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
Essex County Summer Orchestra Players 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."
New Jersey Symphony to Make Rowan's Marie Rader Series Debut with "Life & Liberty" on July 22nd
(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series will launch its 2026-27 season, entitled "Life & Liberty," with the New Jersey Symphony's Rowan University debut. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players featuring Rowan University Strings Faculty & Alumni will perform at Pfleeger Concert Hall. Showtime is 7:00pm.
The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny and the music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Blues For Greeny - The Music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Dude Cervantes & The Panchos will open the night. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 7:30pm.
Shinedown to Play Shows in Newark and Philly in July
(NEWARK, NJ) -- One of the biggest bands in the world, Shinedown, will be releasing their brand new studio album EI8HT on May 29, 2026 (via Atlantic Records) and released the new song "Outlaw." In addition, they announced their massive Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour, taking the band to 11 countries across 54 dates, including local stops at Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday, July 21st and Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Thursday, July 23rd.
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.
Summer Jazz: Drummer Joe Farnsworth and Special Guests at William Paterson
For more than three decades, Joe Farnsworth has been one of the most admired drummers in modern jazz, revered for his superb technique, driving swing, and unwavering commitment to the jazz tradition. A Massachusetts native mentored by legendary drummers Alan Dawson, Arthur Taylor, and Jimmy Lovelace, Farnsworth has appeared on nearly 400 recordings and performed with an astonishing array of jazz masters, including McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Pharoah Sanders, Cedar Walton, Harold Mabern, and Wynton Marsalis. He is also a founding member of the acclaimed hard bop collective, One for All, alongside longtime musical associates tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trombonist Steve Davis, the late trumpeter Jim Rotondi, and pianist David Hazeltine.
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.
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