By Bob Makin
originally published: 11/26/2020
Here’s a look at the 10 best independent New Jersey songs to cross my desk in what surprisingly was a great year for record music from the Garden State. All are self-released unless indicated by an indie label.
If you’re spending money on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday or Giving Tuesday, invest in these great Jersey artists:
1. Foxanne, "Opportunity" -- Foxanne takes something as fanciful as a trip to Mars and makes the loneliness and sense of abandonment bone-achingly real. Like a great animated family movie, “Opportunity” blurs the lines between man and machine because your heart is breaking for a Mars Rover, the unlikely narrator of the emotional tale. Disney should come knockin’ on Foxanne’s door to expand this tune into a feature or at least a short.
2. The Milwaukees, “The Calling” (Mint 400 Records) -- The closing piece de resistance of The Milwaukees’ first album in nine years is the plaintive, piano-driven title track. “The Calling” exquisitely summarizes the album’s hopefulness in the face of hardship, especially heartbreak, with a tale about how music (or any passion) can heal the hurt it often causes.
3. Stella Mrowicki, “Without Me” -- Sunny, piano-driven, banjo ‘n’ fiddle-flavored opening single to Stella’s impressive EP, “Pine Trees and Wildflowers.”
4. Stella Mrowicki, “High St.” -- Soul-stirring song that sounds like Emmylou Harris singing at New Orleans jazz funeral.
5. Bruce Tunkel, “I Can Do Better” -- Bruce at his one-man best, especially the haunting, tubular-sounding guitar work. But what makes this track the standout among 22 songs released on two records this year are powerful Springsteenesque lyrics.
6. Rick Barry, “No Smoking” -- Pretty piano-driven, string-spiced chronicle of the United States’ decline since the 9/11 terrotist attack that makes a fascinating comparison between the freedoms that smokers lost when driven out into the cold to the disregard for science of self-proclaimed patriots who refuse to a wear a mask during the pandemic.
7. Mike Montrey Band, “Spirit of Youth” -- Haunting, rousing, soulful single featuring a splendid pedal steel by Jack Stanton that glides alongside Mike & Jen Augustine’s stirring vocals.
8. Mike Montrey Band, "New Mexico” -- Standout EP track that would make a Flying Burritos Brother fan cry in their beer.
9: Originaire, "Off the Ship" -- Exquisite duet as powerful as it is lovely, especially CiBon’s otherworldly vocals and fantastic fiddler Valerie Vuolo’s beautiful bowing.
10. Candy Cavity, "Fuck Boy" -- Toxic entanglement that finds an unsuspecting lass infatuated with an Asbury Park player, a fate Candy compares to “swimming with the sharks.” Lead guitarist Steve Markow plays fantastically with a searing, seething solo on this Nirvana-like menacing but melodic track.
Bob Makin is a reporter for USA TODAY NETWORK and the former managing editor of The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this column in 1988. Contact him via email and like Makin Waves on Facebook.
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
White Eagle Hall presents The Feelies 50th Anniversary Shows
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- White Eagle Hall presents The Feelies 50th Anniversary shows on May 22-23, 2026. The band will be performing The Good Earth and Crazy Rhythms albums.
Centenary Stage Company presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on May 23rd
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company in partnership with the Hackettstown Rotary Club presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 8:00pm. The performance will take place in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center with proceeds in part to benefit the many initiatives of the Hackettstown Rotary Club.
The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang
(FORT LEE, NJ) -- The Barrymore Film Center presents "A Heavenly Evening" featuring Gary Lucas and Feifei Yang in a double bill of Chinese music culture on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:00pm.
Centenary Stage presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on May 23rd
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company in partnership with the Hackettstown Rotary Club presents Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 8:00pm. The performance will take place in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center with proceeds in part to benefit the many initiatives of the Hackettstown Rotary Club.
United Children's Music Project presents World-Class Venezuelan Artists María Brea and Kristhyan Benítez on May 28th
(WEEHAWKEN, NJ) -- United Children's Music Project (UCMP) presents Venezuelan soprano María Brea and Latin Grammy–winning pianist Kristhyan Benítez in an unforgettable evening of Latin American artistry as part of its acclaimed Latin Night Thursdays concert series on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at UCMP (4710 Park Avenue) in Weehawken, NJ. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the First Congregational Church of Montclair. Showtime is 8:00pm.
The Newton Theatre presents So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary
(NEWTON, NJ) -- If you watched the film Song Sung Blue and realized you like more Neil Diamond songs that you thought you did, you should check out So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience starring Robert Neary at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 29, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Prudential Center presents Sergio George: Festival "Ataca Sergo"
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Following the resounding success and unforgettable energy experienced at the Kaseya Center, renowned producer, musician, and visionary Sergio George raises the bar once again, taking his Festival ¡Ataca Sergio! to the next level. This time, the concept returns as a birthday celebration set for Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the iconic Prudential Center in Newark. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Riverview Jazz Awarded Grant by Chamber Music America to Host Tim Berne Performances in Jersey City
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- A $15,000 grant has been awarded to Riverview Jazz by Chamber Music America to be used to present two Jersey City performances by the esteemed avant-garde jazz musician Tim Berne at Pet Shop on Tuesday, May 26 and on the RWJBarnabas Plaza Stage at the Jersey City Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Michael Arnone's 2026 Crawfish Fest to Take Place May 29-31
(AUGUSTA, NJ) -- Michael Arnone's 2026 Crawfish Fest — three unforgettable days and nights of Louisiana music, food, and fun — will take place May 29-31 at Sussex County Fairgrounds. From Cajun and Zydeco to Delta Blues, New Orleans R&B, Brass, Gospel, and Jazz — the 2026 Crawfish Fest lineup features Grammy winners, Louisiana legends, and festival favorites lighting up the Main and Pavilion stages. Come for the day or stay and camp for the weekend.
