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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 5/4/26


By Lazlo

originally published: 05/04/2026

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 Teen Idle, Rich Lancia, Somebody Club, Suede Aces, and Exit Eleven. Plus a look back at "Songs for the Moon" by The Porchistas.

Before we get into the New & Notable...

*** TICKET GIVEAWAY ***

Win 2 tickets to see Jason Didner and the GSP's album release show for their new album, "Asbury Heart", at Porta (Asbury Park) on Friday, May 15th.

How to enter and all the rules at: https://jasondidner.com/bur






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Teen Idle - "A Heart So Tender". I have always enjoyed Teen Idle's music. I have listened as her songwriting and sound has developed over the years, and her latest, "A Heart So Tender", is such a perfect album that I only need one word to describe it, masterpiece!

Rich Lancia - "The Rest Of Me". Sometimes I've had a rough day and I'm looking for something comfortable to relax with and feel good. Rich Lancia's new EP, "The Rest Of Me", fits that bill. The six mid-tempo Americana/singer-songwriter/adult-contemporary songs on the EP are fresh, but also feel like an old friend. I should also note that James Maddock produced the EP and plays on it.

Somebody Club - "Blue Sun" & "Foolish Things". Somebody Club returns with not one, but two new EPs! I can only guess why the songs on "Blue Sun" & "Foolish Things" where split into two EPs vs one album... "Blue Sun" leans more acoustic piano based songs, while "Foolish Things" leans more electric guitar based songs... but both EPs are highly recommended for fans of alternative rock.

Suede Aces - "Suede Aces". Suede Aces bio describes them as, "Drawing from the classic power of Led Zeppelin and the vocal soul of Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin the band crafts music that’s both timeless and forward-thinking." I don't think I could describe them any better myself. I definitely heard classic hard rock/blues in their songs, but it sounded less retro than many bands inspired by those classic sounds. Their self-titled debut album is quite the introduction.

Exit Eleven - "Fairweather Friends". Exit Eleven's "Fairweather Friends" is the Earworm of the week! This song is insanely catchy alternative-pop-rock. Don't be a fairweather friend, check out their single release show May 8th at Stone Pony.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

The Porchistas present Deivito - "Songs for the Moon". Deivito, New Jersey's master of Spanglish Sea Shanties was once a founding member of, the still active today band, The Porchistas. Back in 2007 they released the album "Songs for the Moon", recently re-released on Bandcamp. This collection is as fantastic today as it was 19 years ago.




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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

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Grammy Award-winning Punch Brothers will begin a twenty-eight city U.S. tour on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC). Tickets range from $53-$85. Showtime is 7:30pm.
McCarter Theatre presents Madeleine Peyroux

McCarter Theatre presents Madeleine Peyroux's "WE ARE AMERICA: American Songs That Give Us Hope" on May 14th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Madeleine Peyroux brings her WE ARE AMERICA: American Songs That Give Us Hope tour to McCarter Theatre Center on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Westminster Choir College to celebrate 100th anniversary

Westminster Choir College to celebrate 100th anniversary

(LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ) -- Westminster Choir College of Rider University is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of excellence in music education and performance. Centennial events in Lawrenceville and Princeton honor legacy while supporting future generations of musicians.
Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night? Eddie Skuller to bring the Ballads of Tom Waits to Hoboken

Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night? Eddie Skuller to bring the Ballads of Tom Waits to Hoboken

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Jersey City based singer Eddie Skuller will perform a personal tribute to the songwriting of Tom Waits on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the 503 Social Club. Eddie returns for a night of classic Waits songs, interpreted by this skilled, masterful singer. A moving experience guaranteed!
The Newton Theatre presents The Wailers on May 16th

The Newton Theatre presents The Wailers on May 16th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Wailers are celebrating 50 years of "Rastaman Vibration" with a tour honoring one of Bob Marley & The Wailers' most influential albums. The tour comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Raul Midón Takes the Stage at the Grunin Center

Raul Midón Takes the Stage at the Grunin Center's Prima Theatre on May 16th

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts welcomes Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Raul Midón to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation Studio Theatre on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $35.
The Masterwork Chorus presents "An American Tapestry"

The Masterwork Chorus presents "An American Tapestry"

(MADISON, NJ) -- On Saturday, May 16, 2026, The Masterwork Chorus presents An American Tapestry at The Concert Hall at Drew University. This is a musical journey through 250 years of Americana celebrating the the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Morris Choral Society to Conclude Season with Brahms Requiem on May 16th

The Morris Choral Society to Conclude Season with Brahms Requiem on May 16th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The Morris Choral Society will perform their Spring Concert on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at St. Mary's Abby Church on the campus of Delbarton School. The soloists for this concert will be Soprano Cassandra Douglas and Baritone Charles Gray. The chorus will be accompanied by a full orchestra. Showtime is 7:30pm.
WP Presents Brings Unforgettable Fire to Shea Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday

WP Presents Brings Unforgettable Fire to Shea Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday

(WAYNE, NJ) -- WP Presents the U2 tribute band Unforgettable Fire on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Shea Center for Performing Arts. Unforgettable Fire, or ‘UF’, was born on New Year's Day in 1995 as one of the very first U2 Tribute Bands to ever perform in America.
Albert Music Hall presents Rock Around the Pines: A Celebration of Early Rock

Albert Music Hall presents Rock Around the Pines: A Celebration of Early Rock 'n' Roll on Saturday

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall presents "Rock Around the Pines" on Saturday, May 16, 2026, an evening dedicated to the sounds of 1950s and early 1960s rock 'n' roll. The themed program brings classic jukebox favorites, rockabilly rhythms, and vintage dance hall energy to the Pinelands stage, with five local acts performing throughout the evening.

 

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