By Bob Makin
originally published: 12/26/2025
The Makin Waves Song of the Year is “My Best,” a loving look at parenthood and childhood by The Well Wish. PHOTO BY LAYLA ANGELONI
Parenting is the most joyous part of life, but it also can be very tough. It’s even tougher when you have to balance being a working musician.
The Makin Waves Song of the Year, “My Best,” is an ode to parents and their children by the Jersey Shore husband-and-wife (and mom-and-dad) team of vocalist Anya Angeloni and guitarist Patrick J. Angeloni of The Well Wish.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Year, “My Best” can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com. If you miss it, you can tune in any time in the archives at The Penguin, Mixcloud and RadioJersey.net.
“‘My Best’ is a reminder to all parents that we’re all simply doing our best,” said Anya, who wrote the lyrics to Patrick’s music. “The song actually started as a funny way to tell our daughter to stop bed-hopping and finally sleep in her own bed. But as it came together, it turned into something more meaningful: an honest reflection on parenting.
“No matter how much we may argue, we’ll always love each other in the morning,” she continued. “And when we butt heads, isn’t that because we taught them to be strong? Ten years from now, I’ll probably listen to this song and think of all the things I could’ve done differently, but that won’t change the truth: every day, when we wake up, we try our best for the ones we love. We hope you can relate and enjoy ‘My Best.’”
The single’s artwork was created by Layla Angeloni, the lass who inspired the song.
“My Best” also features the great Andy Kirkpatrick on drums, the lovely Elena Worton on keyboards and vocals, and 2024 Makin Waves Awards-winning bassist Prash Singh. Anya also has won a Makin Waves Award as the 2023 Vocalist of the Year. The Song of the Year Award for “My Best” marks the third MWA for The Well Wish.
The insightful single was followed by the release of “Here All Along,” the band’s third EP since 2016, following their debut, “Of Heart and Mind” and the 2023 follow-up “Promises.” The five-song “Here All Along” was recorded and mixed at Retromedia Sound Studios in Red Bank by owner Adam Vaccarelli and mastered by Elaine Rasnake at Daughterboard Audio.
The Well Wish are writing and demoing new songs to be released soon as singles, as well as a new collection of tunes down the line. A new show in late January or early February will be announced soon.
In the meantime, enjoy The Well Wish on Apple Music and YouTube.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and Instagram 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.
EVENT PREVIEWS
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
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(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
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