By Lazlo
originally published: 03/11/2024
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 The Dust-Ups, Supermutt, Dub Proof, Graduation Speech, Jackie June, and Bristler. Plus a look back at "Ballad of Rue Lafayette" by Dave Murphy.
The Dust-Ups - "The Dust-Ups". The Dust-Ups self-titled debut album is outstanding alt-country with hints of honky-tonk and blues rock, fused with catchy hooks and punk rock swagger. I hope you enjoy this album as much as I do!
Supermutt - "Friends in my Head". Supermutt's first new song in over 3 years, "Friends in my Head" is an infectious rock banger. One of those songs that got me out of my chair and moving about the studio singing along with the chorus.
Dub Proof - "Party Song". "Party Song" is the aptly named new funky instrumental from Dub Proof. This is a fun tune and is sure to get people up and grooving at your next party.
Graduation Speech - "Arcane Feelings". On "Arcane Feelings", Graduation Speech continues to be a wonderful outlet for Aspiga's frontman, Kevin Day's, "quieter" songs. They may be more acoustic and slower than his other band's music, but the core of the songwriting remains just as bright.
Jackie June - "On the Move 2.0". Jackie June re-records her song, "On the Move", and creates a peppy pop tune that sounds perfect for TV/Film licensing.
Bristler - "Cascades At Play". What happens when three members of Yawn Mower (Rudy Meier, Biff Swenson and Dana Yurcisin) start to work with unreleased songs from Rudy's old band, Wetbrain? Well you end up with Bristler, a fascinating indie rock band. Their debut album, "Cascades At Play", is lush, airy, and beautiful, but not lacking from hooks either.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Dave Murphy - "Ballad of Rue Lafayette". I've never been to Paris, but Dave Murphy's beautiful song "Ballad of Rue Lafayette" (from his 2002 album, "Chasing Ghosts"), about how he spent a trip in Paris long ago, has just the right pinch of nostalgia to it.
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
Low Cut Connie to Celebrate Album Release at The Vogel on July 3rd
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Low Cut Connie was going to play the ParkStage show on July 3, 2026, but it was rescheduled due to the heat. Instead, he will celebrate the release of his latest album Livin' In The USA at The Vogel. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
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.
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.
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.
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