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
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
