Visual Sound: Issue 5
FLETCHER,
“CHERRY”
Throwing an atomic bomb into what we like to think is “The Asbury Park Sound,” this denizen of the boardwalk has her own conception of high art. And who are we to argue? Her 2022 headlining North American tour is sold out. Forbes magazine listed her in its “30 Under 30” feature. She signed a bigtime record deal with the Capitol Music Group. Her “Bitter” song garnered over 175 million streams. Her future is blindingly bright. Here, she interacts with international pop artist Hayley Kiyoko.
HOUSTON & THE DIRTY RATS,
“PUBLIC RESTROOMS SUCK!”
Punk Rock is alive and well in Phillipsburg.
BRUCE GLADSTONE,
“TAROT DREAMS”
Bruce Gladstone has been making music for decades out of West Orange. Back in the day, we were all in bands but there was something different about Bruce. He wrote his own music and continues to do so today for the sake of the song, as they say. That makes him a hero in my eyes.
JAKE RYAN,
“OUT OF BODY”
Singer-songwriter Jake Ryan is from Bordentown. He’s 16.
THE CATHOLIC GIRLS,
“BOYS CAN CRY”
In the 1980s, The Catholic Girls (from Union) were too-young, provocative, daring and pioneering, using notions of forbidden sex and religion to get their point across while fusing pop, punk and prog. I used to stand stageside in total awe. This one’s from their Major Label debut 40 years ago. In 2022, they’re all still alive, rocking and actually thriving. Their “Hear My Prayer”/”Can’t Wait” single will be released in vinyl.
NIJA, “ON CALL”
Nija (originally from Union) went Hollywood years ago. Now 23, she’s been hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as “one of music’s most sought-after songwriters.” InStyle magazine listed her among its “Badass 50.” Pundits point to her as “the brain behind some of the biggest hits.”
3BREEZY, “CAN’T FWU”
This Pennsauken rapper’s Catch A Breeze was recently released by Capitol Records. Originally a veterinary tech, he wound up writing, producing, arranging and releasing his own music. This 22-year old is primed and ready to bust out big.