By Lazlo
originally published: 03/25/2024
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 Turnpike Gates, Kanak, Surfing For Daisy, and Rubber Band Gun. Plus a look back at "Breathe" by Hey Tiger.
Turnpike Gates - "Not Myself Today". Turnpike Gates describes their first full-length album, "Not Myself Today", as, "a collection of eight songs that chronicle the psychologically draining experience of living in a post-pandemic American city."
It is also a rollicking collection of songs that combine anthemic rock & roll with punk swagger, so while the subject matter might be draining, the music is energizing.
Kanak - "On The Outside". I have been a fan of Tom Kanach, the frontman of Kanak, and his music going back to my college radio days in the 90's when I played his band Well Of Souls on a local music show I did at WMCX. Here we are 30 years later, and he is still putting out incredible music, with "On The Outside" being 6 power-pop songs to make your day better.
Surfing For Daisy - "Jammin' G (Saturday Night)". "Jammin' G (Saturday Night)" is another wonderful single from Surfing For Daisy. A very soulful Americana/Folk Rock song.
Rubber Band Gun - "Zero Love Songs". Rubber Band Gun's latest album, "Zero Love Songs", may not contain love songs (though one song is titled "When Lovers Dream"), but it does contain 9 mid-tempo songs, some jangle pop, and a few chill pop.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Hey Tiger - "Breathe". Christina Alessi & The Toll Collectors are a huge part of the New Jersey music scene, especially the Hoboken/Jersey City area scene, but years before Christina Alessi fronted Hey Tiger. They were also an amazing band that rocked all over NJ, and even got to open for Bon Jovi at Giants Stadium (footage of which can be seen here).
"Breathe", one of their first singles, is a powerful slow build of a song, and still a masterpiece to me all these years later.
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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents The Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00pm. They're keeping our country's 250th celebration going with inspiring songs from these two fantastic musicals sung by four incredible vocalists!
bergenPAC presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Playing is the joy and satisfaction of touring, but it comes with the hard part -- travel, the endless miles on a bus. There's no dodging the wear and tear, and Little Feat has been playing for quite a while.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Great Auditorium. Maestro Jason Tramm leads the 50-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra in an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor. From sweeping Hollywood epics to iconic modern classics, this symphonic celebration brings the magic of film music to life with dazzling orchestral color.Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
FEATURED EVENTS
