By Lazlo
originally published: 07/22/2024
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 Kelli Bruno, Bright Burning, Surfing For Daisy, Renee Maskin / SONOFDOV, Samuel Vincent, and The Warhawks. Plus a look back at "Sho' Nuff" by Brown.
Kelli Bruno - "Love & Games". Kelli Bruno's "Love & Games", made me get up and dance, but I think Kelli described the song best when she posted a video about it saying it is a, "queer funk pop summer bop, but more over it is just a fun song" Indeed!
Bright Burning - "Potstown (feat. Chels & Buncha Scrubs)". I don't know what it is about summer that also makes me think of some relaxing reggae, but Burning Bright just released a nice summer jam with "Potstown", which also features Chels & Buncha Scurbs.
Surfing For Daisy - "The Porch EP". I have spent the last year raving about Surfing For Daisy's mixture of folk, Americana, rock and soul. Now that they have released their debut, "The Porch EP, it is the perfect time to check them out if you have not yet. If you already have, then you already know you need this EP!
Renee Maskin / SONOFDOV - "Chansons De Lune". Renee Maskin & SONOFDOV are two extremely talented singer-songwriters in the New Jersey music scene. Each write with a certain mood and melancholy, that to me is perfect for listening outdoors in the fall, under the moonlight. Calling their split collaborative EP, "Chansons De Lune" (French for "Moon Songs") seems to play right into that mood. It is a mood I don't want to let goof because this pairing of talents is glorious!
Samuel Vincent - "Knock Ya Block Off". If you, like me, have been waiting for a hip-hop song inspired by the cult classic (or maybe it should be kult klassic) movie, "Killer Klowns From Outer Space", Samuel Vincent's "Knock Ya Block Off" has got you covered.
The Warhawks - "Wellness Check Pt. 1 & 2". Gloucester City, New Jersey's The Warhawks, return with two EP's, "Wellness Check Pt. 1" & "Wellness Check Pt. 2". Each contains 3 catchy alt-power-pop anthems.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Brown - "Sho' Nuff". Back in the early 00's when I started BlowUpRadio.com, Brown was blowing up in the Asbury Park scene. Their live shows, blending R&B, Funk, and Soul, were legendary! They would jam out, and a party would ensue. Below is just one of their fun jams, "Sho' Nuff", from their album, "...we ain't tired yet".
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 at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
Carteret PAC presents Hellfest
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents Hellfest from July 3-5, 2026 with over 18 bands performing each day! Tickets are available per day or with a three day pass.
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
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