By Lazlo
originally published: 01/22/2024
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 Signal Valley, Silver06, Michael Brett, Chad Sabo, Aaron Pinto, and Modern Crybaby. Plus a look back at "Latch Key Kid" by Dog Food.
Signal Valley - "Ridiculous Trinkets". It is a gutsy move to open an album with a ten and a half minute song and close an album with an eleven and a half minute song, but Signal Valley does that on "Ridiculous Trinkets". They are actually two of my favorite songs on the album! The entire collection is terrific, alternating between synth-wave, alt-psych rock, and prog-rock.
Silver06 - "Overdose Overload". If you'll allow me to do a cheesy pun here, Silver06's new release, "Overdose Overload", may contain six songs like their name, but I'd say they set a new gold standard on guitar driven, emo-hip-hop.
Michael Brett - "Disorder For Sale, vol. 1". Maybe it is the name, "Disorder For Sale, vol. 1", that made me view the lyrics of Michael Brett's new EP as being about the state of the world, and maybe even specific people in the world, but the songs are also wonderful singer-songwriter folk rock, from a very talented artist. Bring on volume 2!
Chad Sabo - "Joyride". The debut solo album from Chad Sabo (formerly of The Cold Seas), "Joyride", is 22 minutes of auditory bliss! Lovely alt-pop.
Aaron Pinto - "Hey Little Blonde Girl". Do you like 60's pop reminiscent of early Beatles? Then you should definitely check out Aaron Pinto's new single, "Hey Little Blonde Girl". It is quite the earworm.
Modern Crybaby - "The Storm Inside My Heart". Modern Crybaby is Dylan Schroth, and his latest single, "The Storm Inside My Heart", he describes as being a song about dealing with anxieties and finding the strength to move past it. It is something I am sure most of us can relate to to some extent. Wrapping those lyrics in a powerful emo song, is beautiful.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Dog Food - "Latch Key Kid". Dog Food's album, "Unleashed" came out in 2000. I think it was early 2002 when I saw Dog Food's singer-songwriter Keith Vukan at an open mic playing, "Latch Key Kid". The song is touching reminiscence of childhood, wrapped in a catchy acoustic pop tune.
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
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!
Carteret PAC presents Hellfest
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Hellfest from July 3-5, 2026 with over 18 bands performing each day! Tickets are available per day or with a three day pass.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
