Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Fueled by Women: A Benefit Compilation, Nikki & The Skyrockets, Weftin, and Audi Meae.
Charlie Thomas rose to prominence as a member of the fabulous vocal group The Drifters whose seemingly endless string of hits are still found on the airwaves today. So, it comes as no surprise that now in his eighth decade; Thomas has emerged with yet what's destined to become another classic called, "Be My Rock."
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Tony Lio, Funny Fuel, Jason Didner, Samuel Vincent, Renee Maskin, tiyu (ft. eleanor forte), thin ear, Zachary West & The Good Grief, JEFFREY, Long Neck, and Omen and the Possum.
Princeton-raised kindie-rocker Laurie Berkner, center, is flanked by singer-songwriter Lucy Wainwright, left, and her legendary Jersey native mom, Suzzy Roche, during the recording of “Another Laurie Berkner Christmas,” her recently released second holiday outing. The vocal trio teamed on the carol “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week
"That was an incredible experience, we were over in Europe for three and one-half weeks in June and just the response we got from everybody was incredible. I mean, we played some amazing shows and amazing festivals. We did Download, we did Rock am Ring, we played Belsonic with Iron Maiden and Airbourne and Shinedown; I mean, we just had some incredible shows and the reception from the crowd was amazing." says Tempt front man and vocalist Zach Allen. "They were just ready to party; they were awesome and we had an awesome time; it was great to meet the other bands. We got to talk with some of the guys from Shinedown and Airbourne and just kind of sharing stories and everything; it was just a tremendous experience and so exciting. We can't wait to get back out there, as soon as we came back, we were like, alright; when are we getting back there? Because it was just a dream, it really was, it was a wonderful reception and everybody was really great to us; we cannot be happier with how it all turned out."
Stoner-rock veteran George Pierro (Solarized, Maegashira) has a new project 00 (Double Zero) whose full-length debut album, “Volume,” on Bandcamp is a fundraiser for Forked River-based Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, where he is pictured with his children, “Brother” George and Anna. The epic six-song LP’s opening track, “Solitary Waltz,” is the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
“We’re from South Jersey but we're kind of all over the place," laughed vocalist Doug Goldspiel as he discussed the particulars of Huxley, past gigs as well as their new music. "We are mostly based out of the Williamstown area. I'm down in the Millville area actually but it's kind of just all over South Jersey. We're an active rock band, we have five members; myself who is the singer, we have our two guitarists, one is Chris Kelly, the other one is Mike Lamplugh; our bassist is Matt Williams and our drummer is Bill Finocchiaro or however you pronounce his last name; which is going to sound great (Laughs).”
After years of releasing nationally acclaimed EPs and singles, Asbury Park indie darlings Yawn Mower are ending a fall tour in support of their Mint 400 Records full-length debut album, “To Each Their Own Coat,” on Nov. 26 at hometown venue House of Independents with homies Echo Plum, Dentist, and Surf Haven sharing the loaded local bill. The LP includes the college radio hit “Elevation,” the Makin Waves Song of the Week.
“I have to tell you," began founding member of The Hollywood Allstars, keyboardist Steve Gaspar. "Years ago, it was a passion project of mine and when I say years, I mean probably about four or five years ago. I've been in the music business my whole life and I had this idea that I wanted to put together a quote unquote; super group. A dream team of people that I respect and people who I enjoy the way they play and that I enjoy hanging out with and I never would have imagined five years later that I'd be on the phone with you telling you about it. I have the horn section that did The Rolling Stones Steel Wheels tour, the bass player from the Johnny and Edgar Winter groups, the lead singer from Tower of Power, a guitar player that has worked with Blood, Sweat & Tears and Talking Heads; I mean, it really is literally like a dream come true. I mean, not to sound like a corny cliche but I'm really, really fortunate to be able to say I'm surrounded with these people let alone have gotten them all to be in a band and to get a record deal, which in itself is cuckoo these days; you know?”
