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.
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.
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
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.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
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.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
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.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Heather Maloney & Hayley Reardon on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
