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!
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)
EVENT PREVIEWS
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.
MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on September 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades.
Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- It's been a landmark year for Ella Langley. Fresh off a sweep at the ACM Awards where she won all seven awards she was nominated for, two recent American Music Award wins, and being the soundtrack of the summer for a trio of German fans on Twitter traveling through America during the World Cup. Ella continues one of the most dominant runs in music. She brings The Dandelion Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on September 10, 2026 at 7:00pm. Special guests ERNEST and Gabriella Rose will open the night.
The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library
(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Tony Award Nominee Joshua Henry to open Kean Stage's 2026-2027 season
(HILLSIDE, NJ) -- Kean Stage is thrilled to announce that Joshua Henry, three-time Tony nominee and star of Lincoln Center Theater's Ragtime, will open their 2026-2027 season with two performances of his show Get Up, Stand Up! on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm at Enlow Recital Hall (215 North Avenue) in Hillside.
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