Jersey Rock Artist of the Week: Kate Ortiz
Kate Ortiz is a multi-faceted artist. She’s a singer, songwriter, producer, guitar player, bass player, and drummer, whose true skills are much greater than the sum of all those parts. The Jersey Rock vet made her name as a high-powered front woman on the Hard Rock and Punk scenes. Over the years she has demonstrated that she can do much more. From Pop to Ska and back to Rock, Kate Ortiz has all bases covered.
During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Kate got to work on an impressive project with her girlfriend/co-producer Genevive. The result was an album’s worth of great, versatile tracks. They were released once per month back in 2021. We were proud to rock them on Jersey Rock.
Two years later, the duo are at it again with the release of Kate Ortiz’s latest single “A Really Fun Song About Wanting To Die.” The Ska infused tune, is upbeat, catchy, and somewhat dark. Speaking of the new track, Ortiz said:
“When I wrote “A Really Fun Song About Wanting To Die” I was dealing with a lot of bad stuff going on in my life. I was feeling really out of control and I started just playing my acoustic and singing almost in a joke way but then it became real. After I showed my girlfriend/co-producer the demo of the song she was like “I really like it, but it needs horns.” And I was just like – oh my god, you’re right! This song needs horns! And that’s how the song become a ska song”
The end result from the collaboration is yet another great track from Kate Ortiz that explores adversity, while providing a positive outlook. In fact, it’s so bright and fun, that it may be easy for casual listeners to miss the message. Like Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” it can definitely be taken two different ways. The great thing about the new single is that it’s the kind of track you’ll go back to again and again. Hopefully on spin 2, 3 or 27 the listener will grasp the full perspective. Either way it totally rocks!
Check out Kate Ortiz’s new single and all of her music on spotify!
Getting back to the multi-faceted element of Kate Ortiz’s artistry; she’s more than just a solo artist. In addition to making her own great music, she also devotes much time and energy into bringing out the musical talent in others. As an instructor at the renowned Lakehouse music academy, she cultivates the talent of students of all skill levels. Beyond that she also produces music in Asbury Park and is happy to co-write or even ghost write the songs of up-and-coming artists.
If you would like to enlist Kate in your musical endeavors, you can look her up on social media @iamkateortiz or contact her via e-mail at iamkateortiz@gmail.com.
Follow Kate Ortiz on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @iamkateortiz! Learn more at kateortiz.com!
Tune to Jersey Rock on 95.9 The Rat Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night at 11:30 to hear the latest singles from Kate Ortiz. Kate will call in to the show each night!
My Top 15 Bars At The Jersey Shore To Drink Outside At
Hey Rat Rockers Gotts here and summer is in full effect, and here at the Rat we love to be outside and enjoying our favorite cocktails and taking in the summer rays and taking in the nice weather.
So your boy Gotts and a bunch of us at The Rat decided to come up with a list of our favorite bars to do just that. I know there are a lot of bars out here and if we missed one, please add and let us know your favorites.
Photo: Beasley NJ
There is nothing like sitting outside and definitely when there is a nice live band to rock out with and enjoy. If we do miss any bars that you enjoy please let us know right here. Hopefully, this list will get you out with some friends and maybe check them out to have your own experience.
I know I’ve been to about 90% of these bars and had a blast with people that have brought me there and enjoy being outside drinking a nice frozen drink or my favorite and ice-cold Miller Lite.
We do remind you to drink responsibly and definitely if you do attend make sure you get a sober driver, call a cab, or Uber it even.
Photo: Gotts
I know many of the days drinks I’ve done at these bars with some of my close friends I can not really even talk about it or on the air. I can share that sometimes you get really comfortable when you do the day drinking and staying hydrated, then all of a sudden it’s night time but because you’re having so much fun you look down on your phone, and it’s night time, and the sun is gone.
Thank you for taking the time to check this post out and as always we love and appreciate you for rocking out with me and of course 95.9 The Rat. Much love and have a safe summer, CHEERS, and you can check out more of my stories right here.
Martell's Tiki Bar - Point Pleasant Beach
Love this place and it is just as awesome when Mondays roll through because, during summer, this is the place where you want to come out of the weekend and be hungover and everyone in there pretty much has the same thing on their mind and that is let us keep the party going.
I know why they call themselves “Jersey Shore’s Island Getaway.” Also steps from the waves on your feet. Check them out here.
Photo: WRAT
Headliner Oasis- Neptune
What an awesome place to sit outside and have some cold drinks. They HAVE A POOL! That is right and the bartenders are great too. So much fun with live music and every time you turn around there is something to do and just meet great people who want to party just as much as you do. More info here.
Rat Happy Hour Headliner / Photo: WRAT
The Pig And Parrot Sandbar- Brielle
This place is awesome!! Beautiful views from the boats and service is great as well, the food is right up to par and they always have live entertainment and it has the Jersey Shore vibe all over it.
Great place to have a bunch of drinks outside with amazing “Happy Hour” specials that go on every week. Cool place and check them out here.
Photo: Jaclyn Farago
Sunsets Bar- Neptune City
The name says it alone! You can really take your time here and clear your head, it might be a long day on the job or even maybe you just had a day out on the water catching some fish you can really have a really fun and relaxing time out here.
Awesome “Happy Hour Specials” as well can be found here too. You can find more information here.
Photo: WRAT
Wharfside Patio Bar- Point Pleasant
I love this place during the daytime and you will too on a nice summer day. You catch the breeze coming off the water and sitting back rocking out to the live music and if you love seafood, you are in for a awesome treat here.
If like oysters you will be in Heaven at the Wharfside. Check them out here.
Photo: Lauren Hoffman
Bar Anticipation- Lake Como
Gotts and Reggie From Bar A
I pretty much live here at this place and love nothing more than sitting outside. I consider the great people that work there my family and you will enjoy this place after a day on the beach, and getting some lunch and you will catch some awesome tunes on the outside plus awesome specials that go on all day and night.
You will find out that 99% of the time you can find me there. Come say hello to your boy Gotts. Check them out here
Jenk Club- Point Pleasant
Right on the beach and if you are from NJ you definitely have heard of this place. Another bar is just steps from the beach and is very chill, relaxing, with live music that goes on pretty much all day, and then the nightlife will get you rocked out for sure.
Love being outside here and enjoying the views and the ice-cold drinks in my hand. Get more information and what great bands that are coming up right here.
Photo: Lauren Hoffman
