South Jersey’s music scene has soul — you just have to know where to find it. From cozy open mics to hidden recording studios, Burlington County has become a creative home for songwriters, pickers, and dreamers chasing their next verse. Here’s a personal tour of some of my favorite local spots, studios, and people keeping the sound alive.
Open Mics Worth the Drive
Whether you’re testing out a new tune or just want to connect with other local players, these open mics are where the stories start:
- Stratosphere Brewing (Mount Holly) – One of the best rooms around for live originals and open jams. Great beer, friendly vibe, and real music folks.
- Lower Forge Brewery (Medford) – Americana-heavy crowd with a lot of songwriters sharing new material.
- Grapevine (Tuckerton) – Long-running songwriter circle style open mic with a listening-room feel.
- Little Ease tavern (Franklinville) – Worth the drive; features touring songwriters alongside locals.
- The Union Firehouse (Mount Holly) – Periodic open mics and showcases, plus full concerts with a pro sound setup.
For more great open mics in South Jersey, check out my recent blog post – Read More
Want to find even more? Check out Facebook groups like “South Jersey Music Scene,” “Burlington County Musicians,” and “South Jersey Open Mic Network.” Those communities are gold mines for events, collabs, and gig swaps.
Studios Where the Magic Happens
When it’s time to turn that rough demo into something radio-ready, these local studios can help bring your songs to life:
- Sonic Bomb Studios (Burlington City) – Great for singer-songwriters; top-notch gear and relaxed vibe.
- Audio Pilot Studio (Medford) – Run by musicians for musicians; strong focus on roots and rock sounds.
- Mount Holly Sound Works – Great community-oriented spot that supports indie artists.
- The Record Shop NJ (Cherry Hill) – Full-service production house that works with local and regional acts.
Songwriters Supporting Songwriters: NSAI South Jersey
If you’re serious about writing, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has active local chapters right here in South Jersey and Philly.
These meetings are part critique circle, part inspiration session — the perfect place to share your work, get feedback, and learn from pros.
👉 You can find meeting details and join at nashvillesongwriters.com.
Local Radio Keeping the Sound Alive
One of the best parts about being a South Jersey songwriter is knowing that local radio still cares about original music. There are DJs and stations out there who dig deep for homegrown talent — spinning local artists right alongside national acts.
A few stations leading that charge:
- Lazlo and BlowUpRadio.com – Lazlo has been championing New Jersey’s indie scene for over two decades. His passion for supporting unsigned artists is unmatched, and his interviews and live sessions give songwriters a real platform.
- Radio Garden State – An emerging network that spotlights New Jersey’s independent voices, with shows covering everything from Americana to alt rock.
Community Connections
Beyond gigs and gear, the real heart of the scene is the people. South Jersey’s songwriter network is growing fast — thanks to new initiatives like SouthJerseySongwriters.com, free registration for local artists, and the upcoming South Jersey Songwriters Festival in Fall 2025.
If you’re looking to plug in, share your work, or just meet other folks chasing the same dream — this is the time to get involved.
Final Verse
The heart of Burlington County’s music scene beats strong — in breweries, cafés, and back rooms where folks gather to share songs that matter.
So grab your guitar, polish your lyrics, and come add your voice to it.
