By Lazlo
originally published: 01/16/2023
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 rory alene, Meadow Wood Lane, woodthrush, Graduation Speech, Loose Panic, Michael Brett, and The Rubber Thongs.
rory alene - "Quiet, So Far" - "Quiet, So Far" is magnificient in capturing raw feeling and emotion in 9 folk songs. With just acoustic guitar and rory alene's vocals, the personal lyrics can be heard loud and clear, but each song also contains a melody that helps to make the lyrics shine.
The liner notes point out that the album was recorded on an iphone, which just goes to show that you can make a brilliant album cheaply, without losing quality. In fact, I suspect if this album had been recorded professionally in a studio that it would not have the intimacy that it does.
Meadow Wood Lane - "Since The Rain" - James R. Blass describes his band Meadow Wood Lane's album "Since The Rain", as meant to be his goodbye after "years out of the game (local music). Ultimately making this album got him back into the game and ready to make future albums. I am thrilled to hear this, as this is my first known exposure to his music, and his roots-rock/singer-songwriter sound is engaging an entertaining.
woodthrush - "3 short songs in which i filter my feelings about being back at home via jon bois quotables" - The title pretty much says it all on woodthrush's new EP. It is 3 songs, that are short (the longest is a hair over 3 minutes), and there is a lot of feelings, and not happy ones, poured into these incredible songs.
Graduation Speech - "Burn Eternal" [single] - Graduation Speech is the solo project Aspiga's Kevin Day. Kevin says of his latest single, "Burn Eternal", "The entire song was written and recorded in a matter of hours. It feels a little more personal for me as well, because I recorded the track myself on my phone."
This is the second example in this week's New & Notable where the ability to record on one's phone and get a quality recording allowed this intimate song to be written and recorded quickly without loosing any of the emotion of the moment.
Loose Panic - "In Hindsight" - Loose Panic is Jarret Crawford's band, and he describes his music as, "indie rock, shoegaze vibes, with a bit of Americana and roots rock thrown in there."
I am glad he had that description for me, because I heard so many different things going on in the 5 songs on "In Hindsight" that I was hard pressed to categorize the music, except to say that it is amazing! Each song has an energy, emotion, melody... Stop reading and just go listen to the EP!
Michael Brett - "This Is How You Get A Broken Heart" [single] - It has been 5 years since Michael Brett's last recording, but his return single, "This Is How You Get A Broken Heart" was well worth the wait. It is his most personal song, partly inspired by his sister’s diagnosis of, and ultimate passing from, ALS, a powerful song that is is a sad lament lyrically, and a jangly rock tune musically. This may well be Michael Brett's best song to date!
The Rubber Thongs - "Ex-Junkie w/ Money" - Who loves jangly, power-pop with lovely harmonies? Me!
If you do too, then you must check out The Rubber Thongs single, "Ex-Junkie w/ Money".
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://mstdn.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This intimate concert promises an evening of soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and a legendary lineup of musicians bringing each song to life.
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
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!
FEATURED EVENTS
