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

The Newton Theatre presents L.A. Guns on June 6th
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Jazz Royalty Comes to the Hamilton Stage on June 6th
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Saturday, June 6, 2026 marks the date when Jazz Royalty comes to Hamilton Stage with Dizzy Gillespie alumni and Grammy winning bassist John Lee in collaboration with 16-time Grammy winner Paquito D' Rivera.

The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" at Anderson Park
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Chamber Music Society of North Jersey presents "Music Under the June Moon" on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Anderson Park. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy an al fresco performance under the stars. Admission is free. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "The Boss Bash" featuring The B-Street Band
(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre will host its annual fundraising event, "The Boss Bash," on Saturday, June 6, 2026, featuring two electrifying performances by The B-Street Band — the longest-running and most requested tribute to Bruce Springsteen in the country.

Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.

Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.
Prudential Center presents Mexican superstar Carín León on June 7th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mexican superstar Carín León entered a bold new chapter of his acclaimed career with the release of Muda - his new studio album and one of the most eclectic of his catalog. See for yourself when he performs at the Prudential Center on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra presents "Music in Bloom" on June 7th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) will present its Spring Concert, Music in Bloom, on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus. The performance will feature GPYO's top ensembles in a dynamic program of orchestral works by Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and John Philip Sousa. Showtime is 3:00pm.
The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on June 7th
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 7:00pm. NOTE: This show was originally scheduled for May 14. All tickets will be honored on the new date.
Orion Weiss Returns to South Jersey on June 7th
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes pianist Orion Weiss in his third appearance on their series on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00pm. Weiss is a "brilliant pianist" (The New York Times) with "powerful technique and exceptional insight" (The Washington Post).
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