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 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
