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
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
