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
Low Cut Connie to Celebrate Album Release at The Vogel on July 3rd
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Low Cut Connie was going to play the ParkStage show on July 3, 2026, but it was rescheduled due to the heat. Instead, he will celebrate the release of his latest album Livin' In The USA at The Vogel. Doors are at 6:30pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
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!
Carteret PAC presents Hellfest
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Hellfest from July 3-5, 2026 with over 18 bands performing each day! Tickets are available per day or with a three day pass.
Free Concerts to be Held Throughout 4th of July Weekend in Jersey City
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Four free live music events will be held in Jersey City parks throughout the 4th of July weekend, featuring a diverse lineup of American music. The series is curated and produced by Riverview Jazz and is presented by the City of Jersey City and Exchange Place Alliance.
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.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
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.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
