By Lazlo
originally published: 04/06/2026
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 Ali Zanders, Sam Tunkel, Brian Westervelt, Jay Ingstrup, A Halo Called Fred, Damfino, Regency Club, and Night Windows. Plus a look back at "This American Life" by Diego Allessandro.
Ali Zanders - "SPACED OUT!". Spring is here! The sun is shining! And Ali Zanders has a new jangly pop-punk single, "SPACED OUT!", for your listening enjoyment.
Sam Tunkel - "The Sting Of The Blade". Sam Tunkel's second album, "The Sting Of The Blade" is according to his website, "a reflection on feeling lost, and not knowing how to get un-lost." Weighty subject matter, but filtered thru his soulful singer-songwriter sound, the songs take you on a journey. Is there enlightenment at the end of it? I guess that is up to each listener to decide for themselves, but even if there isn't, it is an enjoyable sojourn.
Brian Westervelt - "Fearless". "Fearless" is the first official release from Brian Westervelt. My only problem with this five song EP of acoustic pop-punk, is that it left me wanting more, but I guess that's better than an album that overstays its welcome. Hope the second release is coming soon.
Jay Ingstrup - "Brunette Repetition". Jay Ingstrup's latest improvised guitar instrumental collection, "Brunette Repetition", is four songs that are relaxing and mesmerizing. My suggestion, find a relaxing space to be in (maybe by the ocean, or lying in a dark room with a sunset lamp projecting on a nearby wall) and listen to this with big headphones on. it is okay to let your mind wander, as the guitar does on these songs.
A Halo Called Fred - "We're All Like, YEAH!". If you're somehow not already familiar with A Halo Called Fred, a band that started back in the 90's, "We're All Like, YEAH!" is a good place as any to start. Their sound is a time honored tradition of humorous geek-rock, and I'm not anyone does it better... or would even try.
Damfino - "Idiots Delighted". I love the new subversive political songs that are coming out recently. If you listened to Damfino's latest single, "Idiots Delighted", just musically, you might think it was a new catchy They Might Be Giants influenced song... but if you were only to listen to the music without the lyrics you'd completely miss the blistering attack on the idiots in the government.
Regency Club - "The Fugitive". Regency Club's new single, "The Fugitive" posits, "Can I live Folded in a moment permanently?", to which I'd like to counter with can I live folded within this song permanently? It is two minutes and twenty-seven seconds of pure blissful indie-pop.
Night Windows - "In Circles". "Stuck in circles and feedback loops and "nothing I can do's"" is the far to relatable first line of Night Windows' new acoustic lament, "In Circles". The lyrics to the entire song hit hard, because I think we can all connect with being stuck in circles one way or another.
Jason Didner and the GSPs - "D.I.Y. (feat. Jon Caspi)". Oh wow, two local artists I love, Jason Didner and Jon Caspi, combine forces, backed by Jason's band the GSP's, on the new punk rock single, "D.I.Y." the song is about New Jersey's punk scene in the 80's & 90's, but musically owes a little to NYC legends the Ramones.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Diego Allessandro - "This American Life". "This American Life" is the title track from Diego Allessandro's 2018 album. When the album was released I called it "timeless", and "something special", which still holds true. I think today I'd like to say that this album is Diego's "Nebraska", and "This American Life" is the downbeat version of "Born In The U.S.A." that did not make it to "Nebraska".
In an alternate universe there may be an upbeat, anthemic, pop version of "This American Life" that is misunderstood by the masses, but in this universe we got the version we needed.
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
Essex County Summer Orchestra Players 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."
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd
(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny and the music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny - The Music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Dude Cervantes & The Panchos will open the night. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 7:30pm.
Shinedown to Play Shows in Newark and Philly in July
(NEWARK, NJ) -- One of the biggest bands in the world, Shinedown, will be releasing their brand new studio album EI8HT on May 29, 2026 (via Atlantic Records) and released the new song "Outlaw." In addition, they announced their massive Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour, taking the band to 11 countries across 54 dates, including local stops at Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday, July 21st and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 23rd.
Middletown Arts Center presents Reina Williams + The Remedy
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents a concert featuring Reina Williams + The Remedy on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Special guest performers Renee Maskin and Patrick Bamburak will open the show. Enjoy an evening of original music spanning reggae, hip-hop, soul, folk, Americana, and indie rock from some of New Jersey's most talented musicians. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd
(MADISON, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Harmonium Choral Society presents I Dreamed Last Night. Directed by Lennie Watts with music direction by John Fischer, I Dreamed Last Night is a one woman show with Gloria Bangiola. There are songs and stories about dreams, hopes, wishes, ambitions, fantasies, nightmares, impossibilities and that big ol' American one we are all still working to make real. Showtime is 7:00pm.
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
