New Jersey’s deep musical roots are being carried forward by a new wave of artists emerging from Monmouth University, where students and alumni are reimagining the music of Bruce Springsteen through an ambitious project that blends tradition with modern creativity. Their EP, Runaway American Dream, has become both a celebration of a landmark album and a showcase for the next generation of New Jersey musicians, while also positioning Monmouth as a growing force in the state’s contemporary music scene.
Released by the university’s student-run label, Blue Hawk Records, Runaway American Dream was created in honor of the 50th anniversary of Springsteen’s iconic Born to Run. Rather than offering straightforward covers, the project takes a bold approach, reshaping classic songs through the lens of today’s musical landscape. Influences from hip-hop, indie rock, and electronic music are woven into the arrangements, giving familiar melodies new textures and rhythmic identities that feel current without losing the emotional weight of the originals.
The EP features five songs drawn from the Born to Run track list: “Backstreets,” “Thunder Road,” “She’s the One,” “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” and the title track “Born to Run.” Each reinterpretation reflects the individuality of its performers and producers, while collectively capturing the spirit of restless ambition and storytelling that made Springsteen’s work timeless. One of the most talked-about tracks, “She’s the One,” leans into a dance-forward, contemporary edge that transforms the song into something entirely new while preserving its lyrical heart.
The project was guided by Joe Rapolla, chair of Monmouth’s Department of Music and Theatre Arts, and brought together an expansive collaborative team of students and alumni, including vocalists, instrumentalists, and producers. Their combined effort resulted in a polished, forward-looking release that also earned enthusiastic approval from the Springsteen community during university symposiums and anniversary events held on campus. Even the album artwork nods respectfully to the past, updating the classic Born to Run cover design with a modern visual style that mirrors the musical reinvention within.
The influence of Runaway American Dream is now moving beyond the studio and into live performance. Several of the artists who contributed to the EP are set to take the stage at the 26th annual Light of Day WinterFest in Asbury Park, an event that has become a cornerstone of New Jersey’s winter music calendar. Blue Hawk Records will host a dedicated showcase titled Blue Hawk Boardwalk Jam on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel. Hosted by Joe Rapolla and Zack Sandler, the evening will feature performances by Elijah Elias, Amani Lillian, Abby Garcia, Corine Rose, Sam Spano, The Peach Trees, Sam Jordan, and the Blue Hawk House Band.
The festival continues through the weekend with major events such as Bob’s Birthday Bash at the Count Basie Center in Red Bank and the Songwriters By The Sea III showcase at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, both of which include appearances by Rapolla and nationally recognized artists. Proceeds from WinterFest benefit the Light of Day Foundation, supporting research for Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and PSP, adding a powerful philanthropic dimension to the music-filled week.
Projects like Runaway American Dream highlight how New Jersey’s musical heritage continues to evolve through younger voices that respect the past while pushing boldly into the future. Readers interested in discovering more stories about emerging artists, local releases, and live performance culture can explore ongoing coverage through Explore New Jersey’s Music section, which spotlights the state’s dynamic and ever-changing soundscape.
From the halls of Monmouth University to the stages of Asbury Park, these student musicians are proving that Springsteen’s legacy is not just being preserved—it is being transformed into something that resonates deeply with a new generation of listeners across the Garden State.
