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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 3/23/26


By Lazlo

originally published: 03/23/2026

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 Pillowinde, Indeyevid, Quality Living, Sally Draper, Steam Enginess, and DIANA. Plus a look back at "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours" by The Anderson Council.

Pillowinde - "Motions of Life/Rotting Away My 20s in Bed". I love Pillowinde! Their power-pop-alt-rock is insanely catchy and fun, but if you attention, their lyrics have substance too. So getting 2 new songs from them,  "Motions of Life" and "Rotting Away My 20s in Bed", is cause for celebration.

Indeyevid - "Audacity of Authenticity". Indeyevid's "Audacity of Authenticity" is awesome rage infused punk rock. The six songs on this EP are the perfect outlet for my frustration of the world falling apart around us.

Quality Living - "Sumac Red". "Sumac Red", the new single from Quality Living, is a glorious piece of indie rock incorporated with Americana. I hear they may be working on an album that this song will be on. More like this? Yes, please!

Sally Draper - "ICE SS". The title "ICE SS" probably tells you everything you need to know about the new single from Sally Draper. But, in case it didn't, it is a punk rock protest song for these times we are living thru.




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Steam Enginess - "Say Your Name". I have been a fan of Steam Enginess' music for some time now. I remember last year when Hunter Guzenski told me his band's new album was going to be something special. He was not wrong. They have taken their sound and songwriting to a new level. It is transcendent!

DIANA - "All Things Must Pass". DIANA's new 7 song collection, "All Things Must Pass", does not expressly say it is a concept album, but with an intro, interlude, and outro, and what appears to be a running theme throughout, it might be. But what I have no doubt of is that it is an enthralling alternative rock album.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

The Anderson Council - "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours". The Anderson Council are a go-to power-pop band for me (along with fellow central NJ band, The Grip Weeds). I'm gobsmacked realizing that their album, "The Fall Parade" is turning 20 this year. The album, as all of theirs are, have earworm after earworm. But the one that I keep going back to, that guarantees putting me in a euphoric mood, is "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours". Check it out below.

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 (and bridged on BlueSky).




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Lovin' Spoonful will perform at The Newton Theatre on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. They were America's answer to the Beatles! The band, led by John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first 7 singles soaring onto Billboard's top-10 charts virtually overnight.
Barrymore Film Center presents Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile

Barrymore Film Center presents Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile

(FORT LEE, NJ) -- Ann Talman brings her award-winning show Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and The Shadow of Her Smile to the Barrymore Film Center on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 7:30pm. Ann joined Actors' Equity with co-star Elizabeth Taylor in 1981 when she landed the plum role in The Little Foxes playing Miss Taylor's daughter on Broadway. The Little Foxes traveled the world for eighteen months including six months in London and their loving friendship lasted for the rest of Miss Taylor's life.
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on May 8th

Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on May 8th

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Eaglemania on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. EagleMania has been dazzling audiences for over a decade by spectacularly reproducing the music of the Eagles.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on May 8th

The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on May 8th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents singer-songwriter Richard Shindell on Friday, May 8, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
Princeton Symphony Orchestra presents Music That Tells a Story: Opera 101

Princeton Symphony Orchestra presents Music That Tells a Story: Opera 101

(PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ) -- On Friday, May 8, 2026 at 4:00pm, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) presents Music That Tells a Story, a free event for anyone who has ever dreamed of being an opera star. The presentation will take place at Westrick Music Academy (231 Clarksville Road, Suite 8) in Princeton Junction.
Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on May 9th

Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on May 9th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. The band is touring in support of the 30th anniversary of their landmark album, Bringing Down the Horse. The band will perform their classic album in its entirety, in sequence.
The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford on May 9th

The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford on May 9th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford in concert on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. With a legacy that spans nearly five decades, Lita Ford continues to inspire generations of musicians— solidifying even more, her place as an icon, pioneer, and true Queen of Rock.
Monmouth County Park System presents 2026 Creative Arts Festival on May 9th

Monmouth County Park System presents 2026 Creative Arts Festival on May 9th

(LINCROFT, NJ) -- The Monmouth County Park System is hosting its annual Creative Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00am-4:00pm at Thompson Park. This celebration of the arts features more than 50 specially selected artists in a variety of mediums such as pottery, painting, jewelry, and more. This family-friendly festival also includes live music, engaging art demonstrations, and children’s art-based activities.
Grunin Center presents Taylor Simon King on May 9th

Grunin Center presents Taylor Simon King on May 9th

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Grunin Center for the Arts presents Taylor Simon King - Celebrating Three American Troubadours on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. The show features James Gedeon, Lisa Sherman, and Alice Leon paying tribute to James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Carole King. Limited tickets remain.
Scottish Rite Auditorium presents The Robert Cray Band

Scottish Rite Auditorium presents The Robert Cray Band

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- Scottish Rite Auditorium presents The Robert Cray Band on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Robert Cray is all these things – and more.

 

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