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.
“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.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
About the author:
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.
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