The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

"Stay Above” Released by The Small Calamities

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 06/11/2022

(LOS ANGELES, CA) -- LA based power pop band, The Small Calamities, have released their new single, “Stay Above.” With soft, acoustic guitars the lyrics deliver an uplifting message to listeners and encourage them to “stay above water,” especially as the world continues to burn. 

About the song, lead singer Charlie Wolf says, “We were driving around New York the day before a live recording session when Hurricane Ida hit - it was flooding, the freeways were closing just after we had entered them, cars were floating around and flipping over–it was legitimately one of the scariest moments of my life. After we finally made it back to safety, Crystal and I wrote this song in the middle of the night. We loved it so much we scrapped the song we were planning to record the next day and recorded Stay Above instead. There’s a real sense of urgency in this one that is very special to us.”

“Stay Above” follows the band’s most recent release, “Hey Cat.” Both tracks are off the band’s upcoming EP Stupid Love Songs which will be released later this summer. The EP, produced in Los Angeles at the end of quarantine, has the band (Charlie Wolf - Guitar/Vocals; Christian Kalafut - Bass; and Crystal Dunning - Harmonies.) showcasing biting lyrics over lush and haunting chamber pop orchestration. If there's anything the past couple years have shown, it's that everything can change in a moment... so why not wear your heart on your sleeve?

The Small Calamities make melancholy power pop with tinges of folk and emo. Guitar World magazine called their 2021 release MOMENTS OF IMPACT "unwaveringly bold and kaleidoscopic" and Buzzbands.LA described 2019's designer heartache as "a lyrical world of wonder". Their eclectic live sets flow between roaring punk songs, introspective folk ballads, and even a violin concerto. 




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




 

COLUMNS


BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/10/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Des & the Swagmatics, Bamberdost, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Jonny Couch, Sean Henry Tonight!, and Ava LaMonte. Plus a look back at "Duluth" by Particle Zoo.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Soaked" by Kiaura Rose




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 08/06/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from August 4-10, 2026





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.


Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday




"Amazing!" Bruce Hornsby LIVE! at Ocean City Music Pier




The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday




Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Split Level Concerts at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) in Ocean Grove has announced the full concert lineup for its third season. All shows will take place beginning at 8:00pm in JSAC's Palaia Theater. The season lineup includes Willie Nile, John Gorka, Dan Bern, Catie Curtis and Band, Stephen Kellogg, Abbie Gardner, Heather Maloney and Band, and Kim Richey. As they have done in prior years, artists from the Asbury Park music scene will open many of the shows.


MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview




West Windsor Arts Announces 2026 Summer Music and More Series




Jersey Arts Podcast: Jorma Kaukonen and Hot Tuna Bring New Tour to New Jersey






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates