By Lazlo
originally published: 04/22/2024
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 Marc Del Giudice, The Dracu-Las, SONOFDOV, Bobby Mahoney, Jason Didner, and Southpaw. Plus a look back at "Truth About Lions" by The Chilling Details.
Marc Del Giudice - "Daylight Hours". "Daylight Hours" is the first solo offering from Morningside Drive's Marc Del Giudice, and an amazing one at that. I will let Marc explain the song in his own words:
"You can play this song when you’re happy. You can play this song when you’re sad. I envision this song to feel like the first five seconds when you wake up. When there’s that hope that today will be a better day than yesterday. You take a breath. Then you step out your door. As a songwriter you want to share your mind and your dreams."
The Dracu-Las - "Fall Asleep When I'm Dead". Jersey City's The Dracu-Las accurately describe themselves as, "Girl group inspired surfy garage punk for the beach goth set." On "Fall Asleep When I'm Dead", they give us three memorable songs, the title track showcasing the mellower, relaxing on the beach, side, while the latter two songs are more garage punk. It is always nice when an EP leaves me wanting to hear more.
SONOFDOV - "Natural Disaster". There is something about SONOFDOV's music that even when a song is titled, "Natural Disaster", it is still a soothing, mellow indie-folk song, that has pop sensibilities. The song is powerfully moving and auditory bliss.
Bobby Mahoney - "Empty Passenger Seats". Hot off the heels of signing to "Little Steven" Van Zandt's "Wicked Cool Records", Bobby Mahoney releases the first single from the forthcoming album, "Another Deadbeat Summer".
Maybe you've heard a previously released version of "Empty Passenger Seats", but this new remixed/remastered version makes the song brighter and closer to the energy of seeing him and his band live. Very excited to hear the rest of the album when it comes out this June.
Jason Didner - "Digital Carnival". Long time singer-songwriter Jason Didner has spent the last few years writing, along with his wife Amy Didner, some great albums dealing with mental health & self-care.
His latest album, "Digital Carnival", is in his own words, "A rock album that holds up a funhouse mirror to our online world, exploring the joys, hazards and absurdities of our digital lives."
One could say, and several songs attest to, dealing with the online world is a tightrope for mental health & self care. Jason confronts this with his usual witty & poignant songs that traverse the rock spectrum from singer-songwriter, classic rock, 80's metal, and even some funk/reggae.
Southpaw - "Drugstore Candy". I can't say I listen to much modern country. A lot that I have heard just isn't my cup of tea. But Southpaw's blend of country, pop, rock, and a pinch of soul & blues, is a winner. Their latest album, "Drugstore Candy" is definitely worth checking out.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Chilling Details - "Truth About Lions". Back in 2007 The Chilling Details released their one and only album, "innerdialogue". The Chilling Details was the brainchild of former Psykidelic Oven Mit singer-songwriter Frank Bressi. Where Psykidelic Oven Mit was more punk, The Chilling Details was more modern rock. "Truth About Lions" is a great example of that, and a fan favorite from back in the day.
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
bergenPAC presents Buddy Guy on August 4th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Buddy Guy on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth GRAMMY® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour"
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour" with Marco Mendoza, and Vinnie Moore on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL 80s New Wave Tour Comes to Atlantic City on August 8th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Tour organizers for the acclaimed 80's New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL have announced a line-up change due to the unfortunate cancellation of The Motels. Bow Wow Wow will replace The Motels for some shows and Men Without Hats will replace The Motels for others. The tour comes to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The tour's colorful lineup also features Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock Of Seagulls, The Producers, Animotion, The Escape Club, and Tommy Tutone.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on August 8th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the legendary Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. Guy won his 9th career Grammy Award for 2025's Ain't Done With The Blues. Limited tickets remain.
Todd Rundgren to perform shows in Englewood, Ocean City, and Red Bank in August
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Legendary producer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Rundgren is bringing his 2026 Damned If I Do Tour to the Garden Sate in August. He's got shows at bergenPAC in Englewood on August 8th; Ocean City Music Pier on August 11th; and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on August 12th.
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
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