By Lazlo
originally published: 08/14/2023
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 LIVIA, LKFFCT, Better Weather, Cinema Star, Matt Wade, Vincent Brue, and ghost in the washing machine. Plus a look back at "My Reign" by Michelle Vecchione.
LIVIA - "By a String". LIVIA's latest single, "By a String", is hypnotically-dreamy-chamber pop. Composed by Stephen Masucci and lyrics from Mollie Israel (both of the band The Lost Patrol), this song is lovely, moody, powerful, and kind of feels like it would be right at home in a playlist with Julle Cruise.
LKFFCT - "Shake me out of the dream". LKFFCT return with two new indie-power-pop tunes to wake me up and, "Shake me out of the dream".
Better Weather - "'Please disregard all previous weather.' EP". "Some friends wrote some songs and these are those songs.", says the liner notes to Better Weather's, "'Please disregard all previous weather.' EP". I hope these friends write some more songs because their EP is 4 rock songs that deliver.
Cinema Star - "Touching Down". When "Touching Down", the new single from Cinema Star, hits the first chorus I was like, "hell yeah, this is some anthemic alt-rock!"
Matt Wade - "I Don't Love You Anymore". Matt Wade's first new single in some time, "I Don't Love You Anymore", is amazing! It has a retro-synth-pop-funky vibe, while sounding complete fresh and modern. I'm told this is the first of several new songs coming soon. I can't wait to hear more!
Vincent Brue - "Vinsomnia". You would think a song described as being about waking, "up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep and have a bunch of anxiety", would be a long and rambling song, but you'd be wrong in this case. Vincent Brue's, "Vinsomnia", is a peppy one minute and forty-one seconds of power-pop-punk-rock fun!
ghost in the washing machine - "canine demo leftovers". I don't know much about ghost in the washing machine, though based on their Bandcamp page they are an offshoot of the canine 10. What I do know for sure is that "canine demo leftovers" is some high energy, garage-power-pop, and I like it!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Michelle Vecchione - "My Reign". In 2005 Michelle Vecchione released an incredible album of blues infused singer-songwriter tunes. 18 years later I still enjoy listening to "My Reign", and the song below, "Darling Don't", shows her vocal prowess, and it is one of many of her songs that perpetually is stuck in my head. I don't know what happened to Michelle. I know for a while she was going by Michelle V, but around 2010 she stopped performing in the area and updating her social media pages. I hope she's well.
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://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th
(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
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).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Starland Ballroom presents The Cab
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents The Cab on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Paradise Fears and CARR will open the night.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
FEATURED EVENTS
