New Jersey punk/americana rock outfit Jon Caspi & The First Gun have released a music video for their latest single, an incredibly catchy fan favorite entitled, “My Shrinking Brain” which features Peter Holsapple (known from The dB’s, and his work in REM) on vocals. The song tells the true story of a strange medical misdiagnosis for a dizzy spell that Caspi experienced while driving his car. It turns out that Caspi did not have any real medical issue, but at the time, he was reeling from various misdiagnoses, including a brain aneurysm. Holsapple appears in the video as Caspi’s doctor.
The video was mostly recorded in Hazlet, NJ with additional shots filmed at the historic Old Franklin Schoolhouse in Metuchen, NJ. It was produced by Aaron Triolo and artfully tells the story of Caspi’s dizzy spell to hospital to misdiagnosis experience.
“Making the video was a ‘no brainer,’ pun intended!” Caspi said with a smile. “The song has become a sing-along with the audience all singing about their shrinking brains, which is weird. It’s pretty funny actually.”
Holsapple quipped, “I had such fun working on Caspi’s great new song in part because nobody ever gets me to sing on their records! Top that off with being able to be his judgy doctor in the video… grateful to be a part of this new classic.
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“Healthcare rock?” Why the hell not?!” Doug Lane, the band’s bassist, adds, “I learned that all of our brains are shrinking, which explains a lot.”
The song was released this past January as the single of a 5-song EP called Airport Plaza II, which is the second of three EP releases that features guest performs. The 3 EP’s will, together, comprise a vinyl release, planned for late 2026.
In addition to Holsapple, the second volume includes performances by Tommy Womack (Government Cheese) and Derek Cruz (Jesse Malin band). The first EP included collaborations with legendary folk rock artist Dan Bern, violinist Deni Bonet (Cyndi Lauper, REM, Robyn Hitchcock), Amanda Cross, and Ezra Caspi.
The third volume is expected this summer and includes contributions from Travis Shettel (Piebald), Will Kimbrough (Jimmy Buffett), and other soon-to-be-announced guest performers. The vinyl is also expected to include additional tracks recorded with Jesse Malin (D Generation) and Dez Cadena (Black Flag / Misfits).
Lead vocalist and songwriter, Jon Caspi has been a longstanding figure in the indie and punk music scenes. In the late 80’s he fronted the new wave band Bouncing Off Bob, which charted on the national college radio CMJ Top 100. He started as a solo artist in the early 2000’s with the release of three albums, which received national radio play and one was converted into a musical theater production with sold out shows. His song ‘This Town’, about the town of Keyport, NJ, became a town “hit” resulting in the local diner naming a sandwich after him, called “The Caspi Special.”
Soon after, Caspi started revisiting his punk and American anthem roots with his band Jon Caspi & The First Gun. One of the band’s notable achievements came in the form of a barroom, hooligan, singalong and fan favorite, Raise ‘Em High! This song has become a cult hit in his home state of New Jersey. Legendary WFMU DJ, Jonesey, spun the song every Sunday as part of his official “2pm Toast” for the past five and a half years, ending the run in early 2026. A compelling live artist and storyteller, Caspi, performs both with band and solo acoustic and has shared the stage with acts such as Bruce Springsteen, The Psychedelic Furs, The Gaslight Anthem, Glenn Tillbrook (Squeeze), The Smithereens, ~X~, Dramarama, Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines, Jesse Malin, The Dickies, Adolescents, The Wallflowers, & many more.
“If there could be a genre of “Heartland Punk” then Jon Caspi & the First Gun would be the line leader of such a crew,” said Doug Dresher, Asbury Park Vibes.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present “Made in America” on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) — As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township’s high school band room to celebrate works “Made in America.”MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
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