By Lazlo
originally published: 03/27/2023
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 AFTYN, Jim Mill, The Wag, The Blakes, Renee Maskin & The Mysterious Wilds, Phoneboy, Erika Sherger, and crowded shoulders.
AFTYN - "Autumn". AFTYN returns with their first of several new singles this year. "Autumn" is instantly recognizable as another catchy song from the duo that started out as indie-folk, but now incorporates electric instrumentation into their sound, adding a new musical palette for them to make beautiful songs.
Jim Mill - "Unhappy Hour". Jim Mill's first new solo, original music release in almost a decade, "Unhappy Hour", deals with themes of unhappiness in life via some incredible songs that showcase the grunge-punk-rock sound he's known for, as well as experimenting with some synth sounds associated with 80's Brit-Alt-Rock (The Cure, Depeche Mode, etc.) the end result may be my favorite release to date from Jim Mill.
Not only do I urge you to listen to "Unhappy Hour", but if you want to know more about the songs you should check out Jim Mill's interview with Sean Manuel on BlowUpRadio.com. You can read it here.
The Wag - "Blue Bottles and Copper Coins". Celebrating their 25th year, The Wag's new album, "Blue Bottles and Copper Coins", showcases a band that has been heavily influenced by acts like The Beatles and The Moody Blues, but has a sound all their own. Founding members Brian Ostering and Alicia Van Sant have joined with newer members Don Lee and Joshua Van Ness, to create an album showcasing all 4 member's songwriting. The hooks and harmonies are undeniable. Sean Manuel also recently interviewed The Wag for BlowUpRadio.com. You can read it here.
The Blakes - "New Tattoo - Out Takes". 20 years ago The Blakes put out their only release, "New Tattoo", a six song power-pop epic (which you can still get on Bandcamp).
To mark the 20th anniversary they have put out 3 outtakes that for reasons seemingly lost to time, were considered not good enough for "New Tattoo". I have no idea why these tracks didn't make the cut then, but I am sure glad they released them now!
These songs hold up on their own, but also showcase the beginning of the creative teaming of Paul Rosevear and Gay Elvis, which continued with Readymade Breakup, and more recently, The Vice Rags.
Renee Maskin & The Mysterious Wilds - "Renee Maskin & The Mysterious Wilds". Renee Maskin has been making music for quite some time in the New Jersey scene, including Fun Machine and Lowlight. Having broken out last year with an outstanding debut solo release, "Swimming", she returns now with a backing band, The Mysterious Wilds, made up of veterans of the local music scene Mike Noordzy and Ben Ross. This collaboration is inspired, showcasing Renee Maskin's signature Americana style that always feels like traveling on a journey, staring out the window and enjoying the ride.
Phoneboy - "Moving Out". Phoneboy's second album, "Moving Out", is a collection of upbeat, emo-infused, indie-pop-rock, that this listener found highly enjoyable. Hopefully you will too.
Erika Sherger - "Bad Wolf". Infusing folk and Americana with some classic country sounds, Erika Sherger's "Bad Wolf" has a timelessness and a warmth like sitting in a comfortable chair on your porch on a sunny day, with a refreshing beverage.
crowded shoulders - "The Place Where Songs Are Born". The new crowded shoulders album, "The Place Where Songs Are Born", is so good! I can't say for certain what their influences are, but I would guess there is a good deal of British alt-pop in the mix. At times melancholy, at times mid-tempo-power-pop, the album flows well and is a true joy from beginning to end.
Also, any purchases through the end of April on their Bandcamp page will be donated in full to Save The Music Foundation, to provide access to music education nationwide.
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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Middletown Arts Center presents Reina Williams + The Remedy
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents a concert featuring Reina Williams + The Remedy on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Special guest performers Renee Maskin and Patrick Bamburak will open the show. Enjoy an evening of original music spanning reggae, hip-hop, soul, folk, Americana, and indie rock from some of New Jersey's most talented musicians. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Harmonium Choral Society presents "I Dreamed Last Night" on July 23rd
(MADISON, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Harmonium Choral Society presents I Dreamed Last Night. Directed by Lennie Watts with music direction by John Fischer, I Dreamed Last Night is a one woman show with Gloria Bangiola. There are songs and stories about dreams, hopes, wishes, ambitions, fantasies, nightmares, impossibilities and that big ol' American one we are all still working to make real. Showtime is 7:00pm.
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Two River Theater presents Tiny Room Concerts with Joe Iconis
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater presents Tiny Room Concerts w/ Joe Iconis, a concert series offering audiences an up-close and personal experience with one of musical theater's most celebrated songwriters. The series takes place July 23-25, 2026 in the Victoria J. Mastrobuono Library at Two River Theater.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
FEATURED EVENTS
