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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 3/23/26


By Lazlo

originally published: 03/23/2026

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 new releases by Pillowinde, Indeyevid, Quality Living, Sally Draper, Steam Enginess, and DIANA. Plus a look back at "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours" by The Anderson Council.

Pillowinde - "Motions of Life/Rotting Away My 20s in Bed". I love Pillowinde! Their power-pop-alt-rock is insanely catchy and fun, but if you attention, their lyrics have substance too. So getting 2 new songs from them,  "Motions of Life" and "Rotting Away My 20s in Bed", is cause for celebration.

Indeyevid - "Audacity of Authenticity". Indeyevid's "Audacity of Authenticity" is awesome rage infused punk rock. The six songs on this EP are the perfect outlet for my frustration of the world falling apart around us.

Quality Living - "Sumac Red". "Sumac Red", the new single from Quality Living, is a glorious piece of indie rock incorporated with Americana. I hear they may be working on an album that this song will be on. More like this? Yes, please!

Sally Draper - "ICE SS". The title "ICE SS" probably tells you everything you need to know about the new single from Sally Draper. But, in case it didn't, it is a punk rock protest song for these times we are living thru.




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Steam Enginess - "Say Your Name". I have been a fan of Steam Enginess' music for some time now. I remember last year when Hunter Guzenski told me his band's new album was going to be something special. He was not wrong. They have taken their sound and songwriting to a new level. It is transcendent!

DIANA - "All Things Must Pass". DIANA's new 7 song collection, "All Things Must Pass", does not expressly say it is a concept album, but with an intro, interlude, and outro, and what appears to be a running theme throughout, it might be. But what I have no doubt of is that it is an enthralling alternative rock album.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

The Anderson Council - "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours". The Anderson Council are a go-to power-pop band for me (along with fellow central NJ band, The Grip Weeds). I'm gobsmacked realizing that their album, "The Fall Parade" is turning 20 this year. The album, as all of theirs are, have earworm after earworm. But the one that I keep going back to, that guarantees putting me in a euphoric mood, is "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours". Check it out below.

Remember BlowUpRadio.com, plays these and many other New Jersey based artists on our internet radio station, so please check us out. #SupportGoodMusic - If you like any of the above artists, please purchase their music from their site. And if you would like to be part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon (and bridged on BlueSky).




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COLUMNS


This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from March 24-30, 2026

Here is a look at shows taking place from March 24-30, 2026 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.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Footman's Tale" by Silver Heir




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 03/19/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from March 17-23, 2026






 

MORE NEWS

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Contemporary folk stalwart Lucy Kaplansky will perform at Jersey Shore Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Jersey-born songwriter and guitarist Dave Vargo will open the show. The show is part of the on-going Split Level Concerts Series which highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.


Middletown Arts Center presents MAC Music Cafe on Sunday




Bluesman Selwyn Birchwood to celebrate album release at Lizzie Rose Music Room on Saturday




Songwriters in the Pines Series Returns to Albert Music Hall on Sunday




Beginnings LIVE! at the Grunin Center






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.


West End Arts Center presents An Evening of Elton John




The Newton Theatre presents Better Than Ezra on March 26st




Ari Hest Returns to Lizzie Rose Music Room on March 26th






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