By Lazlo
originally published: 04/10/2023
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 The Stewart Dolly, Dub Proof, JV Team, Joey Biondi, Flycatcher, and Reese Van Riper.
The Stewart Dolly - "Jon Bon Jovi Rest Area". The Stewart Dolly's last release was in 2019. I thought we might have heard the last of this alt-pop-rock band. I am thrilled to be wrong, as their new 4 song EP, "Jon Bon Jovi Rest Area", highlights more of their wonderful Weezer-esque sound.
Dub Proof - "Neptune". I love that Dub Proof describes their songs as, "If you took the conscience of Bob Marley, the funk of George Clinton, the boom-bap of classic hip-hop, and the abstract delays and reverbs of 70's dub reggae you'd have the recipe." I can't top that.
What I can say is that their blend of reggae-dub-rock is what I want to listen to while relaxing on the beach on a sunny day.
That and I can't believe that their new album, "Neptune", is only their second album, as they have been a band over a decade. But, if they need that time to craft an album as good as this, then I will not pressure them to work faster.
JV Team - "The Great Before". Local super duo JV Team partner next door neighbors Jim Caputo (Somerdale) and Van Kapeghian (Camino Sound, furiousBall, The Fondaleros, Dresden Codex) for an 8 song debut of dreamy-alt-power-pop, with a hint of blues rock. "The Great Before" is such a joy to listen to, I hope this is duo continues to create more music.
You can read a recent interview BlowUpRadio.com's Sean Manuel did with JV Team here.
Joey Biondi - "Orchids". Joey Biondi has recently released 4 singles that really enforces his music style that he describes as, "a mix of new wave, goth, alt rock, and retro 80s, drawing inspiration from artists such as The Cure, The Smiths, Kate Bush, Joy Division, Beach House, Tears for Fears, Echo and the Bunnymen, Psychedelic Furs and Radiohead." I could not have summed up Joey's sound better myself. While "Orchids" is the one I reference above, all 4 of these singles are outstanding and will soon all be heard on BlowUpRadio.com's internet station.
Flycatcher - "Stunt EP". Musically, Flycatcher's new "Stunt EP" is three energetic, and two mid-tempo, alt-pop-rock. Lyrically it is like a diary laid out for all the read. The stunt is how they perfectly paired the two like a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. These songs are perfect!
Reese Van Riper - "Saints". Reese Van Riper continues to be a master at combining soul, blues, swamp rock, and folk, into a package of wonderful songs.
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
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.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
The Menzingers to Celebrate Album Release at Stone Pony on Friday
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- The Stone Pony presents The Menzingers' Album Release Show on Friday, July 17, 2026. The band will be celebrating the release of "Everything I Ever Saw". At this point, the Philadelphia punk legends are an absolute institution.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
bergenPAC presents Swingtime Big Band on Saturday
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- New York's high-powered Swingtime Big Band returns to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Saturday, July 18, 2026 to celebrate America250 by showcasing the popular music that kept Americans dancing for decades—from the Lindy and Fox Trot to the Cha Cha to the Twist! Showtime is 8:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
Albert Music Hall's "Back to Our Roots" Benefit on Sunday to Support Preservation of Pinelands Music History
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will present Back to Our Roots, a special fundraising concert on Sunday, July 19, 2026, inviting music lovers to enjoy an afternoon of live performances while helping preserve an important piece of New Jersey's musical heritage.
FEATURED EVENTS
