By Lazlo
originally published: 08/21/2023
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 orionfalls, NOT YER BABY, Alibi, Signal Valley, Levy Okun, Modern Crybaby, and Mike Noordzy. Plus a look back at "The Life You're Faking" by The Dipsomaniacs.
orionfalls - "No Hard Feelings". "orionfalls is a solo project from New Jersey.", states the bio alongside their new album, "No Hard Feelings". While it may be a solo project, it is not acoustic, and the layered vocals (and additional vocals from Nisa Marchunt on 3 songs), make this feel less like a solo album, and more like a fine emo rock album.
NOT YER BABY - "Gemini". I know very little about astrological signs, but I know Gemini is represented by twins. That seems fitting for NOT YER BABY's new song, "Gemini", as it has dual traits of being a punk, and yet danceable (in a non-punk way). You would think those traits would be battling one another, but they meld seamlessly on this track.
Alibi - "Twin Flame". I'm not quite ready for fall yet, but Alibi just released what I would consider a great fall EP. It's acoustic, introspective, and has just the right amount of melancholia.
Signal Valley - "Unedited Image Of A Bear". Normally I'd say a 25 song album that clocks in at over 80 minutes is just too long. But in the case of Signal Valley's "Unedited Image Of A Bear", the diversity of the styles of rock, and the placement of them, make for a very enjoyable listening experience.
Levy Okun - "Says Hello". Levy Okun's "Says Hello" is pop-rock bliss! Each of the 8 songs on this album are peppy earworms, and the lyrics sound personal yet relatable to all. Go check this album out now!
Modern Crybaby - "Few & Far Between". If you are not listening to the Songs on Site podcast, you are missing out. It is a great interview & performance podcast spotlighting local artists.
The newest installment introduced me to Modern Crybaby (Dylan Schroth). His bio page says, "With a heavy heart and a hopeful smile, Schroth sings about his experience with depression, anxiety, growth, and recovery with the hopes of inspiring others on a similar path." His music is inspiring, as well as beautiful and full of emotion.
Mike Noordzy - "Sleaze Greaze". Sometimes I want to listen to some experimental jazz, and Mike Noordzy is consistently putting out top notch collections of jazz that is avant-garde, but still melodious. Check out his latest EP, "Sleaze Greaze".
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Dipsomaniacs - "The Life You're Faking". Before Mick Chorba fronted The Successful Failures, he fronted the power-pop band, Dipsomaniacs. All of their albums are incredible (as are The Successful Failures'), but 2001's "The Life You're Faking" is a quintessential summer album for me. It is full of earworms with infectious riffs, gorgeous harmonies, and an overall feeling of summer fun!
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
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.
Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena presents James Taylor and His All-Star Band on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:30pm. This intimate concert promises an evening of soulful vocals, masterful guitar, and a legendary lineup of musicians bringing each song to life.
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
FEATURED EVENTS
