By Lazlo
originally published: 04/08/2024
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 Timothy Larigan, The Cynz, Aaron Pinto, furiousBall, and Commons 2. Plus a look back at "Dead Roses" by Quick Trigger.
BlowUpRadio.com Needs your help. Due to a problem with Bandcamp's "New Arrivals" search, it has become more difficult for us to keep up on new local New Jersey Music. If you are releasing music please remember to forward your music to us to play on BlowUpRadio.com. If you know someone releasing new music, make sure they know to send their music our way so we can play them too. Contact us at [email protected]
Timothy Larigan - "Summer Camp". On the Bandcamp page for Timothy Larigan's "Summer Camp", and B-Side "Meteors", he writes of the two songs that he was, "suddenly inspired". I hope he gets more inspiration, because these two indie folk songs are lovely.
The Cynz - "Little Miss Lost". The Cynz come out of the gate strong with their debut album, "Little Miss Lost". Cyndi Dawson and Henry Seiz have created memorable power-pop tunes while writing semi-autobiographically about Cyndi's pre-adult life.
Aaron Pinto - "Aaron Pinto". There are few artists that would put out a double album as their debut, and even fewer artists who put out a double album that doesn't feel overlong. Aaron Pinto's self-titled double album is 30 songs, one hour and twenty two minutes, of pop rock earworms. An absolute joy to listen to from beginning to end!
furiousBall - "Fixt". The press release kind of says it all beautifully: "Fixt is perhaps the best entry point for all FuriousBall newcomers, since it’s a collection of some of his catchiest, most addictive songs to date, and they’ve all been given superb updated mixes."
Or to put it another way, let "Fixt" be your gateway drug to furiousBall's infectious, lush, music.
Commons 2 - "Real Life". Commons 2 returns with a catchy piece of art-pop in "Real Life". I could say more, but just listen to it.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Quick Trigger - "Dead Roses (demo)". This one goes way back to the early 90's. Quick Trigger was a rock band that always put on a great live show and put out a series of demo tapes, some of which I am lucky enough to still have. Sadly, Quick Trigger's lead singer, Billy, tragically died in 1999, well before everyone's music was put on the internet. So most of Quick Trigger's music is unavailable, though I do occasionally still play their songs on BlowUpRadio.com. I did find this demo (I think all of their releases were demos) of "Dead Roses", which should give you some insight into this band's sound. Miss these guys!
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."
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.
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.
interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World on July 24-25, 2026 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. This is a first-class musical journey to benefit the theatre company's 2026-27 season. A cocktail hour takes place at 6:30pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
"The Boardwalk Sessions" Aims to Change How Independent Artists are Supported at the Jersey Shore
(TINTON FALLS, NJ) -- Loudly Inclusive Media Collective will present The Boardwalk Sessions, a free, two-night live music showcase on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5:00pm–10:00pm at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls. More than just a concert series, The Boardwalk Sessions was created to celebrate original music while demonstrating a different model for supporting independent artists: one built on fair compensation, authentic community, and meaningful opportunities to connect with audiences.
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.
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