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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 5/19/25


By Lazlo

originally published: 05/19/2025

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 Night Windows, furiousBall, Ferocious Designs, John Pronto, and Manny Ray. Plus a look back at "Fight of Your Life" by Blisstique.

Before we get into the new & notable albums, a quick note that two new volumes of Rock Against Hate are coming out for Pride month on June 6th. Volume 7 benefits Trevor Project, and Volume 8 benefits No More Dysphoria. Each contains over 20 previously unreleased songs. More info can be found elsewhere on this site, as well as https://rockagainsthate.org

Night Windows - "Nonsense". There is usually several years between releases from Night Windows, so after last year's excellent, "In Memories" album, I did not expect a new release so soon. "Nonsense" is a 3 song EP, chock full of the mid-tempo indie-folk-rock songs hey are so good at making. And bonus, they are apparently already working on more music to be released this year.

furiousBall - "I'll Be Your Arsonist". I don't think I could describe furiousBall any better than their bio does, "atmospheric alternative/indie pop-rock from South Jersey." If that sounds good to you, then you need to hear "I'll Be Your Arsonist".

Ferocious Designs - "Off You Pop!". Brian Kelley started working on his latest outing under Ferocious Designs, "Off You Pop!", after power-pop legend Dwight Twilley passed away in October 2023. "I wanted to see if I could create my own version of it [power-pop] despite having close to zero skill as a guitar player.", he says in the liner notes. "My own version of it", seems apt, as to me this is Ferocious Design's synth-pop as fed thru a power-pop filter. The result is highly entertaining!




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John Pronto - "5 Pack: Live From Cart Studios". "5 Pack: Live From Cart Studios", is a pretty self-explanatory EP, in that it is 5 songs recorded live with just John Pronto's voice and guitar. His style is blues infused folk/Americana. Despite the closing track being, "What A Waste", this EP is not. Check it out.

Manny Ray - "Crashed Out". If you like soul rock then you need to listen to Manny Ray's new EP, "Crashed Out".

Not New, But Memorable Corner

Blisstique - "Fight of Your Life". Back in 2017... which both seems recent and eons ago to me... Blisstique put out the "Ghost Head Nebula" EP. "Fight of Your Life" instantly became my favorite song on the collection, with it's infectious music, and lyrics that felt to me like a rallying call. I frequently listen to this song when I am looking to get motivated, and given the current state of America, it feels even more relevant than it did 8 years ago (though I have no idea if this song was meant to be political).

Blisstique also recently put out an incredible acoustic EP that was recently mentioned in this column, and will have a new song that is unlike anything previously released by them on the upcoming Rock Against Hate Volume 7.

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)




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EVENT PREVIEWS

The

The Newton Theatre presents Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman Project

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Project will perform at The Newton Theatre on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $52.50 - $80.



SOPAC

SOPAC Celebrates: Share the Love - A Fundraiser Celebrating Art, Community & Love

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) presents SOPAC Celebrates: Share the Love, a fundraising event that features Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend Darlene Love and celebrates the power of the arts as a medium to inspire, unite, and uplift local and global communities. On June 12, 2025, SOPAC Celebrates: Share the Love honors SOPAC's role as the cultural anchor of South Orange, Maplewood, and beyond, and reaffirms its commitment to presenting world-class performances, providing transformative arts education programming, and facilitating meaningful community connections.



A

A Conversation with Darlene Love Who Stars in SOPAC's "Share the Love" Celebration on June 12

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love will perform on June 12, 2025 at the SOPAC Celebrates: Share the Love event at South Orange Performing Arts Center in South Orange, NJ. The legendary vocalist who started her career as a back-up singer on such monster hits as "You've Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'" is one of the most exciting entertainers around, captivating audiences around the world with her warm, gracious stage presence and thrilling live performances.



Little

Little Steven's Underground Garage presents concert at Bowery Electric with Steve Conte, Joy Buzzer, The Jellybricks and The Midnight Callers

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Little Steven's Underground Garage is cranking up the volume this summer with a killer lineup of garage rock greatness, hitting Bowery Electric on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Get ready for an unforgettable night featuring Steve Conte, Joy Buzzer, The Jellybricks and The Midnight Callers— four dynamic acts keeping the spirit of real rock 'n' roll alive and loud.



From

From Privilege to Purpose: An Evening with HRH Crown Prince Manvendra

(WHIPPANY, NJ) -- Harmonium Choral Society is hosting an evening of music and conversation with HRH Crown Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil and his husband, HH Prince deAndre, Duke of Hanumanteshwar, on their 2025 USA PRIDE MONTH TOUR: Human Rights Advocacy, on Friday, June 13, 2025 at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center (60 N Jefferson Rd) in Whippany. Showtime is 7:00pm.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

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John

John McEuen

Thursday, June 12, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
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David Foster & Chris Botti featuring Katharine McPhee

Thursday, June 12, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 

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Mike Kovacs Audio-Visual Concert

Friday, June 13, 2025 @ 7:00pm
NJ Film Festival
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music


 

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NJ 101.5 presents The Rascals

Friday, June 13, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
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RAEL-

RAEL- A Genesis and Peter Gabriel Experience

Friday, June 13, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music