Asbury Park singer-songwriter Taylor Tote’s steady stream of monthly singles and videos continues with her most recent release, “Strawberry.” Pulling elements from house, hip hop, electronica and R&B, the dance track is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Strawberry” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on Sept. 3 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com.
The song and its video depict a vacation during which Taylor finds a romantic interest and thinks about what her future would be like if she never left.
“The idea came to me when I was in Hawaii,” Taylor said. “I just wanted to let go and forget about the outside world for a while.”
Taylor co-wrote “Strawberry” with frequent collaborator and producer Russell Hayden, who’s featured on the track.
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They also directed, wrote, performed and edited the video, which co-stars New York City actor Michael Aurelio as Taylor’s vacation lover.
“I had such a fun time producing this track with Russell,” Taylor said. “When we first tracked it when I got home from Hawaii in April, I wasn’t in love with it. I knew the song was good, but there was a lot missing in my delivery, production, and just an entire section it felt like it lacked. I went in several times and attempted the delivery in so many different ways. Russell added so many cool production tricks, and then I was able to convince him to feature on it as well.
“I really think this song has become one of my favorites because it incorporates so many cool vocal and writing techniques and production elements I’ve never done before,” she continued. “I love this laidback, fun, summer vibe we have going, and I hope everyone loves it just as much as we do!”
Russell also produced and co-wrote Taylor’s recent EP, “21 Min Drive,” featuring“Lowkey Stressed,” which recently was released as a live video.
Every time he writes a song with Taylor, he to do something new,” Russell said.
“I’ve always wanted a house-style dance record for her since I’ve always been inspired by that music,” he said. “We came up with ‘Strawberry’ pretty quick and as always, my favorite part is the outro breakdown section. I’m also thankful that Taylor was passionate about having me on the song as well, which is always fun to get to do!”
For more fun, see Taylor Sept. 18 at a See.Hear.Now after-party at The Asbury hotel with The Foes of Fern and The Extensions; Sept. 25 at Alternate Ending Beer Co. in Aberdeen, and Sept. 26 at Asburyfest, a weekend-long celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary in Bradley Park. And for more about her, visit https://linktr.ee/taytote.
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Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook 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.
Here is a look at shows taking place from November 18-24, 2025 along with our featured listings and a look at some upcoming shows. New Jersey Stage offers previews of concerts throughout the Garden State as well as select shows in New York City and Philadelphia areas
(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- The Rialto Center for Creativity's Spotlight Series closes out 2025 with a high-energy evening featuring Lucy Ritter, a professional drummer whose remarkable career has taken her from local stages in Westfield to sold-out tours around the world. The event will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the Rialto Center for Creativity. Showtime is 7:00pm.
(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Swifties unite! A tribute show by Swift Nation will take you on a musical journey through Taylor Swift's career on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Experience a journey through Swift's eras at Stockton University's Performing Arts Center - right in the Pine Barrens nestled outside of Atlantic City. Showtime is 7:30pm.
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