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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music: 7/18/22

By Lazlo

originally published: 07/18/2022

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online 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 Steam Enginess, Matthew Mirliani, aisha & echo, Infinity Rat, Marc Ambrosia, Matthew Pelli, Jason Didner, and Wake Up Paradise.

Steam Enginess - "With Flowers" [single]. This new single from Steam Enginess's upcoming album, "Lady Of The Lake" (out 8/12), is a beautiful upbeat tune that really is a lovely blend of instruments & vocals. I am excited to hear the rest of the album!

Matthew Mirliani - "MATTHEW". Who releases an EP full of somber, sad songs during the summer? Matthew Mirliani, that's who, and dammit, I'm glad he did, because as much as I love upbeat, fun music, especially during the summer, there is a joy in relaxing with this with some sadcore music.

aisha & echo - "lord of pleasure / fingers of harlequin". Two new songs from aisha & echo are wonderful mid-tempo indie-pop. I was trying to figure out which song I liked me when I realized I don't need to decide, I can just play them both.

Infinity Rat - "House Walls (full band demo)" [single]. Yes! A power pop punk song that is highly enjoyable. if that doesn't make you want to hear it, then clearly you are not a power pop punk fan.




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Marc Ambrosia - "Million Little Reasons" [single]. Sometimes it is easier to say things in a song. “Million Little Reasons is me admitting to walls I put up in relationships,” Ambrosia says, and it is a song that I think we all can relate to in one way or another, and even if you can't this is a pretty little singer-songwriter pop song. The song is a single from his upcoming album, "Edge", coming out on October 28th.

Matthew Pelli - "She Hides Behind A Smile" [single]. If it was the mid 1980's "She Hides Behind A Smile" would be the type of song you'd hear emanating from every pop station, and played at school dances during the slow dance... it would probably even show up in a romantic scene in a teen film. I hope this song can get that attention in 2022.

Jason Didner - "It's a Jersey Thing". New recordings of 7 songs from Jason Didner's back catalog, along with an acoustic cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road" and a live version of "You Can't There From Here in New Jersey" (there is also a studio version of this classic). If you are new to Jason Didner's music, this is a great primer to his fun, and often funny music. If you are a long time fan, you'll enjoy these new recordings of songs you already love.

Wake Up Paradise - "Cigarette" [single]. Smoking cigarettes is addictive, and can cause major health issues, I do not recommend it. Wake Up Paradise's song "Cigarette" is also addictive, but as it had me singing along and enjoying it, can be very good for your health. One out of one DJs surveyed recommend Wake Up Paradise's "Cigarette" for their listeners who like good music.

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




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(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

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

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

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

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

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.

Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Country Icon Trace Adkins in September

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Multi-PLATINUM entertainer Trace Adkins will bring his 30th Anniversary Tour to the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Friday, September 18, 2026, for one night only. The show is part of Adkins' nationwide headline tour celebrating 30 years of chart-topping hits and powerhouse live performances. Showtime is 8:00pm.

The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on September 22nd

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Wednesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This year marked 33 years since the band arrived on the music scene.
NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

NJPAC presents Salsa icon Tito Nieves on September 26th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The internationally celebrated Salsa icon, Tito Nieves - affectionately known as "El Pavarotti de la Salsa" - is set to electrify the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00pm with his tour, "50 Años La Historia... Continúa." The performance will take place at NJPAC's prestigious Prudential Hall, Betty Wold Johnson Stage.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Sun Ra Arkestra

Thursday, September 03, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


Mei Semones

Friday, September 04, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


Mike Zito

Saturday, September 05, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Melissa Etheridge: RISE

Wednesday, September 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Dion

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ