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
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.
MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on September 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) presents Melissa Etheridge: Rise Tour on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades.
Prudential Center presents Ella Langley on September 10th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- It's been a landmark year for Ella Langley. Fresh off a sweep at the ACM Awards where she won all seven awards she was nominated for, two recent American Music Award wins, and being the soundtrack of the summer for a trio of German fans on Twitter traveling through America during the World Cup. Ella continues one of the most dominant runs in music. She brings The Dandelion Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on September 10, 2026 at 7:00pm. Special guests ERNEST and Gabriella Rose will open the night.
The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library
(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Tony Award Nominee Joshua Henry to open Kean Stage's 2026-2027 season
(HILLSIDE, NJ) -- Kean Stage is thrilled to announce that Joshua Henry, three-time Tony nominee and star of Lincoln Center Theater's Ragtime, will open their 2026-2027 season with two performances of his show Get Up, Stand Up! on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm at Enlow Recital Hall (215 North Avenue) in Hillside.
FEATURED EVENTS
