By Lazlo
originally published: 08/28/2023
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 BreakTime, The Martyr, The Funky JC's, Joe P, A Ghostly Heart, and Latewaves. Plus a look back at "Nurture" by Cuppa Joe.
BreakTime - "Specials". BreakTime's second album, "Specials", is another special collection of fun retro 60's tunes (think early Beatles meets Beach Boys).
Fun fact: Listening to "Specials" produces the same amount of serotonin as a day's worth of sunlight*
(* this statement has not been scientifically proven)
The Martyr - "Jackrabbit". The band formerly known as The Last Martyr, return with a new name & single, but still kick-ass as a punk infused metal band. Here is hoping that The Martyr's single, "Jackrabbit", is far from the last we will hear from this high energy band.
The Funky JC's - "Greetings From The Funky JC's". "Greetings From The Funky JC's" showcases 7 funky, jazz-rock tunes, plus a unique take on Madonna's "Crazy For You". Don't sleep on The Funky JC's. Honestly it is impossible for me to sleep during their music as they make me get up on my feet and dance... badly... I am not a good dancer. But that is not the point. Go check their music out!
Joe P - "Don't Wanna Love U". "Don't Wanna Love U" may be the name of Joe P's new single, but if you love anthemic alt-pop there is a good chance you will love this song.
A Ghostly Heart - "A Ghostly Heart". The self-titled debut album from the former front man for Meet Me In Montauk, Andrew Golburn, new project, A Ghostly Heart, is 13 excellent mid-tempo modern rock songs. While it was well worth the wait, I hope we don't have to wait more than 15 years for the new release from a Golburn project.
Latewaves - "Italian Smokes". "Italian Smokes" is the first single from Latewaves forthcoming self-titled LP. I haven't heard the rest of the album yet, but this song is an indie-rock anthem that makes me want to hear more. And the video is a nice snapshot of their touring life.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Cuppa Joe - "Nurture". This album pre-dates BlowUpRadio.com, which was established in 2000. Cuppa Joe'e "Nurture" came out in 1994, during my college radio days. Here we are nearly 30 years later and the album is still an outstanding collection of indie-pop tunes. In particular, "Broken Arms", is an earworm that I find rattling around in my head frequently.
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
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
FEATURED EVENTS
