New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Samantha" by Lowlight


By Bob Makin

originally published: 02/11/2022

Lowlight’s latest single, “Samantha,” is the first to feature new lead singer John Gleason of Roadside Graves. The Mint 400 Records release is the Makin Waves Song of the Week. PHOTO COURTESY OF MINT 400 RECORDS

The mighty Lowlight have released their first single, “Samantha,” with new lead singer John Gleason, also the front man of Roadside Graves. 

The rhythmic and moody “Samantha” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Samantha” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 11 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com

On behalf of band mates Derril Sellers, guitar; Dana Sellers, keyboards/vocals; Colin Ryan, drums, and Rey Rivera, bass, John said “Samantha” finds a thread between two disparate experiences: the joy of a first kiss and the thud of loss.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



“Being knocked down on your ass mentally and physically, you will get back up, but never the same way,” he said. “The way you first felt the world is gone with the loss. Further exhilarating experiences will be that much less felt.” 

The song’s delicate arrangement pulls the listener in as it weaves through the story, ultimately climbing to a lush and powerful hook. 

The single is in support of Lowlight’s upcoming EP, “They Know,” due from Mint 400 Records on Feb 25.

“We began writing this song well over a year ago,” Dana said. “It was just an idea that was floating around. When we decided we wanted to do a collab album, we knew we wanted to ask John, a longtime friend and bandmate of Colin’s. He agreed to do it, so we sent him the demo. He said he was immediately inspired and wrote the hook shortly after hearing it. Working with him on the song felt really natural. It was all beautifully organic, just how you’d want it to be. 

“We are extremely psyched to have him join the band,” she continued. “John is an incredibly talented dude. Anyone who is familiar with his work in the Roadside Graves already knows this! And he’s an all-around amazing human. We are really excited to see what we can all create together.”

For more about Lowlight, visit https://instagram.com/lowlightnj

 




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at makinwaves64@yahoo.com



New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.

 

EVENT PREVIEWS

McCarter

McCarter Theatre Center presents Béla Fleck, Antonio Sánchez, and Edmar Castañeda

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents the all-star trio of Béla Fleck, Antonio Sánchez, and Edmar Castañeda, performing on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. This is a WXPN Welcomes event. Showtime is 7:30pm.



The

The Vogel presents Carbon Leaf

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Carbon Leaf is touring in support of Time is the Playground, the band's 15th studio album. Their tour comes to The Vogel on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Special guest Zak Loy will open the night. Showtime is 7:00pm.



The

The Newton Theatre presents country star Sara Evans

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans brings her Unbroke Tour to The Newton Theatre on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 7:00pm. She is the fifth most-played female artist at country radio in nearly the last two decades.



Outpost

Outpost in the Burbs presents An Evening with Donna the Buffalo

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents An Evening with Donna the Buffalo on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. ​​​​​​​Donna the Buffalo is not just a band, rather one might say that Donna The Buffalo has become a lifestyle for its members and audiences. Doors are at 7:30pm, showtime is 8:00pm.



Newton

Newton Theatre presents The Last Waltz featuring The THE BAND Band

(NEWTON, NJ) -- On Friday, May 16, 2025, The Newton Theatre hosts The Last Waltz Celebration featuring The THE BAND Band and special guests. The night brings to life one of the most historic concerts of the rock era. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Béla

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: music


 

Coyote

Coyote Jack Band with Opener: The Pettis

Thursday, May 15, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Donna

Donna McKechnie: Take Me to the World The Songs of Stephen Sondheim

Friday, May 16, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Bell Theater
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
category: music


 

Jeffrey

Jeffrey Gaines

Friday, May 16, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Eaglemania

Eaglemania

Friday, May 16, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: music