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Lighty's Corner: April 30, 2026

A DJ-run radio program/column spotlighting new rock music by mostly indie artists


By Lighty

originally published: 04/30/2026

The second episode of Lighty’s Corner is live! This is a bi-weekly recorded radio show presenting new rock music from around the globe. Each of the 15 new tracks played were received via email within the last two weeks - a practice I hope to continue each time.

This show has music by artists from America, Canada, England, Finland, and Germany.  There’s no theme to the show other than these are new tracks I think deserve to be heard.  Most of the artists are indie, but the show does have new tracks by Jesse Malin and Arkells.

The last two weeks brought me a lot of great songs by female artists. The list includes “Barely Breathin’” by Francesca Fuentes, an artist from West Long Branch, NJ; “Letter to Elon” by Mr. Dinkles - a band from the LA/Seattle area; “Clearly Cursed”, the title track of a new album by Pony; “Ghouls” by Troubles - one of two bands from Helsinki, Finland in the show; “Skin Remembers” by Brain Leak from Manchester, England; and the show closes with the New York based Lauren Minear and her song “Bruise”.

A shout out to some EPs and albums that deserve mention: I really love “Between Us” - the new album by Arkells, a band from Ontario, Canada. I got introduced to them many years ago thanks to the Iceberg station on Sirius radio that I’d listen to on my hour commute to work. “Clearly Cursed” by Pony is an outstanding new album as is “R.I.P.T.” by Mr. Dinkles, which comes out in June. “Nightmares and Broken Dreams” by Dharma Guns from Finland has a lot of excellent tracks. And “The Rest of Me” by Rich Lancia from New Jersey is a terrific EP. It reminds me a bit of the Mr. Reality/Highway 9 vibe of rock and roll with a little country blended in the mix.




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Lighty’s Corner uses “Rock is Dead” by Tenacious D as its theme song. It’s a song that makes me laugh and points out exactly what I’m up against - showing that rock and roll music isn’t dead. Throughout my entire lifetime (and probably for those a generation ahead of me as well), I’ve heard that there isn’t any good music being produced anymore.  I not only disagree, I couldn’t disagree more.

I grew up in the 1980s when only a handful of bands ever had the opportunity or finances to release an album.  That was back when getting a record deal meant everything in the world because it led to an actual recording.  Just think of all of the artists back then who never got the chance to record their music… I think most artists have at least one good (or even great) song in them.  What I’m trying to do with this show is find that song.

Thanks go out to the artists, record labels, and radio promoters who sent the tracks.  Some include This Could Be Your Music Label, Obsidian PR and Media, Earshot Media, Presshopper, take this to heart records, and Echo Myron. If you are an artist with new music, feel free to send me a WAV, MP3, or download link to [email protected] for consideration in a future show.

I’m trying to keep the show around one hour each time.  Here are a few tracks that just missed the cut that deserve a listen: “Feet Don't Fail Me Now” by The Velvet Room; “Wasted Time” by Mirror Glass; “Overflow feat. Astrology Girl” by Howells; “Hide Away” by Dead Reynolds; and “Nightmare Dreaming” by Thorne.

EPISODE 2: TRACKLIST

Rock is Dead -Tenacious D

Barely Breathin' - Francesca Fuentes




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All Over Me - Brokof

Riverside - PuZL

Hollywood Forever -Jesse Malin

Still I Carry On - Bluesnado

Letter to Elon - Mr. Dinkles

Imagine Barcelona - Arkells

Dreaming Screaming - Ryan Hamilton

Clearly Cursed - Pony

Keep Running - Slowdrive Avenue

So Long, C’Est La Vie - Rich Lancia




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Shame - Dharma Guns

Ghouls - Troubles

Sunset Strip - Kickstand Jenny

Skin Remembers - Brain Leak

Lauren Minear - Bruise (made of glass version)


EVENT PREVIEWS

(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor Bob Ferguson with the 2026 "George Mesterhazy" Jazz Master award at a gala event to be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club starting at 6:30pm.
South Jersey Jazz Association To Honor Bob Ferguson At Awards Ceremony on April 30th

South Jersey Jazz Association To Honor Bob Ferguson At Awards Ceremony on April 30th

(LINWOOD, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will honor trumpeter Bob Ferguson with the 2026 George Mesterhazy Jazz Master Award at a gala event on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Linwood Country Club. The award, named for a much-beloved local jazz pianist who made a lasting mark on the great American art form of jazz, is given to individuals who have greatly contributed to the performance of jazz both locally and nationally.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Green on April 30th

Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Green on April 30th

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Alastair Greene on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 7:30pm. A native of Santa Barbara,California and now residing in Austin, Greene has ridden his Blues-soaked rock into the 21st century, traversing a constantly changing global (and musical) landscape.
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(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Tuckerton Porchfest returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026 (rain date: May 3rd) from 11:00am to 4:00pm, transforming Main Street into a vibrant, walkable celebration of local creativity. Featuring live music, poetry, visual art, vendors, and community experiences, this grassroots festival invites attendees to explore multiple porch stages hosted by local businesses and residents.
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bergenPAC presents Six-Time Tony Award (R) Winner Audra McDonald on May 3rd

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(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald will play a one-night-only concert at bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center) on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 7:00pm.
Acclaimed Organist Chelsea Chen to Perform Solo Recital Concert at Christ Church in Short Hills on May 3rd

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(SHORT HILLS, NJ) -- Christ Church in Short Hills will present a solo concert recital by internationally acclaimed organist, Chelsea Chen, on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 4:00pm. The special concert will feature a selection of traditional organ compositions along with contemporary music.
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