By Lazlo
originally published: 02/06/2023
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 Play Head, Jason Didner, THIEV, Hubbell Benson, erase:rewind, Quiz Show, and Joe Billy.
Play Head - "Around an Autumn Moon". Play Head's, "Around an Autumn Moon", is some lyrically heavy, amazing modern rock. 'Nuff said.
Jason Didner - "Side Effects". Jason Didner has always been an amazing artist, but in the last couple of years he's been talking his songwriting (often co-writing with his wife, Amy) and recording to new levels. His latest album, "Side Effects" has a little something for everyone, as he traverses multiple styles of rock music, and has lyrics about life's joys and challenges.
To paraphrase a lyric from the chorus of "This Man's Eyes", "Jason Didner's music brings so much joy to my life." Hopefully it will for you too!
Also check out an interview Sean Manuel did with Jason Didner on BlowUpRadio.com here.
THIEV - "fade". THIEV describe their music as, "melodic hardcore with heavy west coast influence while sticking to their NJ pop-punk/hardcore roots."
I describe their new EP, "fade", as three alt-punk/melodic hardcore tunes that rock!
Hubbell Benson - "'Cept For Him" [single]. The new single from Hubbell Benson, "'Cept For Him" is quite the catchy earworm. Their name may be an obscure reference to the Monkees, but this song sounds like a song that would be at home on Joe Jackson's "Look Sharp!" album. Love it!
erase:rewind - "Watching Life Through Dirty Glasses" [single]. erase:rewind's "Watching Life Through Dirty Glasses" is a peppy, catchy tune that they describe as being about, "going to Atlantic City and talking with a fake accent." I'm sure none of us can relate to that (don't call my bluff).
Quiz Show - "What If?" [single]. Look, if your one of those people that like name dropping, then let me explain that Quiz Show contains Chris Matthews, a founding member of Shudder To Think, and Kevin March, the drummer for Guided By Voices, but that's not why you should listen to Quiz Show.
You should check out Quiz Show because their songs are incredible punk/post punk alt-rock, and "What If?", one of two singles just released from their forthcoming self-titled album (out on March 17th), is a prime example.
Joe Billy - "Fissure". Joe Billy has come a long way from is first folk-punk album six years ago. He has always been a great songwriter, but "Fissure" has a full band on most of the songs, which adds so much to this collection of songs. He also deftly knows which songs benefit most from the full band, and which should be more stripped down. This album is a masterpiece!
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
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.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
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.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 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.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
