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].
