By Lazlo
originally published: 06/26/2023
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 releases by Hubbell Benson, BreakTime, Marc Ambrosia, The Vaughns, Andrew John, LIVIA and a look back at SSRi's "Go! Fight! Win!"
Hubbell Benson - "Gimme All You Got". Four months ago in this very column I was calling Hubbell Benson's single, "'Cept For Him", "quite the catchy earworm". Their new single, ""Gimme All You Got", is another earworm, this time with an upbeat funky soul rock vibe.
BreakTime - "Motor City Mama/Be Mine". Two new songs from BreakTime just in time for the summer."Motor City Mama" is a fun ditty with a 60's West Coast surf rock sound. "Be Mine" sounds like a lost Lennon/McCartney song from The Beatles early days.
Marc Ambrosia - "Gay and Proud". Marc Ambrosia has just released what is likely his most personal song, "Gay and Proud", which the press release says is, "a celebratory song for him officially coming out of the closet." It truly is a beautiful, uplifting song, with an anthemic chorus!
The Vaughns - "Gizzards". "Go on try to box me in but I’ve got the scissors", sings Anna Lies on the new The Vaughns single, "Gizzards". While that lyric is not about trying to box in the band's sound, it is fitting of a band whose music is all over the indie-rock spectrum.
Andrew John - "Songs from an English Garden". Just a couple of minutes into the opening "Overture" of Andrew John's new album, "Songs from an English Garden", I knew I was going to like this album. Even though an instrumental, the opening song showcases some lovely baroque rock music, which when complemented by Andrew John's vocals on later tracks, and some forays into psychedelic rock, makes for a beautiful & wonderful EP.
LIVIA - "Playground". "Playground" is another beautiful, melancholy, orchestral piano based indie song from LIVIA.
And now for a new section of our column...
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Spotlighting music that came out some time ago, but is well worth revisiting (or visiting for the first time for many of you)
SSRi - "Go! Fight! Win!" (2003). In the early 2000's SSRi was a band that did original power-pop and pop-punk songs. Their only release, "Go! Fight! Win!", came out 20 years ago, but is still a go to summer album that brings me joy. Look, I'm not going to say that all of their songs were deep and meaningful, that was not what this band was about. This band was about having fun.
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 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://mstdn.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
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.
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