By Lazlo
originally published: 07/18/2022
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online 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 releases by Steam Enginess, Matthew Mirliani, aisha & echo, Infinity Rat, Marc Ambrosia, Matthew Pelli, Jason Didner, and Wake Up Paradise.
Steam Enginess - "With Flowers" [single]. This new single from Steam Enginess's upcoming album, "Lady Of The Lake" (out 8/12), is a beautiful upbeat tune that really is a lovely blend of instruments & vocals. I am excited to hear the rest of the album!
Matthew Mirliani - "MATTHEW". Who releases an EP full of somber, sad songs during the summer? Matthew Mirliani, that's who, and dammit, I'm glad he did, because as much as I love upbeat, fun music, especially during the summer, there is a joy in relaxing with this with some sadcore music.
aisha & echo - "lord of pleasure / fingers of harlequin". Two new songs from aisha & echo are wonderful mid-tempo indie-pop. I was trying to figure out which song I liked me when I realized I don't need to decide, I can just play them both.
Infinity Rat - "House Walls (full band demo)" [single]. Yes! A power pop punk song that is highly enjoyable. if that doesn't make you want to hear it, then clearly you are not a power pop punk fan.
Marc Ambrosia - "Million Little Reasons" [single]. Sometimes it is easier to say things in a song. “Million Little Reasons is me admitting to walls I put up in relationships,” Ambrosia says, and it is a song that I think we all can relate to in one way or another, and even if you can't this is a pretty little singer-songwriter pop song. The song is a single from his upcoming album, "Edge", coming out on October 28th.
Matthew Pelli - "She Hides Behind A Smile" [single]. If it was the mid 1980's "She Hides Behind A Smile" would be the type of song you'd hear emanating from every pop station, and played at school dances during the slow dance... it would probably even show up in a romantic scene in a teen film. I hope this song can get that attention in 2022.
Jason Didner - "It's a Jersey Thing". New recordings of 7 songs from Jason Didner's back catalog, along with an acoustic cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road" and a live version of "You Can't There From Here in New Jersey" (there is also a studio version of this classic). If you are new to Jason Didner's music, this is a great primer to his fun, and often funny music. If you are a long time fan, you'll enjoy these new recordings of songs you already love.
Wake Up Paradise - "Cigarette" [single]. Smoking cigarettes is addictive, and can cause major health issues, I do not recommend it. Wake Up Paradise's song "Cigarette" is also addictive, but as it had me singing along and enjoying it, can be very good for your health. One out of one DJs surveyed recommend Wake Up Paradise's "Cigarette" for their listeners who like good music.
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 part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.
MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on September 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades.
Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- It's been a landmark year for Ella Langley. Fresh off a sweep at the ACM Awards where she won all seven awards she was nominated for, two recent American Music Award wins, and being the soundtrack of the summer for a trio of German fans on Twitter traveling through America during the World Cup. Ella continues one of the most dominant runs in music. She brings The Dandelion Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on September 10, 2026 at 7:00pm. Special guests ERNEST and Gabriella Rose will open the night.
The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library
(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Tony Award Nominee Joshua Henry to open Kean Stage's 2026-2027 season
(HILLSIDE, NJ) -- Kean Stage is thrilled to announce that Joshua Henry, three-time Tony nominee and star of Lincoln Center Theater's Ragtime, will open their 2026-2027 season with two performances of his show Get Up, Stand Up! on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm at Enlow Recital Hall (215 North Avenue) in Hillside.
FEATURED EVENTS
