By Lazlo
originally published: 12/12/2022
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 Tony Lio, Funny Fuel, Jason Didner, Samuel Vincent, Renee Maskin, tiyu (ft. eleanor forte), thin ear, Zachary West & The Good Grief, JEFFREY, Long Neck,and Omen and the Possum.
Tony Lio - "Kaleidoscope" [single]. Tony Lio's colorful new single is a beautiful, poetic, indie rock ballad.
Funny Fuel - "Get Told". Funny Fuel's new release is called "Get Told", but currently only contains one song, "Future Self", which is a rather catchy piece of mid-tempo bedroom pop. Hoping there is more on the way!
Jason Didner - "When The Time Came" [single]. Jason Didner's latest single, "When The Time Came", is a beautiful song about growing, changing, leaving the past behind, and finding some peace and happiness. Something we all aspire to!
Samuel Vincent - "Deadlock" [single]. A lot of hip-hop incorporates numerous loops, effects, and all sorts of gimmicks, often burying the lyrical content, but the first single from Samuel Vincent's upcoming EP is all about a simple drum & bass beat where the lyrics can be heard loud and clear.
Renee Maskin - "Dreams a River". Listening to Renee Maskin is like getting in a car, heading out to the middle of nowhere and driving towards the skyline. It is not about the destination, it is the journey, and, as Renee always does, "Dreams a River" is a wonderous journey!
tiyu (ft. eleanor forte) - "another summer..." [single]. "another summer" from tiyu (ft. eleanor forte) is an amazing retro sounding synth-pop-disco-lite tune, that evokes the days when ABBA were the band the DJ played at the local roller rink. This tune was fun!
thin ear - "Your Mind Walked Away". Jon Gonnelli, of Rye Coalition & The Black Hollies, uses thin ears as his songwriter project, and the new EP "Your Mind Walked Away" showcases four different varieties of indie rock. Definitely check it out!
Zachary West & The Good Grief - "Head Empty". It is ironic that my favorite track on Zachary West & The Good Grief's amazing new EP, "Head Empty" begins with the line, "I'm so sick of nostalgia". Their anthemic alt-pop-punk/modern rock sound has a certain bit of nostalgia to it. Not sounding specifically like any one band that came before them, but capturing the essence and spirit of a bygone era. I freaking love it!
JEFFREY - "JEFFREY". The harmonies on JEFFREY's self-titled album are chill inducing, and the music is all around wonderful alt-dream-pop!
Long Neck - "Live from Kaleidoscope Studios". Long Neck's music is always amazing, albeit it often lyrically depressing, but the live energy in this recording just brings the songs to a new level!
Omen and the Possum - "Omen and the Possum". Omen and the Possum's self-titled album is beautifully crafted mellow, singer-songwriter indie-rock.
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 Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
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