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.
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
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Rising Sun Presents: A Funky Reggae Party on August 1st
(KING OF PRUSSIA, PA) -- Rising Sun Presents will celebrate summer with A Funky Reggae Party in Heuser Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The evening will feature performances from legendary acts Steel Pulse, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe playing Jimmy Cliff, and The Original Wailers ft. Al Anderson. The lineup also includes The Philly Reggae Allstars ft. members of Wareika Hill. Tabernacle & more, along with DJ sets from Solomonic Sound System (Rob Paine) and Traveler Sounds.
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center presents John Violinist on August 1st
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- John Violinist will perform at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) on Saturday, August 1, 2026 7:30pm. John is an international violinist and performer who has fused the sound of classical music with the sound of today's popular music.
The Stone Pony presents John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on August 1st
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band return to The Stone Pony on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The band has been delivering their patented good time rock 'n' roll for more then 50 years now. This is an all ages show; doors are at 6:30pm.
Art, Poetry, and Conversation Unite at Monmouth Museum at Dunellen
(DUNELLEN, NJ) -- Jo-El Lopez will present a special edition of Art in Conversation on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Monmouth Museum at Dunellen (266 North Avenue) in Dunellen. The free public event will feature an engaging artist talk by acclaimed abstract artist Bryant Small, followed by original spoken-word performances inspired by his artwork.
The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Enjoy Every Sandwich: A Tribute to Warren Zevon on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 7:30pm. This is another one of Pat Guadagno's popular tribute shows featuring an all-star cast. Limited tickets remain.
bergenPAC presents Buddy Guy on August 4th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Buddy Guy on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth GRAMMY® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour"
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Adrian Vandenberg "My Whitesnake Years Tour" with Marco Mendoza, and Vinnie Moore on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Cape May Convention Hall presents Croce Plays Croce on August 7th
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce show to the Cape May Convention Hall on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. Son of the legendary singer songwriter, Jim Croce, A.J. purposefully waited thirty years to perform his father's music, only introducing his acclaimed Croce Plays Croce Tour when he felt there was a meaningful way to honor his musical legacy with depth, intention, and musical integrity.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Buddy Guy on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 8:00pm. At nearly 90 years old, Buddy Guy remains a singular force in American music. Fresh off earning his ninth Grammy® Award in 2026 for Best Traditional Blues Album (Ain't Done with the Blues), the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and one of the last living architects of electric blues will celebrate a historic milestone with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour, featuring select headline performances across North America in 2026.
FEATURED EVENTS
