For 24 of Makin Waves' 32 years of existence, the Makin Waves Awards have honored the New Jersey independent acts who have released the best material and made the most waves with it. This year's big winner is Matt O'Ree Band with three! Congrats to all the winners and Happy New Year to all of you!

Eryn, "Beautiful You" - Close your eyes, and you'd swear you're listening to Gladys Knight, that's how much soul is in this song sung and co-written (with producer-engineer Anthony Krizan and Cheryl DaVeiga) by a Jersey Girl of whom we all can be proud!

Matt O'Ree Band, "Hand in Glove" - If Janis Joplin sat in with Led Zeppelin or Etta James with The Allman Brothers Band or Gov't Mule, it would sound like this amazing album featuring three 2022 Makin Waves Award winners: Matt, Best Guitarist; his soulful wife, Eryn, Best Vocalist, and John Hummel, Best Drummer.

Every year since the early 1990s, the Makin Waves Dirty Jersey Dozen has recognized the 12 NJ indie acts that have made the most waves. By "made the most waves," I mean they toured extensively in support of a superior new LP or EP that was promoted with well-received singles and professionally made videos.