By Lazlo
originally published: 11/25/2024
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 Katye Kellye and The Interruption; Solo For Dolo; Backyard Superheroes; Danello, The Sad Surfer; and Loveseat Pete. Plus a look back at "America Is For Everyone" by Hal Guitarist.
Katye Kellye and The Interruption - "New Year, 1904". Katye Kellye and The Interruption go Celtic Rock in their excellent new song, "New Year, 1904". The band describes the song as, "Based on a James Joyce story that takes place at family New Year party, the protagonist grapples with his identity, jealousy and his future."
Solo For Dolo - "Trauma Bonds". I've been a long time fan of Solo For Dolo, but his latest single, "Trauma Bonds", may be his best, and most personal, song yet. Why are you still reading this? Go listen to the song!
Backyard Superheroes - "Mass Hysteria". Ska-Punk band Backyard Superstars have really outdone themselves on their latest album, "Mass Hysteria". It is all the fun musically that you would expect from a ska-punk band, combined with some deeply personal and affecting lyrics. This album really hit me in multiple ways.
Also, they dedicated the album to their pets, "the real heroes", and 25% of all online sales will be donated to the NJSPCA.
Danello, The Sad Surfer - "Danello, The Sad Surfer II". Danello, The Sad Surfer returns with, "Danello, The Sad Surfer II", which ironically is largely comprised of songs written & recorded prior to the first album. So why were these not released first? No idea, but it is clearly not because they were of lesser quality than the debut album. Danello, The Sad Surfer continues to make some of the catchiest indie-pop-rock songs, which almost masks the heavier lyrics.
Loveseat Pete - "Alamo". Remember the "Alamo"! In this case "Alamo" is the debut full length album from Loveseat Pete. The album is full of indie-power-pop rock, with a few shoegaze and folk rock songs for a well rounded collection.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Hal Guitarist - "America Is For Everyone". Was Hal Guitarist inspired by Woody Guthrie when he wrote "America Is For Everyone" back in 2018? Quite possibly. I look at the song as being in the spirit of "This Land Is Your Land". As the incoming administration next year is already trying to make certain types of people feel like they don't belong in America, I prefer the more optimistic, inclusionist view of Hal Guitarist.
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 be 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 (and bridged on BlueSky at https://bsky.app/profile/BlowUpRadio.gardenstate.social.ap.brid.gy)
EVENT PREVIEWS
Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey
Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
