By Lazlo
originally published: 08/28/2023
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 BreakTime, The Martyr, The Funky JC's, Joe P, A Ghostly Heart, and Latewaves. Plus a look back at "Nurture" by Cuppa Joe.
BreakTime - "Specials". BreakTime's second album, "Specials", is another special collection of fun retro 60's tunes (think early Beatles meets Beach Boys).
Fun fact: Listening to "Specials" produces the same amount of serotonin as a day's worth of sunlight*
(* this statement has not been scientifically proven)
The Martyr - "Jackrabbit". The band formerly known as The Last Martyr, return with a new name & single, but still kick-ass as a punk infused metal band. Here is hoping that The Martyr's single, "Jackrabbit", is far from the last we will hear from this high energy band.
The Funky JC's - "Greetings From The Funky JC's". "Greetings From The Funky JC's" showcases 7 funky, jazz-rock tunes, plus a unique take on Madonna's "Crazy For You". Don't sleep on The Funky JC's. Honestly it is impossible for me to sleep during their music as they make me get up on my feet and dance... badly... I am not a good dancer. But that is not the point. Go check their music out!
Joe P - "Don't Wanna Love U". "Don't Wanna Love U" may be the name of Joe P's new single, but if you love anthemic alt-pop there is a good chance you will love this song.
A Ghostly Heart - "A Ghostly Heart". The self-titled debut album from the former front man for Meet Me In Montauk, Andrew Golburn, new project, A Ghostly Heart, is 13 excellent mid-tempo modern rock songs. While it was well worth the wait, I hope we don't have to wait more than 15 years for the new release from a Golburn project.
Latewaves - "Italian Smokes". "Italian Smokes" is the first single from Latewaves forthcoming self-titled LP. I haven't heard the rest of the album yet, but this song is an indie-rock anthem that makes me want to hear more. And the video is a nice snapshot of their touring life.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Cuppa Joe - "Nurture". This album pre-dates BlowUpRadio.com, which was established in 2000. Cuppa Joe'e "Nurture" came out in 1994, during my college radio days. Here we are nearly 30 years later and the album is still an outstanding collection of indie-pop tunes. In particular, "Broken Arms", is an earworm that I find rattling around in my head frequently.
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
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Bell Bottom Blues on July 10th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Basie Center to Honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Dramarama on Walk of Fame
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Albert Music Hall's Bluegrass Fest on Saturday Celebrates Music and the Community Behind It
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Bluegrass is more than a style of music. It's a tradition built on storytelling, shared songs, and musicians gathering to play together. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Albert Music Hall will celebrate that heritage during its annual Bluegrass Fest, an evening that combines educational sessions, opportunities to experience the Hall's renowned Pickin' Shed, and three hours of live performances.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
Benson Boone to Perform at Prudential Center on July 13th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
