Influential Black Suburbia Music Group have unified the Asbury Park rap and rock music scenes with mixed bills and features, along with Chris Rockwell, Chill Smith, Bulletproof Belv, Matty Carlock and others. Mainly run by the Barkley family of Jackson, who has deep roots in Asbury, Black Suburbia chat about all that and what they have coming up as an artist collective, record label and concert promotion. ... READ ON

The prolific pride of Asbury Park’s Bangs Avenue, Bulletproof Belv is back with a dope LP, ‘Without or Without You.’ Working again with Long Branch producer EL Trapo Cheese and Asbury Park singer-songwriter Matty Carlock, the rapper releases the new record on Nov. 11 with the a video for the single “Every Night.”... READ ON

Indie singer-songwriter Avery Mandeville is on tour right now with alt-roots rocker Mike Frazier from Virginia. The edgy Jersey Shore singer-songwriter takes a break from the road to chat with Makin Waves!... READ ON

Asbury Park-based multi-hyphenated talent Rachel Ana Dobken lives up to her acronym with a rad new record - a multi-instrumental mix of soul, folk, and indie rock debut full-length called “When It Happens to You.”  ... READ ON

​​​​​​​The forthcoming Franke & the Knockouts box set, “The Complete Collection,” can be pre-ordered now at FridayMusic.com. Also featured this week are Rhyme & Reason Records, Delicate Flowers, Jenny & the Felines, Carnival of Shadows, and Milan Lazistan. ... READ ON

Glad I finally caught up with Natalie Farrell’s four-song ‘Natality’ EP because it’s a winner. ... READ ON

With the bubbling bravura of Janis Joplin and earthy intelligence of Ani DiFranco, Flores woos audiences like an exotic pixie, then slays them with stunning vocal and guitar chops, as well as an inspiring passion for justice and freedom that has been lending itself more and more to her music. While her recording and video output has been minimal, that will change in 2019, she said. And my, does she have a lot to say!... READ ON

Bob Makin takes a look at the latest releases from Well Wisher, Wetbrain, and Hidden Cabins.... READ ON

The prolific pop-art band Wetbrain are back with their third release in less than two years, “Things You Think You Thought You Knew.” ... READ ON

Seminal '60s-inspired rockers The Grips Weeds have made what may be their best album ever, “Trip Around the Sun,” at their own House of Vibes studio in Highland Park.  They will celebrate its release on Oct. 20 at Lovin' Cup in Rochester, N.Y.... READ ON