By Lazlo
originally published: 05/19/2025
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 new releases by Night Windows, furiousBall, Ferocious Designs, John Pronto, and Manny Ray. Plus a look back at "Fight of Your Life" by Blisstique.
Before we get into the new & notable albums, a quick note that two new volumes of Rock Against Hate are coming out for Pride month on June 6th. Volume 7 benefits Trevor Project, and Volume 8 benefits No More Dysphoria. Each contains over 20 previously unreleased songs. More info can be found elsewhere on this site, as well as https://rockagainsthate.org
Night Windows - "Nonsense". There is usually several years between releases from Night Windows, so after last year's excellent, "In Memories" album, I did not expect a new release so soon. "Nonsense" is a 3 song EP, chock full of the mid-tempo indie-folk-rock songs hey are so good at making. And bonus, they are apparently already working on more music to be released this year.
furiousBall - "I'll Be Your Arsonist". I don't think I could describe furiousBall any better than their bio does, "atmospheric alternative/indie pop-rock from South Jersey." If that sounds good to you, then you need to hear "I'll Be Your Arsonist".
Ferocious Designs - "Off You Pop!". Brian Kelley started working on his latest outing under Ferocious Designs, "Off You Pop!", after power-pop legend Dwight Twilley passed away in October 2023. "I wanted to see if I could create my own version of it [power-pop] despite having close to zero skill as a guitar player.", he says in the liner notes. "My own version of it", seems apt, as to me this is Ferocious Design's synth-pop as fed thru a power-pop filter. The result is highly entertaining!
John Pronto - "5 Pack: Live From Cart Studios". "5 Pack: Live From Cart Studios", is a pretty self-explanatory EP, in that it is 5 songs recorded live with just John Pronto's voice and guitar. His style is blues infused folk/Americana. Despite the closing track being, "What A Waste", this EP is not. Check it out.
Manny Ray - "Crashed Out". If you like soul rock then you need to listen to Manny Ray's new EP, "Crashed Out".
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Blisstique - "Fight of Your Life". Back in 2017... which both seems recent and eons ago to me... Blisstique put out the "Ghost Head Nebula" EP. "Fight of Your Life" instantly became my favorite song on the collection, with it's infectious music, and lyrics that felt to me like a rallying call. I frequently listen to this song when I am looking to get motivated, and given the current state of America, it feels even more relevant than it did 8 years ago (though I have no idea if this song was meant to be political).
Blisstique also recently put out an incredible acoustic EP that was recently mentioned in this column, and will have a new song that is unlike anything previously released by them on the upcoming Rock Against Hate Volume 7.
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 be part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon (and bridged on BlueSky)
EVENT PREVIEWS
Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jason Ricci on Friday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Multiple award winning jazz, funk and blues harmonica player, singer, songwriter Jason Ricci comes to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, June 12, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- The outlaw spirit of classic Country music will ride into Albert Music Hall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the historic Waretown venue presents a special evening dedicated to the songs, stories, and the independent spirit of Outlaw Country.
Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey
Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
