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.




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



“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

 




Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



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.

FEATURED EVENTS

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

Click here for our Advanced Search

Candlelight:

Candlelight: Rings and Dragons

Thursday, January 23, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music

Click here for full event listing

Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories LIVE

Friday, January 24, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Kean Stage - Wilkins Theatre
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
category: music


Click here for full event listing

Peabo Bryson - 50th Anniversary Tour

Friday, January 24, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


Click here for full event listing

More events

Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages






 

UPCOMING EVENTS

(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Start the New Year with Centenary Stage Company's Winter Thaw Music Festival. This year, the music festival will feature concert performances by Good Co., Judy Carmichael, TAKE3: Where Rock Meets Bach, and Gangstagrass throughout the next few weeks.


The

The Newton Theatre presents a Night of Nelsons with Matthew & Gunnar Nelson on January 24th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents a Night of Nelsons with Matthew & Gunnar Nelson on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 8:00pm. Famous for their incredible harmonies, musicianship and humor, they are multi platinum recording artists and twin icons. They are also torchbearers of an American entertainment dynasty.


More event previews