Spotlight: Wavez Plays Sound Bites

Written by Ori Rosmarin

Not many artists can say they’ve debuted their talent on a stage as legendary as The Stone Pony. Wavez, a band featuring brilliant teenage musicians and a powerhouse lead vocalist, brought an energy to their first performance that would make The Pony alumni proud. The bands’ prerogative is to bring a new, exciting sound to the beaches of the Jersey Shore, developing their own, unique renditions of hit songs.

Infusing popular songs with their own artistic style is exactly what differentiates Wavez from the crowd of Lakehouse bands. When lead vocalist, Mia Ryan, sings Freaking out in the Neighborhood, the audience can barely hear the remnants of what was once Mac Demarco’s song. Throughout those 2 minutes and 54 seconds, it’s Wavez’ song.

 “It gets boring listening to the same song over and over,” says Ryan. “When we make it our own, it feels original to us.” Wavez’ bassist, John Novello, agreed, mentioning that “bread and butter covers” aren’t what they came to Lakehouse to produce. 

Wavez recently performed at Sound Bites at North Eats on 1607, Ocean Avenue. Despite the absence of a keyboardist, the band managed to cultivate audience members from across the Asbury boardwalk. Although this gig was only their fourth since the band formed in November of 2022, they performed with more stage presence and raw talent than many bands celebrating their late birthdays. 

With less than a year since their development, it’s hard to believe Wavez is only in its infancy stage of true musical greatness. As the band grows from their room in 619 Lake Avenue, the musicians hope to explore new genres, book bigger stages, and evolve their sound to further heights. 

Make sure to catch Lakehouse bands like Wavez every Friday at South Bites at North Eats until August 25th. The gig at 1607, Ocean Avenue runs from 5 to 7 PM and features three of Lakehouse’s best bands a week.