By Lazlo
originally published: 08/21/2023
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 orionfalls, NOT YER BABY, Alibi, Signal Valley, Levy Okun, Modern Crybaby, and Mike Noordzy. Plus a look back at "The Life You're Faking" by The Dipsomaniacs.
orionfalls - "No Hard Feelings". "orionfalls is a solo project from New Jersey.", states the bio alongside their new album, "No Hard Feelings". While it may be a solo project, it is not acoustic, and the layered vocals (and additional vocals from Nisa Marchunt on 3 songs), make this feel less like a solo album, and more like a fine emo rock album.
NOT YER BABY - "Gemini". I know very little about astrological signs, but I know Gemini is represented by twins. That seems fitting for NOT YER BABY's new song, "Gemini", as it has dual traits of being a punk, and yet danceable (in a non-punk way). You would think those traits would be battling one another, but they meld seamlessly on this track.
Alibi - "Twin Flame". I'm not quite ready for fall yet, but Alibi just released what I would consider a great fall EP. It's acoustic, introspective, and has just the right amount of melancholia.
Signal Valley - "Unedited Image Of A Bear". Normally I'd say a 25 song album that clocks in at over 80 minutes is just too long. But in the case of Signal Valley's "Unedited Image Of A Bear", the diversity of the styles of rock, and the placement of them, make for a very enjoyable listening experience.
Levy Okun - "Says Hello". Levy Okun's "Says Hello" is pop-rock bliss! Each of the 8 songs on this album are peppy earworms, and the lyrics sound personal yet relatable to all. Go check this album out now!
Modern Crybaby - "Few & Far Between". If you are not listening to the Songs on Site podcast, you are missing out. It is a great interview & performance podcast spotlighting local artists.
The newest installment introduced me to Modern Crybaby (Dylan Schroth). His bio page says, "With a heavy heart and a hopeful smile, Schroth sings about his experience with depression, anxiety, growth, and recovery with the hopes of inspiring others on a similar path." His music is inspiring, as well as beautiful and full of emotion.
Mike Noordzy - "Sleaze Greaze". Sometimes I want to listen to some experimental jazz, and Mike Noordzy is consistently putting out top notch collections of jazz that is avant-garde, but still melodious. Check out his latest EP, "Sleaze Greaze".
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Dipsomaniacs - "The Life You're Faking". Before Mick Chorba fronted The Successful Failures, he fronted the power-pop band, Dipsomaniacs. All of their albums are incredible (as are The Successful Failures'), but 2001's "The Life You're Faking" is a quintessential summer album for me. It is full of earworms with infectious riffs, gorgeous harmonies, and an overall feeling of summer 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://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
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
(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
(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'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'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.
FEATURED EVENTS
