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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 1/1/24


By Lazlo

originally published: 01/01/2024


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 Dr. Void & The Death Machines, The Penniless Loafers, We're Ghosts Now, Vincent Brue & the Long Branch Davidians, and Cynful Ukes. Plus a look back at "Say Yes" by Readymade Breakup.

Happy New Year!

Before we get into the first BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music of 2024 if you'd like to see BlowUpRadio.com's New Jersey Year in Review for 2023 we've got it up here.

Now let's get into some new NJ music.

Dr. Void & The Death Machines - "Frostbite: Frozen Stiff Remix". In some fashion Dr. Void has been a part of BlowUpRadio.com since we began 23 years ago. First fronting Funch, then Nerve Tonic, and for over a decade now, Dr. Void & The Death Machines. Their latest release, "Frostbite: Frozen Stiff Remix", not only showcases the punkabilly sound they are known for, but the album also some punk infused blues rock, and even a mellow, gothic-folk ballad to close out the album.




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The Penniless Loafers - "Room 204". "The Penniless Loafers are a ska influenced rock band based out of Jersey City, NJ", says their bio. On their new EP, "Room 204", the ska is blended with indie-pop, and even some 50's harmonies on my favorite song of the trio, "Pants Dance!" (about dancing at a concert). This EP is the bees-knees!

We're Ghosts Now - "Shipwreck". Ear Worm alert! We're Ghosts Now's "Shipwreck" has been rattling around in my head for hours. It is one catchy indie rock song about a "shipwreck" of a relationship.

Vincent Brue & the Long Branch Davidians - "We Didn't Start the Fire". Among the tags Vincent Brue & the Long Branch Davidians uses to describe their music on their Bandcamp page is "apocalypse rock", "party rock", and "weird rock". I don't think I could describe their music better than that. And no, despite their new album being called, "We Didn't Start the Fire", there is no cover of the Billy Joel classic(?) on the album (probably a good thing... but I suspect if they had covered it it would have been a unique take).

Cynful Ukes - "Changes". Cynful Ukes is Cyn Ketner a queer, trans, singer/songwriter. His first release, "Changes" (from the forthcoming debut album, "Trauma Stew"), and the B-side "Your Stories" are beautiful singer-songwriter folk songs. Very excited to hear the rest of the debut album!

Not New, But Memorable Corner

Readymade Breakup - "Say Yes". Readymade Breakup were an incredible power pop band featuring long time friends Paul Rosevear & G.E. (both of whom are currently in The Vice Rags). "Say Yes" goes all the way back to their first album, "Isn't That What It's For?" in 2007. It is a song that always makes me joyous, and what better way to start the new year.

That's all for this week.




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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

2025

2025 Cape May Music Festival Preview

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Now celebrating its 36th year, the annual Cape May Music Festival presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), with major support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, returns to this seaside resort with an engaging variety of musical concerts that launch on Memorial Day weekend. There are 14 classical, chamber, jazz, funk and brass band musical performances, some free to attend, from May 25-June 28, 2025.



Hard

Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents Jackson Browne

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Legendary singer-songwriter Jackson Browne is bringing his timeless hits to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City on June 28, 2025. With a career spanning decades, Browne is known for iconic songs like Running on Empty, Doctor My Eyes, and Somebody’s Baby. Showtime is 8:00pm.



Middlesex

Middlesex County's FolkLIVE: Gospel Music Festival Returns with Headliners Fred Hammond and Kierra Sheard

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Get ready to experience an uplifting celebration of gospel music at Middlesex County’s second annual FolkLIVE: Gospel Music Festival, featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Fred Hammond and Grammy Award-nominated artist Kierra Sheard, along with a lineup of rising local talent on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Monument Square Park. The event runs from 2:00pm–6:00pm and takes place rain or shine.  Admission is free.



North

North to Shore Festival presents Gregory Porter at NJPAC

(NEWARK, NJ) -- As part of this summer's Prudential North to Shore Festival, smoother-than-silk 2X GRAMMY® winner Gregory Porter returns to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 3:00pm. A vocalist whose rich baritone and masterful artistry have established him as one of the most important jazz voices of his generation, Porter brings his signature blend of jazz, soul, and gospel that has captivated audiences worldwide.



New

New Jersey Symphony presents 2025 summer outdoor concert series

New Jersey Symphony kicks off its summer season with its annual summer outdoor concert series which brings a fun-filled orchestral program to locations around the state. This summer's program features selections from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Overture to the The Magic Flute, Gioachino Rossini's Overture to William Tell, a celebration of Duke Ellington's music, highlights from the Broadway show Wicked, and patriotic favorites. New Jersey Symphony Colton Conducting Fellow Gregory D. McDaniel conducts.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Priyanka

Priyanka Barve Live in Concert

Saturday, June 28, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: music


 

The

The Jersey City Record Riot

Saturday, June 28, 2025 @ 10:00am
Grove Street PATH Plaza
100 Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07302
category: music


 

Eliot

Eliot Lewis

Saturday, June 28, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Daybreak

Daybreak - The Music & Passion of Barry Manilow

Saturday, June 28, 2025 @ 8:00pm
The Strand Center for the Arts
400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701
category: music


 

MAC

MAC Music Café

Sunday, June 29, 2025 @ 4:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: music