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 Side Project Skip, Sam Tunkel, Jon Caspi & The First Gun, and Joseph Alton Miller. Plus a look back at "Someday" by 383 Stroker.
Side Project Skip - "The Friday Night Detour". Side Project Skip is Chris Dickscheid,most recently from the band The Mediocre Friends. Those said friends are all over his new superb EP, "The Friday Night Detour". The first two songs draw you in with some peppy, pop-Americana. That is followed by a indie-power-pop-rock number, and closed out by what reminded me of an acoustic song that could have come from one of the big Seattle grunge bands of the 90's. It's all amazing and worthy of your time. Check it out!
Sam Tunkel - "Out There". To know from reading the liner notes to Sam Tunkel's debut album, "Out There", that these songs were all written years ago, when he was first learning how to be a songwriter and musician, is kind of astounding. The seven original songs on the album do not sound like someone learning to be a songwriter. These are beautiful, powerful songs.
Sam Tunkel himself describes, "The songs and themes on this album are rooted in child-like dreams of escape, isolation, and a yearning to break free and be one’s true self, and chase that indescribable thing that will fulfill your soul, that you just know is out there somewhere."
Jon Caspi & The First Gun - "New Record". What can I say about Jon Caspi & The First Gun's new single, "New Record"?
Well, here's what they said, "Did you hear the New Record? It's to announce our upcoming record"
So is it a song, or is it a jingle/ad for their new record? The jury may be out.
But is it an earworm? Hell yes!
And does it have harmonies that to me evoke The Byrds? Hell yes, again!
And do I like it? Hell yes! (so it is probably not a jingle, since I hate most jingles)
Joseph Alton Miller - "Teeth in the Silence: Live at The Barron Arts Center (Extended Version)". I love a good live album, one where you can close your eyes and listen and feel transported to the show.
"Teeth in the Silence: Live at The Barron Arts Center (Extended Version)" from Joseph Alton Miller is such an album. Recorded at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge, this is an intimate solo performance. Amazingly the recording captures the warmth and energy of the room, something often lost in live recordings. I suspect this warmth sounds even better on the vinyl release than the digital version I listened to.
383 Stroker - "Someday", Many of you know Dennis King as Sonofdov, or his current project with Melissa Anthony, Tiny Cities, but back in the early 2000's, he fronted the rock band 383 Stroker, and put out catchy power-pop like, "Someday".
That's all for this week.
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)
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- The last two years have been a full circle moment for Finger Eleven. After 25 years, the Juno Award-winning band began criss-crossing America again with Creed. Just as when they were rising up, Finger Eleven's musical hunger has been renewed. See for yourself when the band headlines a night at the Starland Ballroom on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Support acts include Alien Ant Farm, BRKN LOVE, Common Wealth, and Sonoa.
Steve Forbert is touring in support of his wonderful album, Daylight Savings Time, and has a pair of shows coming up in New Jersey. He will be performing in Matawan's Terhune Park on Thursday, August 28th and at Stangl Stage in Flemington on Friday, September 12, 2025.
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