It’s no secret that Asbury Park breeds talent. Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi are two of the many talented musicians who got their start playing shows in our small city by the sea. The town’s rich musical heritage and thriving concert scene make it a fabulous place for aspiring artists and fans to indulge in everything from rock, indie, punk, blues, pop, jazz, soul, and more. From showcases at The Stone Pony and sets at Low Dive to Sea. Hear. Now festival slots and national touring gigs, local, up and coming, Asbury Park artists and bands are not to be slept on. Read on to learn more about Asbury Park artists and bands you need to know in 2024.
The Foes of Fern
View this post on Instagram
The Foes of Fern is a multi-instrumental supergroup from Asbury Park that will have you singing, skanking, screaming, and hip-shaking throughout the entire set. The Foes’ high-energy show features drums, bass, guitar, tuba, ukulele, sax, trumpet, trombone, cowbell, and sometimes, somehow, even more. The crew of eclectic musicians effortlessly whisk fans away on a fantastical live show journey through their original hits (crowd favorites: “The Ocean” and “Couch Surfing”) and surprise cover songs that range from My Chemical Romance to Rob Thomas, depending on the night. The Foes of Fern have a residency at The Break, located at 1000 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, every Wednesday night from 7PM to 10PM.
Latewaves
View this post on Instagram
Mike Pellegrino, Shawna Grabowski, and Howie Cohen make up the Asbury Park indie rock trio known as Latewaves. The group’s anthemic songs have earworm-y choruses and relatable lyrics that draw you into the live show set. The band draws out the best parts of early 2000s emo and seamlessly blends it with 90s alternative rock. It’s almost impossible to not catch Latewaves headlining or playing live somewhere in AP. And if they’re not playing the gig, you’ll catch them in the crowd supporting the local scene. The band is also no stranger to touring, so you have no excuse not to catch them live, even if you’re not in NJ.
Jarod Clemons & The Late Nights
Jarod Clemons & The Late Nights are a five-piece rock and blues band with soul-crushing stories, impressive guitar solos, and electric singalongs (dare you to not join in during “Ramblewood Parkway.”) The band – which is made up of some of the Jersey Shore’s most talented musicians – gives it their all on stage, often playing two-set shows with special guests and surprise covers. Jarod Clemons & The Late Nights band is Stevie Ray Vaughn meets Rage Against the Machine with The E-Street Band at its core.
Blaise
View this post on Instagram
Alt-pop artist Blaise is known for his soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic performances. The powerhouse vocalist and experimental artist continually delivers a robust live show with their catchy and raw lyricism, captivating visuals, and stellar live band. One track will hit you with alternative rock, while another slaps you with dreamy pop.
Heather Hills
View this post on Instagram
Heather Hills is Asbury Park’s queen of hip-hop. With hints of Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, and Azealia Banks, Heather Hills’ feminine energy in the rap game is witty, effervescent, and undeniably contagious. It is impossible to not feel like a boss while listening to “All I Do” or “B-tch Like Me,” which is an iconic collaboration with fellow AP artist Blaise.
Read More: 12 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Asbury Park, New Jersey
Des & The Swagmatics
Des & the Swagmatics is an Asbury Park-based five-piece, genre-bending band that will have the crowd dancing all night long. The group is composed of vocalist Deseree Spinks, guitarist Randy Preston, drummer-vocalist Craig Lawlor, keyboardist-vocalist Ray Saada, and bassist Kevin Stryker. Its fusion of R&B, rock, soul, funk and pop sounds has led the group to win Top R&B Band, Top Female Vocalist, and Top Guitarist at the Asbury Park Music Awards.
Not Yer Baby
View this post on Instagram
Not Yer Baby – an Indie dance-punk band based in Asbury Park – mixes the talent of bandmates Carrot, Joey, Dom, and Jonny. The AP locals have performed everywhere from the Baronet rooftop at The Asbury to the Bond Street basement and beyond. A Not Yer Baby live show is not to be missed… and, if you’re lucky, it may just be prom-themed.
Alexander Simone & Whodat? Live Crew
Alexander Simone is a musician and songwriter hailing from Asbury Park. Alexander Simone and his extraordinary band, Whodat? Live Crew, uses music to encourage and uplift. The group’s deep R&B soul jams and live show sets captivate crowds, getting everyone on their feet dancing and singing along. The band made its Sea. Hear. Now, the festival debuts in 2023.
Dogs in a Pile
Merging funk, jazz, and rock and roll with psychedelia, jam band Dogs in a Pile literally sounds like what a summer day in Asbury Park feels like. Dogs formed when Point Pleasant native Jimmy Law (guitar) began playing with family friend Joe Babick (drums.) They were introduced to Berklee School of Music student and bass player Sam Lucid, who immediately suggested fellow Berklee student and keyboard player Jeremy Kaplan. The addition of Berklee student Brian Murray (guitar) in 2019 made for the quintessential final piece in the Dogs’ puzzle. The group’s massive Northeast fan base is appropriately known as the Dog Pound. The group will be opening for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Andy Frasco on tour this year, which makes a stop at The Stone Pony Summerstage on May 24th, 2024.
See more: 10 Iconic Musicians That Played at Maxwell’s in Hoboken
Natalie Farrell
Natalie Farrell is a singer, songwriter, and performer hailing from Asbury Park. Natalie is known for her powerful, contralto vocals and eclectic mix of pop, R&B, rhythm and blues, nu-disco and rock. The local pop queen’s live show sets include a fabulous wardrobe, dance choreography, and of course, impressive vocals.
Surfing For Daisy
Surfing For Daisy is a folk-rock six-piece band from Asbury Park consisting of Nick Francis, Mike Bernabei, Steven Filippone, Max Giorgi, Dan DiSantis, and Katie Mccarty. The band provides a dreamy soundtrack for the idyllic beach life found at the Jersey Shore. The group recently released “Jammin’ G (Saturday Night)” on all streaming platforms.
The Extensions
View this post on Instagram
Lead singer/guitarist Brian Erickson, keyboardist Lisa LoVell, guitarist Becca Cristino, bassist Will Blakey, and drummer Pete Stern make up Asbury Park-based band The Extensions. The indie rock band frequents local spots such as The Wonder Bar, Bond Street, and The Asbury, just to name a few. The group recently played at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey during the intermission of the New Jersey Devils game.
