughout,” The Azures said. “Lyrically, the song exudes an abrupt sense of remaining afloat when all is seemingly desolate. In our world, we are incessantly exposed to war and heinous acts so much so that it often desensitizes us to the struggles those affected face. Pain is a beast of strange measure. We fear it more than violence, and sometimes all we have is music and art to get us through the adverse tribulations of humankind.”

Vocalist Gia Rose, drummer Eric Brody, guitarist Ashton Millman and bassist Robbie Coss said they enjoyed producing their 11-song debut, which also features the single “Lust of the Night,” the 2023 Makin Waves Song of the Year.

The album consists of multiple themes, such as love, mystery, and the intangible, they said.

An East Coast spring tour and more music releases are on the horizon. In the meantime, enjoy The Azures live Feb. 23, Bar 2300, Philadelphia; Feb. 24, Millhill Basement, Trenton; Feb 29, Dingbatz, Clifton, and March 1, Pete’s Candy Store, Brooklyn.

For more, visit https://linktr.ee/theazures.

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook 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

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.

Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.

Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st

The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm. 

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Free Summer Event: Bollywood Dance Party with DJ Arjun

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Pioneer Park at Headquarters Plaza
Morristown, NJ


"The Antoinette Montague Experience: Here's to the Ladies Who Swing and Bling" as part of North to Shore

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Newark Culture Club
Newark, NJ


Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl

Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Erin Harpe Blues Duo

Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


James Gedeon - Performing The Music of James Taylor

Friday, June 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ



 

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