Gold vinyl, glam-rock nostalgia, and Jersey pride fuel this bold new release from the legendary independent label.
On August 29, 2025, the stars will look very different as Jem Records releases Jem Records Celebrates David Bowie, a vibrant, genre-hopping tribute album honoring one of the most influential artists of all time. This isn’t just another tribute—this is Bowie through the lens of some of New Jersey’s finest rock voices, pressed on gold vinyl, and steeped in decades of indie legacy and local pride.
The first single, a kinetic reimagining of “Can’t Help Thinking About Me” by The Cynz, dropped on July 12, setting the tone for what promises to be a dazzling, heartfelt, and fiercely original interpretation of Bowie’s catalog. And while this project reaches far and wide musically, its roots run deep in the Garden State.
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🌟 From South Plainfield to Stardust
Jem Records may not be a household name outside of serious record-collector circles, but in New Jersey, it’s royalty. Originally founded in 1970 in South Plainfield, Jem helped fuel the explosion of independent music throughout the ’70s and ’80s, distributing records that major labels wouldn’t touch and giving a platform to bands that didn’t fit the mold.
The label went quiet for a while but was resurrected in 2013 as Jem Recordings, and it’s been on a tear ever since—reviving its reputation as a tastemaking force while also keeping a tight-knit connection to New Jersey’s homegrown talent.
The Bowie tribute is the latest in Jem’s “Celebrates…” series, a lineup of critically acclaimed tribute albums that have already spotlighted John Lennon, Brian Wilson, Pete Townshend, Ray Davies, and Jagger/Richards. Each release isn’t just a cover album—it’s a community project, where Jem’s roster of artists puts their own soul into songs that shaped their musical DNA.
🌀 The Grip Weeds: Jersey’s Psychedelic Standard-Bearers
If there’s one band that embodies Jem’s mission, it’s The Grip Weeds. Hailing from Highland Park, NJ, the group has become a cornerstone of the label’s modern revival, bringing their signature blend of power pop, psychedelic rock, and high-level musicianship to every release.
Their relationship with Jem has been nothing short of prolific:
- 🎧 Trip Around the Sun (2018): A soaring, kaleidoscopic original album released via Jem.
- 🔄 DiG (2021): A tribute album of their own, where they covered classics by The Byrds, The Zombies, and The Monkees.
- 🎤 Soul Bender (2025): Their most recent studio album, full of fuzzed-out guitars and cosmic energy, dropped this June.
And now, they’re bringing that unmistakable Grip Weeds flavor to the Bowie tribute—proving once again that Jersey rockers can hang with the icons.
🎙️ Local Heroes, Global Sound
The Bowie tribute album features a stacked lineup of Jem artists, including:
- The Cynz – A gritty, glam-soaked band who shine on the lead single “Can’t Help Thinking About Me,” balancing Bowie’s early angst with punk rock muscle.
- The Weeklings – Another Jem favorite known for their Beatles-inspired stylings, who twist Bowie’s melodies into something new while staying emotionally grounded.
- Richard Barone – A longtime voice in NYC and NJ indie circles, bringing heart and legacy to his contribution.
- The Midnight Callers, Lisa Mychols & Super 8, The Gold Needles – Round out the album with tracks that span Bowie’s many eras, from glam rock to Berlin to future pop.
Each artist pays homage not by imitating Bowie, but by reflecting how Bowie lives in their own sound—the mark of a tribute album done right.
💿 A Tribute That’s Tangible
Jem Records Celebrates David Bowie isn’t just a digital download. This is a record made for collectors and purists. It’s being released on gold vinyl, as well as CD, digital download, and streaming platforms, making it accessible to longtime Bowie fans and the next generation discovering him through New Jersey’s vibrant music scene.
This release isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about carrying the torch. It’s about remembering that New Jersey, for all its diners and shorelines and boardwalk nostalgia, has always been a haven for rebels, musicians, and independent voices.
🎶 Why It Matters
In an era of algorithm-fed playlists and disposable music drops, this project stands out. It honors a legend while celebrating the bands who are keeping rock alive—not in Los Angeles or London, but right here in the Garden State.
Jem’s commitment to local artistry and genre-pushing projects has helped shape what New Jersey music sounds like today. And with The Spinach King, a memoir that dug into South Jersey’s complex roots, and this tribute album that lets the guitars ring out across Bowie’s stardust, it’s a big summer for storytelling through sound.
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Where the past is always playing on vinyl—and the future’s got fuzz pedals and soul.