By Lazlo
originally published: 09/02/2024
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 Jacob Chacko, Kathleen Elle, Chitinous Mandible, operants, Silver06, Vincent Brue, Cathedral Ceilings, Marty I'm Afraid, and Walkinghorse. Plus a look back at "Don't Come to Maryland" by Logs In The Mainstream.
Jacob Chacko - "Much Sublime". If you are a regular listener of BlowUpRadio.com (and I hope you are), you've been hearing us playing singles from Jacob Chacko for over a year now. With the final single, "Stay On", the entire "Much Sublime" album is now complete and available on his website (https://jacobchacko2022.com). His songs are catchy singer-songwriter pop-rock, that to my ears falls into the more upbeat side of Yacht Rock.
Kathleen Elle - "Callin You Mine". Are you looking for a post-breakup song, that is also a fun, upbeat pop tune? Then look no further than Kathleen Elle's new single, "Callin You Mine". It has the potential to be an anthem for those getting over being dumped and moving on.
Chitinous Mandible - "Pattern Sensor". Chitinous Mandible has been putting out a series of singles this year that have been fascinating. The latest, "Pattern Sensor", may be my favorite so far. It is a chill, lo-fi pop gem!
operants - "Mass Monomania". There is always a reason to be joyous when there is new music from operants, for they are masters of post-punk rock. Their latest EP, "Mass Monomania", is a great collection of songs.
Silver06 - "Labyrinth II". I know fall doesn't officially start until September 22nd, but Silver06's new album, "Labyrinth II", is a decidedly fall album. A melancholy, synthwave album, this is not the album to blast on a sunny day, but a perfect album to listen to on a gray day as the leaves start to wither and die on the ground.
Kickapoo, Volume 1 by Vincent Brue">Vincent Brue - "Kickapoo, Volume 1". "On August 15th, 2024, Vincent Brue, ventured out into the desert for a lil vision quest with his boy Rocky.", says the description of his new album, "Kickapoo, Volume 1", released 8 days later on his Bandcamp page. I would call the desert excursion a success, as the 8 songs on Volume 1 traverse indie-alt-folk-pop-rock. I'm impatiently awaiting Volume 2 (and 3, if we should be so lucky).
Cathedral Ceilings - "La La La... Whatever". Cathedral Ceilings, "La La La... Whatever", is a high energy fusion of garage, punk, and power pop. What more do you need to know? Go! Enjoy!
Marty I'm Afraid - "(my best friend's) the axolotl". Earworm alert! Marty I'm Afraid's, "(my best friend's) the axolotl", will get stuck in your head, but it is such a fun power pop tune about their cat's favorite toy, that I'm glad it does. The song makes me happy.
Walkinghorse - "Walkinghorse". The self-titled debut album from Walkinghorse is a powerful album. Musically it lies somewhere between folk rock and indie rock, lyrically it feels very personal... almost as if singing about things helps to work it out... there is something very compelling and moving in that intimacy.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Logs In The Mainstream - "Don't Come to Maryland". How do I describe Logs In The Mainstream... They were a rock band, and they had great pop melodies, but they were also eclectic, fusing different styles and sounds. Some of their songs were funny, and some were serious, but I loved them all! "Don't Come to Maryland", from their "The Ridiculous and the Sublime", may not be their best song, but it is a fun song and an earworm.
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
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."
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World on July 24-25, 2026 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. This is a first-class musical journey to benefit the theatre company's 2026-27 season. A cocktail hour takes place at 6:30pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
"The Boardwalk Sessions" Aims to Change How Independent Artists are Supported at the Jersey Shore
(TINTON FALLS, NJ) -- Loudly Inclusive Media Collective will present The Boardwalk Sessions, a free, two-night live music showcase on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5:00pm–10:00pm at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls. More than just a concert series, The Boardwalk Sessions was created to celebrate original music while demonstrating a different model for supporting independent artists: one built on fair compensation, authentic community, and meaningful opportunities to connect with audiences.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
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