Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Bummer" by the dt's

by Bob Makin

originally published: 10/09/2026

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is “Bummer,” the latest single from the Central Jersey band the dt’s. PHOTO BY DEVON BLUE

“Bummer” is the dt’s “A Day in the Life.” Like the Lennon & McCartney classic, songwriters David Cacciatore & Tom Losito came in with two different songs, and ended up with one of their best.

Fittingly, “Bummer” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Bummer” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 9 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.

“The tune began as two separate ideas — one from Dave and one from Tom — and as we worked on them, we started to hear how the pieces could fit together,” they explained. “What emerged was much more than either original idea. It became a true band effort, with each of us bringing our own influences, instincts, and musical personalities to the song.

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“From the beginning,” they continued, “we wanted the verses to have a strong rhythmic identity. We were looking for something funky and driving, with the music almost pushing the vocals along.”

Both Dave & Tom sing and play guitar, while Tom also plays bass.

But it was James McIntosh’s drumming that became a huge part of the song, they said.

“His dynamic and powerful playing gave the verses their energy and groove, while leaving enough space for the guitars and vocals to breathe,” they said.

Joining them on “Bummer” is dt’s keyboardist Joseph Santoro.

The chorus was intentionally a contrast, Dave & Tom said.

“We wanted it to feel open, melodic, and expansive with our regular harmonies,” they said. “The jangly guitars gave it that bright, ringing texture we loved, while Joe Santoro's Hammond B3 added a new melodic layer.”

The track was produced at Sonoma Beach Studios in Clark and Lakehouse Recording Studio in Asbury Park by Joey Papa, who also engineered with Nick Semanchik.

Joey, who also mastered “Bummer,” challenged the dt’s to think beyond what they originally had written to explore where the song could go.

“Joey’s influence was especially important in developing the ending,” they said. “Rather than simply bringing the song to a conventional conclusion, we wanted the final section to build into something unexpected and dramatic. That led us to one of our favorite musical references: The Beatles’ ‘A Day in the Life.’ We loved the way that song builds tension and anticipation before exploding into its final note. Joey helped us push the arrangement until the ending felt like a true climax — a final musical statement that brought all the different elements of the song together.”

Hear “Bummer” live when the dt’s play Oct. 9, The Stirling Hotel, Stirling section of Long Hill; Oct. 10, Cranford Porchfest, 21 Tulip St.; Oct. 24, Beneduce Vineyards, Pittstown; Oct. 30, Summit Street Sounds, and Nov. 7, International Pop Overthrow Festival, Parkside Lounge, New York City.

In the meantime, listen to “Bummer” 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].

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.