By Lazlo
originally published: 04/14/2025
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 Richard Peter Morris, The Bitter Chills, Diego Allessandro, noremi, Yellow Air Conditioned Feelings, Miracleworker, Tunnels, and Shotgun Bill. Plus a look back at "Spartan and Free" by SONOFDOV.
Richard Peter Morris - "Bamboozled!". "Bamboozled!" are new demos from Richard Peter Morris (Kül d'Sack and Corn Scupa) songs written between 1991 and 2024. Sometimes demos sound unpolished, but the rawness of bluegrass/folk songs make these songs sound perfectly complete to me.
The Bitter Chills - "Young Time Rock N' Roll". The Bitter Chills brand of Indie Folk Rock has fascinated me for years. On "Young Time Rock N' Roll" they showcase some lovely folk rock, but also have some nice forays into Swing Jazz and Rockabilly.
Diego Allessandro - "Still Standing". "Still Standing" is a free album that Diego Allessandro surprised the world with on April 5th. As he put it, "This one is for the resistance!" The 9 new songs, a remix of a song from 2022 and 3 bonus tracks, make for a very compelling rock album.
Sign up to his e-mail list on his website, https://www.diegoa.net, to get a download of this album.
noremi - "i am very young and i am learning how to live". I could describe noremi's amazing debut album, "i am very young and i am learning how to live", but I think noremi does a better job in the first paragraph of the liner notes of the album:
""i am very young and i am learning how to live" was my senior thesis project in music to graduate from college last spring. I consider it a culmination of both the musical and personal journey of my college experience, exploring themes of imposter syndrome, mental health, fear of falling behind and growing older, the glorification of youth, relationships with loved ones and temporality, filial piety, homesickness, nostalgia, and dreams (and the anxieties attached to their pursuit)."
Yellow Air Conditioned Feelings - "Dream From Your Left Nose". Original members of The Semibeings Tom McDonald, Patrick Baker, Dave Von Bargen, and Joe Baker, are making music together again as Yellow Air Conditioned Feelings. Their debut, "Dream From Your Left Nose", is 23 minutes of indie-psychedelic-rock with the catchiest of hooks.
Miracleworker - "Set Your Aim". Miracleworker's bio says, "Melodic, punk adjacent rock and roll. Peter Hart's shaky acoustic demos are supercharged by New Jersey punk vets Chris Ross, Dan Cav and Travis Omilian."
"Set Your Aim", and the B-Side, "Eyes, remind me a lot of indie-alt-rock from the 90's that I loved then, and still love now. And their lyrics (which they were kind enough to post on their Bandcamp page), creates imagery with their poetry.
Tunnels - "DEMO". "DEMO" may be demos of Tunnels' songs, but this shoegazey emo-alt-rock band has put together some fine sounding recordings of some excellent songs.
Shotgun Bill - "Songbook Vol.1". "Songbook Vol.1" is sort of "best of" Shotgun Bill, as decided by Bill himself. 15 songs from 6 albums, the collection is a nice snapshot of his Americana-Country-Rock.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
SONOFDOV - "Spartan and Free". Has it really been almost 11 years since Dennis King's SONOFDOV (formerly Son Of Dov) released his second EP, "Spartan and Free"? The EP is beautiful, moody, and haunting alt-folk. Described by Dennis as being, "A sparse look into letting go of fear, addiction and the slow rise to freedom." The standout track to me is, "Breathing Fire".
SONOFDOV can currently be seen performing with Melissa Anthony as Tiny Cities.
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
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
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