By Lazlo
originally published: 12/19/2022
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 releases by Fueled by Women: A Benefit Compilation, Nikki & The Skyrockets, Weftin, and Audi Meae.
Various Artists - Fueled by Women: A Benefit Compilation - New Jersey artist Teen Idle compiled together this 13 song compilation featuring some very interesting covers benefiting the Nomi Network (combating human trafficking) and Center for Reproductive Rights (global legal advocacy organization that seeks to advance reproductive rights).
Among the stand out covers on this album are Little Hag covering Skye Sweetnam, Wetsuit covering The Donnas, bb covering Wolf Alice, Navel Grazr covering Amy Winehouse, and Teen Idle covering the Ronettes.
A real solid collection of covers for a great pair of causes!
Nikki & The Skyrockets - "Late Last Night" - Nikki & The Skyrockets debut album, "Late Last Night", is a lovely blend of folk rock, Americana and Honky-Tonk, and full of catchy tunes about relationships and references to being on the road.
Weftin - "I Survived: The 27 Club B-Sides & Afterthoughts" - Wow, this album is a journey. It kicks off with (to my ears) an abrasive screamo song that almost turned me off to the album. But I am glad my mantra is to never judge an entire album by 1 song, because the rest of this album is pure gold. Some pop punk, some emo alt-rock, a couple of covers (Jesus Buys Heroin and Barenaked Ladies), and an unplugged song to close things out. They may be "B-Sides & Afterthoughts" but they sure as heck aren't throwaways (except maybe that screamo song).
Audi Meae - "Always Yours" [single] - "My goal with this track was to create a sonic landscape that brings the listener into the shoes of victims of gun violence." - Audi Meae
"Always Yours" is, as the above would imply, a very emotional song. It is also quite compelling, and possibly the best single yet from the prolific Audi Meae.
Also of note bout this single is all proceeds from it go to Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
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. We're also on Mastodon at https://mstdn.social/@BlowUpRadio
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
