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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 1/6/25


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.




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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)




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EVENT PREVIEWS

Stroudfest

Stroudfest 2025 Returns to Downtown Stroudsburg for a Day of Music, Food, and Community

(STROUDSBURG, PA) -- The 19th annual Stroudfest is happening on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 11:00am to 6:00pm, and you're invited to join the party in the heart of Downtown Stroudsburg. This end-of-summer celebration has become a local tradition, drawing thousands of people for a full day of live music, great food, local shopping, and community.



Forever

Forever King Clark to Release "Five Dollar Yacht Club" EP

There's a new club and they want to let everybody in. Asbury Park Indie Rockers, Forever King Clark have announced their new EP entitled,"Five Dollar Yacht Club".



Harmonium

Harmonium Choral Society to Hold Auditions for 2025-2026 Season

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Harmonium Choral Society will hold selective auditions for a limited number of openings in all voice parts for experienced singers with good sight-reading ability for the 2025-2026 concert season. Auditions will be held on select dates held by appointment starting August 24th going through September 3rd at Grace Church (4 Madison Avenue at Kings Road) in Madison.



Bruce

Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music presents Born to Run - A Jersey Shore Celebration Concert

(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music is proud to present Born to Run: A Jersey Shore Celebration Concert on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 7:30pm in the Pollak Theatre. The concert honors the 50th anniversary of Springsteen's landmark album Born to Run.



The

The Newton Theatre presents Direct From Sweden - The Music of Abba

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Direct From Sweden - The Music of Abba comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, September 5, 2025. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Janis

Janis Joplin Experience Starring Lisa Polizzi

Saturday, August 30, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Tuesday

Tuesday Night Record Club: Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run

Tuesday, September 02, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Monmouth University - The Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Candlelight

Candlelight Concerts Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More

Thursday, September 04, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Mike

Mike Davis & The New Wonders

Thursday, September 04, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

moe.

moe.

Friday, September 05, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music