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
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.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
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.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Bluegrass is more than a style of music. It's a tradition built on storytelling, shared songs, and musicians gathering to play together. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Albert Music Hall will celebrate that heritage during its annual Bluegrass Fest, an evening that combines educational sessions, opportunities to experience the Hall's renowned Pickin' Shed, and three hours of live performances.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
