By Lazlo
originally published: 10/10/2022
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 Banding Together 2022 Compilation, Jason Didner, All Systems Go, Hello Whirled, Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band, and Cyborg Amok.
Various Artists - Banding Together 2022 Compilation. This year marks the 15th year we have done a benefit for the Spondylitis Association of America. Spondylitis is a genetic rheumatoid arthritic condition that causes inflammation and fusion in the vertebrae of the spine, and sadly, my wife suffers from this debilitating disease.
Every year we do a webathon, this year's taking place this weekend on BlowUpRadio.com with over 30 artists performing live on air.
During the webathon, everyone who donated $10 or more to the Spondylitis Association of America wil get a download of a compilation featuring 35 previously unreleased songs from: Amanda Rose Riley, Bruce Tunkel, Catherine Wacha, Cyborg Amok, Dansped & The Carpool To Oblivion, Deena, Diego Allessandro, erase:rewind, Ferocious Designs, Frank Patrouch, Greg McGarvey, Happy Joe Canzano, Jason Didner, Jason Michael, Josh Bicknell, jpeck, Katye Kellye & The Interruption, Laree Cisco, LEAVETAKING, Little Dipper, Mark Parker, Pat Veil, Pearl Manhattan, RP, Shariese Katrell with Diego Allessandro, Shotgun Bill with the Tango Kid, Smallpox, The Fisherman & The Sea, The Maravines, The Mighty Alrighty, The Random Hubiak, Them Hounds, Tim and Brian, Tony Tedesco & Sean David Cuningham, and Yupanki
Jason Didner - "Molasses Blues" [single]. Jason Didner's wife, Amy, wrote the lyrics to this blues song about what it feels like to have too much sugar while suffering from Type 1 diabetes. It manages that difficult feat of being a funny song about a serious topic.
All Systems Go - "Non-Fiction". All Systems Go solidify themselves as masters of anthemic pop-punk with their new album "Non-Fiction"!
Hello Whirled - "An Asshole With A Drum Machine And A Guitar". I have watched, or rather listened to, solo artist Hello Whirled go from very lo-fi bedroom recordings, to much more detailed (but still to the best of my knowledge bedroom) recordings, to more recently playing out live. His latest album is a live recording of him performing with a classical guitar and a DrumKid drum machine. Despite the title, there is no asshole here, just a great live performer.
Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band - "Shine As One". "Shine As One" is an upbeat, arena rock anthem!
Cyborg Amok - "Etiam". Cyborg Amok refers to their new album "Etiam" as, "a stark reminder that there are shadows surrounding us, blatantly hiding in the darkness."
That sounds so much more bleak than this album is. Don't get me wrong, it is not a catchy pop album, but it is an excellent alt-goth-rock, with maybe a little bit of prog-rock thrown in... it is not easy to describe their sound. You should check it out for yourself.
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 part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com
EVENT PREVIEWS
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
FEATURED EVENTS
