By Bob Makin
originally published: 06/26/2026
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Western Shores,” the first single from “If the World Is Ending,” the November-bound album by Asbury Park singer-songwriter Renee Maskin. PHOTO BY JOHN DECKER
In November, Multiple Makin Waves Award-winning Asbury Park singer-songwriter Renee Maskin will release her latest solo album, "If the World Is Ending."
The LP’s first single, “Western Shores,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Western Shores“ also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on June 26 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.
Written early one dark, sleepless morning over cups of coffee, Renee was playing around with the main riff and chords, when her partner, acclaimed photographer-filmmaker John Decker, walked in and heard the music-in-progress. He offered up the words "Western Promises.”
Renee said, “The song formed quickly afterward. Set in the atmosphere of a hot, mirage-laden desert, ‘Western Shores’ is about the false promise of The American West, as well as false promises in general.”
Recorded at Yung Bull Studios in Brick, Renee played guitars and mellotron and co-produced with Rudy Meier of Yawn Mower, Tide Bends, and Bristler. Randy played drums and synths and is recording, mixing and playing on the entire album. Joining them on “Western Shores” and much of the LP is Tony Aichele, formerly of Renee’s old band, Lowlight, and now a Nashville-based utility player for country music star Morgan Wallen. Tony plays pedal steel and electric guitar.
“Western Shores” swells with stringed instruments, expansive keyboards, and catchy melodies, more of which can be expected on singles to come.
You can hear “Western Shores” live when Renee plays June 29 at Committed Pig, Manasquan; July 12, WDVR in-studio performance; July 19, Edenville, Warwick, NY; July 23, Middletown Arts, Middletown; Aug. 1, Asbury Park Brewery; Aug. 4, Belmar Arts; Aug. 21, Toms River Art Council Gallery, and Aug. 28, Brickette Lounge, West Chester, PA.
With her trio, The Wilder Tide, featuring drummer Eric Pierce and bassist Chris Dubrow, Renee also will play July 16, Transparent Clinch Gallery, Asbury Park, and Aug. 15, Baronet Rooftop, Asbury Park. The latter gig is a triple release party for The Wilder Tide’s debut EP, The Expendables’ latest LP, and Cussing’s EP follow-up to their 2024 debut LP, “Girl Exploded.”
In the meantime, enjoy “Western Shores” on Apple Music and Spotify.
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
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Starland Ballroom presents The Cab
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents The Cab on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Paradise Fears and CARR will open the night.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This intimate concert promises an evening of soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and a legendary lineup of musicians bringing each song to life.
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
