By Lazlo
originally published: 03/31/2025
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 Chemical-X, The Porchistas, Renee Maskin, Dante Paulo Tagliani, and Ciara Zwicker. Plus a look back at "Seventy Degrees" by Jonathan Andrew.
Chemical-X - "Daze Of Hate". Hardcore punk is alive and well. Don't believe me, then you have not heard Chemical-X's new album, "Daze Of Hate".
The Porchistas - "Another Sad Esophagus (acoustic demo)". The Porchistas new single, "Another Sad Esophagus (acoustic demo)", fits perfectly with their brand of "Lyrically driven Porch Rock", in this case, the more folk side of it, with lyrics... well, I'll let the band explain it, "From 9/11 to Covid to Trump 2 thru the lens of a first responder with cancer from ground zero exposure."
Renee Maskin - "Is It Real". Prolific singer-songwriter Renee Maskin's latest album, "Is It Real" is described in the press release as, "a collection of songs about ghosts, monsters, and madness, figurately and otherwise". As with all her albums, to me this plays out as a journey... a long drive, or a hike. It is exhilarating, relaxing, exciting, and calming. It is so good!
Dante Paulo Tagliani - "Tiramisu". The Bandcamp page for Dante Paulo Tagliani's"Tiramisu", says, "shhhh this is a secret. temp release", so I probably shouldn't tell you to go now and download this wonderful EP of indie-folk-pop. [The album page has been removed. NJ Stage will add the track when the page is available again.]
Ciara Zwicker - "The Divided States of America". With a title like "The Divided States of America", do I need to tell you what Ciara Zwicker's new song is about? I will say it is a catchy anthem for our times that you should check out.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Jonathan Andrew - "Seventy Degrees". As I am typing this it is a sunny Saturday and seventy degrees for the first time this year. That always makes me think of Jonathan Andrew's catchy song, "Seventy Degrees". It is a beautiful, though almost deceptively lyrically dark song.
These days you can catch Jonathan Andrew playing with Christina Alessi & The Toll Collectors.
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 (and bridged on BlueSky)
EVENT PREVIEWS
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
FEATURED EVENTS
