By Lazlo
originally published: 10/02/2023
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 All Systems Go, Chris Fantasia, Free the Witness, Somerdale, and Teen Idle. Plus a look back at "Turning 'Round" by Boxcar Nancy.
All Systems Go - "The Lowdown". All Systems Go are such an amazing pop punk band. Their new song, "The Lowdown", is an anthemic tune with a hook that is caught in my head (in a good way).
Chris Fantasia - "J Curve II". With some of the song titles on Chris Fantasia's, "J Curve II" being "My Cat's Nuts" and "I'm On Drugs", this album may not be for everyone. But, if you're looking for some fun punk/alt-rock, this is well worth a listen!
Free the Witness - "Youth of Tomorrow". Free the Witness', "Youth of Tomorrow", rocks! The combination of punk and metal makes this 5 song EP nearly 13 minutes of high energy awesomeness!
Somerdale - "Let's Get Started". Somerdale are master's of power-pop. Their latest, "Let's Get Started", is the auditory equivalent of a sunny 70 degree day!
Teen Idle - "Nonfiction". I have been playing Teen Idle's music on BlowUpRadio.com for several years now and watched how her early acoustic demos have led to some stunning singer-songwriter dream-pop. Her new album, "Nonfiction", seems to be the culmination of transformation from home recording, to potential dream-pop star. This album is incredible!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Boxcar Nancy - "Turning 'Round". In 2004 John Raido fronted the band Boxcar Nancy and released one shining album to folk, Americana, and rock, "Turning 'Round". The album, in my opinion, was equally influenced by Bob Dylan & The Band, and 70's singer-songwriters.
These days John Raido is living in Connecticut, going by the moniker Foggy Otis, and is a master of the ukulele. You can hear him performing live as part of BlowUpRadio.com's 16th Annual Banding Together Webathon, benefitting the Spondylitis Association of America, on October 13th-16th.
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. We're also on Mastodon at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
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.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
24 Hours of Music Jamboree Stretches from Jersey City to the Jersey Shore with a week's worth of live concerts
New Jersey's cultural corridors will come alive from July 12-19, 2026 as the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree – Horizontal Edition returns with a vibrant multi‑town celebration stretching from Jersey City to the Jersey Shore. The reimagined expanded format brings seven days of concerts, community gatherings, jazz showcases, jazz bashes and festival‑style programming designed to unite neighborhoods through music.
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd
(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
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