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Makin Waves Song of the Year: "My God" by James Mastro

By Bob Makin

originally published: 12/18/2024


The Makin Waves Song of the Year is “My God,” the standout track on Hoboken legend James Mastro’s long-awaited solo debut LP, “Dawn of a New Error.” PHOTO BY MEAGHAN TAYLOR

The poignant, engaging “My God” not only sets the tone of Hoboken legend James Mastro’s long-awaited solo debut LP, “Dawn of a New Error,” it also is the Makin Waves Song of the Year.

The 26th Makin Waves Awards will be posted soon at New Jersey Stage along with additional year-end coverage of the New Jersey music scene.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Year, “My God” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 20 on “Radio Jersey at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin and Mixcloud.

“‘My God’ is a song of belief in oneself and in others,” James said. “I was a utility player with Patti Smith at the time I was writing this, and just wasn’t sure if it was working or not. I shared it with her, and she encouraged me to go with it.




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“I wish there wasn’t a reason that compelled me to write this, but unfortunately, it seems to be an issue ever since our species started walking on two legs,” he continued. “I think the song speaks for itself: choose your own god, let someone else choose theirs.”

Like the rest of “Dawn of New Error,” “My God” was produced by the album’s bassist-keyboardist Tony Shanahan, James’ longtime band mate in The Health & Happiness Show, as well as Patti Smith Band and his current backing band, The Gold Stars. Drummer Louie Appel also appears on the track, which was recorded by Emery Dobyns and James Frazee, who also mixed. “My God” was mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound.

For more about James, enjoy a Makin Waves interview with him here and visit his website at https://www.jamesmastro.net.

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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EVENT PREVIEWS

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.

Tropicana Showroom presents Gov't Mule on Friday

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City presents Gov't Mule on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 9:00pm. For three decades, Gov't Mule has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable.

bergenPAC presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. UB40's unmistakable blend of reggae rhythms and pop sensibility made them one of the most successful British bands of all time.
Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday

Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Hot Tuna, an iconic American blues rock band, has been delivering a profound musical experience to audiences pushing six decades.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy

State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th

TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tour organizers for the acclaimed 80's New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL have announced a line-up change due to the unfortunate cancellation of The Motels. Bow Wow Wow will replace The Motels for some shows and Men Without Hats will replace The Motels for others. The tour comes to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The tour's colorful lineup also features Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, and Tommy Tutone. 

State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.

The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday

(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is a Tribute to the Elton John, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsson Trio Tours of 1970 – 1972 featuring Jeff Kazee (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes), Rich Pagano (The Fab Faux) and John Conte (Southside Johnny + The Asbury Jukes).
Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August

Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives  on August 12th

The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Dead On Live – Bob Weir Tribute

Thursday, August 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Mi Gente Live - Mayor's Summer Concert Series

Thursday, August 06, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


Buddy Guy

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 8:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ


Kat Riggins And Her Blues Revival

Saturday, August 08, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


EagleMania – The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ



 

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