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
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jason Ricci on Friday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Multiple award winning jazz, funk and blues harmonica player, singer, songwriter Jason Ricci comes to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, June 12, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- The outlaw spirit of classic Country music will ride into Albert Music Hall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the historic Waretown venue presents a special evening dedicated to the songs, stories, and the independent spirit of Outlaw Country.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
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.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
