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
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Flamingosis to Bring Bright Moments 10th Anniversary Tour to Newark Culture Club
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
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.
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.
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