By Lazlo
originally published: 01/06/2025
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 Northvale, All Systems Go, Tiny Cities, and ILL-ADVISED. Plus a look back at "Who Betrays Me" by The Cucumbers.
Happy New Year! Before we get into some new music, a quick announcement. On January 20th, Rock Against Hate Volumes 5 & 6 will be released, each containing 30 incredible songs to help raise money for Planned Parenthood and Kids In Need of Defense. There will also be a webathon with live sets from 14 acts. Call it counter-programing to that other event going on that day (and no I don't mean Martin Luther King Jr. Day). All the info is at rockagainsthate.org
Northvale - "Bright Lights". Earworm alert of the week! Northvale's "Bright Lights" is one catchy emo-pop-punk song. the chorus has been rattling around in my head for days... and it brings me joy every time. Looking forward to hearing the rest of their new album coming out in February.
All Systems Go - "Everything Going Well is a Bad Thing, Right?". More wonderful and infectious emo-pop-punk comes from All Systems Go's new single "Everything Going Well is a Bad Thing, Right?" They describe the song as aiming "to bring closure to a developing romantic relationship that ended suddenly and unexpectedly. The lyrics detail a moment of intimacy - "'Remember me when you're famous' she said with a dreamy look in her eye / at 4:00 AM with both of ours open wide" - that's quickly taken over by resentment - "this was your way of saying goodbye."" This is the first single from their upcoming EP, "Finding Closure", due out in February.
Tiny Cities - "Hologram". "Singer-songwriters Melissa Anthony and Dennis King(SONOFDOV) team up to write songs that sparkle in the long dim of winter", says the bio for Tiny Cities. Their debut single, "Hologram", showcases how well their vocal and music styles weave into a beautiful musical sweater to keep you warm.
ILL-ADVISED - "NEW AGE SEDUCTION TACTICS". ILL-ADVISED is Harry Metzler. As the credits for the new album, "NEW AGE SEDUCTION TACTICS", show he does it all, "Written, performed, produced, mixed, and mastered by". As his 8th studio album, he has become masterful as to how to make alternative rock that incorporates the right amounts of electronic and industrial sounds into beautiful music. This album is something special!
The sad news, that I found out after listening to the album, is that Harry Metzler has had some serious health issues related to Long Covid. So check out the album, but also if you have a few extras dollars, check out his GoFundMe also.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Cucumbers - "Who Betrays Me". Just recently Steve Nyhoff, who ran Fake Doom Records, reminded me of "Who Betrays Me", a song originally released by The Cucumbers in the 1980's, but was reissued just a few years ago on, " The Fake Doom Years (1983-1986)". This is one of many classics from this mainstay of the Hoboken scene, showcasing both their lyrical prowess and their new wave punk sound.
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
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!
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
