By Lazlo
originally published: 09/30/2024
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 Marc Ambrosia, Signal Valley, The Deflators, High., June Bean, Joey Biondi, and Renee Maskin. Plus a look back at "Just Like You" by The Spectacle Experiment.
Marc Ambrosia - "Gay & Proud". In the era of streaming, many people don't listen to albums as albums anymore. I urge you to listen to Marc Ambrosia's new album, "Gay & Proud", as a complete album. The songs detail his story of coming out as gay last year. It is an upbeat, spirit raising, pop/pop-rock album.
Signal Valley - "Value and Meaning". At 26 songs, you could think Signal Valley's latest release, "Value and Meaning", would be a double album length, but with most songs clocking under 2 minutes, the whole album is still under 60 minutes. The songs are a wonderful mixture of psychedelic rock, prog rock, indie-folk... a real blend of songs that somehow do sound cohesive together. It is quite stunning!
The Deflators - "Inside Out". The Deflators' new EP, "Inside Out" is full of upbeat power-pop-punk with hooks that will stick around long after you finish listening, almost hiding the less upbeat, but quite compelling lyrics.
High. - "In A Hole". The first single from High.'s forthcoming album, "Come Back Down" (out in January 2025), "In A Hole" is some gripping shoegaze rock.
June Bean - "An Introduction to June Bean". June Bean is the latest project from John Bradley (Dads, Cardinal Cardinal, Plesiosaurs). The aptly titled debut album, "An Introduction to June Bean", is a fascinating blend of alt-folk-indie-art-psychedelic-rock. You need to hear this album!
Joey Biondi - "Just Like The Movies". Hot damn, "Just Like The Movies", the latest single from Joey Biondi, is a perfect piece of synth-pop-rock. And if there is any justice in this world, this song will be used in a movie at some point.
Renee Maskin - "Sage". If you listen to BlowUpRadio.com, or regularly read this column, you already know I love Renee Maskin's music, so anytime she releases something new I am there for it. In this case, the new song is "Sage", and the video that accompanies it (embedded below) is just a perfect pairing with the song.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Spectacle Experiment - "Just Like You". Back in 2003, Hadrian Mordecai was the force behind the band The Spectacle Experiment. Their album, "Just In Time For Nothing" blew my mind back then, and is still a force to be reckoned with now. Their combination of gothic rock, punk, industrial, and modern rock, is personified (to me at least) on their single, "Just Like You". Live this song was blistering, but even the studio version has an energy to it that moves me, and hopefully you.
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."
MPAC presents Hindley Street Country Club on Wednesday
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- YouTube sensations Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) are making their Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) debut on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 7:30pm. Founded in 2017 by arranger / producer Constantine Delo, the band started as a group of Australian musicians, recording re-arranged covers of 70s and 80s hits and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on July 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. This special concert features Herb Alpert, along with his six great musicians, Bill Cantos (piano & marimba), Kerry Marx (guitar), Ryan Dragon (trombone), Kris Bergh (trumpet), Ray Brinker (Drums), and Hussain Jiffry (bass), playing all the favorite TJB hit songs.
NJPAC presents Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock on July 31st
(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the return of the legendary Herbie Hancock for a one-night-only performance on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. This concert promises to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incomparable artistry of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bees Deluxe and Eclipse on July 31st
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Boston-based British/American modern blues powerhouse Bees Deluxe are buzzing back into Tuckerton with their electrifying live show, landing at The Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 8:00pm. Fresh off advancing to the semi-finals this year at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
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.
Todd Sheaffer & Yarn to headline 2026 Soulstice Music & Arts Festival
(CLINTON, NJ) -- Todd Sheaffer & Friends, Yarn and the Bobby Syvarth band featuring Tim Carbone will headline the Second Annual Soulstice Music & Arts Festival in Clinton. The 3-day event, with over 25 bands, takes place at the Red Mill Museum in historic Clinton from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026. The festival is presented by the Pattenburg House and The Peace Love Music Movement.
FEATURED EVENTS
