By Lazlo
originally published: 09/08/2025
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 Side Project Skip, Sam Tunkel, Jon Caspi & The First Gun, and Joseph Alton Miller. Plus a look back at "Someday" by 383 Stroker.
Side Project Skip - "The Friday Night Detour". Side Project Skip is Chris Dickscheid,most recently from the band The Mediocre Friends. Those said friends are all over his new superb EP, "The Friday Night Detour". The first two songs draw you in with some peppy, pop-Americana. That is followed by a indie-power-pop-rock number, and closed out by what reminded me of an acoustic song that could have come from one of the big Seattle grunge bands of the 90's. It's all amazing and worthy of your time. Check it out!
Sam Tunkel - "Out There". To know from reading the liner notes to Sam Tunkel's debut album, "Out There", that these songs were all written years ago, when he was first learning how to be a songwriter and musician, is kind of astounding. The seven original songs on the album do not sound like someone learning to be a songwriter. These are beautiful, powerful songs.
Sam Tunkel himself describes, "The songs and themes on this album are rooted in child-like dreams of escape, isolation, and a yearning to break free and be one’s true self, and chase that indescribable thing that will fulfill your soul, that you just know is out there somewhere."
Jon Caspi & The First Gun - "New Record". What can I say about Jon Caspi & The First Gun's new single, "New Record"?
Well, here's what they said, "Did you hear the New Record? It's to announce our upcoming record"
So is it a song, or is it a jingle/ad for their new record? The jury may be out.
But is it an earworm? Hell yes!
And does it have harmonies that to me evoke The Byrds? Hell yes, again!
And do I like it? Hell yes! (so it is probably not a jingle, since I hate most jingles)
Joseph Alton Miller - "Teeth in the Silence: Live at The Barron Arts Center (Extended Version)". I love a good live album, one where you can close your eyes and listen and feel transported to the show.
"Teeth in the Silence: Live at The Barron Arts Center (Extended Version)" from Joseph Alton Miller is such an album. Recorded at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge, this is an intimate solo performance. Amazingly the recording captures the warmth and energy of the room, something often lost in live recordings. I suspect this warmth sounds even better on the vinyl release than the digital version I listened to.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
383 Stroker - "Someday", Many of you know Dennis King as Sonofdov, or his current project with Melissa Anthony, Tiny Cities, but back in the early 2000's, he fronted the rock band 383 Stroker, and put out catchy power-pop like, "Someday".
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 (and bridged on BlueSky)
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.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania Beatles Tribute Band on Friday
(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania - a Beatles Tribute Band on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. This band invites you to take a memorable trip back to the 1960's to experience the wonderful sound and stage persona of The Beatles.
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).
FEATURED EVENTS
