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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 6/2/25


By Lazlo

originally published: 06/02/2025

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 Val Emmich, Johnny Zarfati, and Prop House. Plus a look back at "We Can See America From Here" by The Campfire Flies.

Happy Pride Month! This Friday, June 6th, Rock Against Hate Volumes 7 & 8 come out. Each compilation features over 20 previously unreleased songs, benefiting two of many organizations working to help the LGBTQ+ community get through these trying times.

Rock Against Hate Volume 7 features previously unreleased songs from Ali Zanders, Blasfemme, Blisstique, Bruce Tunkel, Chitinous Mandible, Ferocious Designs, Frank Patrouch, Greg McGarvey, Jason Didner, Jill Sobule, Jon Caspi, Ken Kusama. Mark Owen Nutto & The Unemployed Teachers, Mark Parker, Michael Aquino (feat. Declan Remus and Christian Davis), Orbis Max, Teen Idle, The Mighty Alrighty, The Winter Sounds, Tommy Strazza, and Wally Chris Hoffner and the Noontime Nappers. The album benefits Trevor Project.

Rock Against Hate Volume 8 features previously unreleased songs from Anthony Walker, Bern Strong, Blasfemme, Bruce Donnola, Catherine Wacha, Ciara Zwicker, erase:rewind, Ferocious Designs, Happy Joe, Hit Like A Girl, Jason Didner, Jon Caspi & Pete Jager, Kookie, Mark Owen Nutto & The Unemployed Teachers, Mick Chorba, Sad About Girls, Sam Tunkel, The Delphobics, The Mighty Alrighty, The Winter Sounds, Wally Chris Hoffner and the Noontime Nappers, and Worm's Eye View / Maravines. The album benefits No More Dysphoria.

More information at https://rockagainsthate.org and tune in all weekend to BlowUpRadio.com for a Rock Against Hate Radio Special.




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Val Emmich - "Here Comes The Dark". Val Emmich's latest release, "Here Comes The Dark", is something special. I've been a fan of Val's music since even before I started BlowUpRadio.com nearly 25 years ago, and two of the things I always appreciate about his albums are heartfelt, relatable lyrics (sometimes I wish I couldn't relate to the lyrics as much, as they are not always something you want to relate to), and that he's always trying to incorporate different sounds into his music (check out "Done With The Dishes" for example), while still sounding like him.

Johnny Zarfati - "Ceasefire". "Ceasefire" is the beautiful debut single from Johnny Zarfati. A really relaxing, laid back folk tune that I have been playing on repeat for days.

Prop House - "Vector". Prop House is kind of a local music supergroup. Members of Yawn Mower, the Vansaders, The Mischeif Kids, and several other local bands comprise the band on their new EP, "Vector". If you're familiar with these acts then you know you're going to get some infectious post-punk rock. If you aren't, then you should check out all of the groups mentioned in this.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

The Campfire Flies - "We Can See America From Here". On January 20th, 2017 the first Rock Against Hate compilation was released, benefiting Planned Parenthood & Trevor Project. It lead off with The Campfire Flies' song, "We Can See America From Here". The Campfire Flies is something of a local supergroup featuring members of The Cucumbers, Speed the Plough, and The Thousand Pities. The combining of these musical superpowers created a rousing, upbeat anthem.

The compilation is still available at https://rockagainsthate.org

That's all for this week.




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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

Hoboken's

Hoboken's Sinatra Park to Host Concert by Freedy Johnson and Karyn Kuhl and the Gang

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Local events organizer, Geri Fallo, who retired last year, is inviting you to celebrate with her, as she embraces new and exciting endeavors. Come enjoy a free evening of music in Hoboken's Sinatra Park (525 Sinatra Drive) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The evening is presented by Mayor Ravi Bhalla, The Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs, and Geri Fallo. The event is free, and music starts at 6:30pm. Come early for the best seating.



MPAC

MPAC presents The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert on Thursday

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Limited tickets remain for The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Showtime is 7:30pm.



NJPAC

NJPAC presents An Evening with Kem, aka "Soul's Greatness"

(NEWARK, NJ) -- KEM, known as Soul's Greatness, will perform at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Friday, July 18, 2025. KEM's passion for music and the emotions he brings to life on stages worldwide have been a part of him since childhood, when he played the old piano at his grandfather's church. Showtime is 8:00pm.



Newton

Newton Theatre presents The Ultimate Queen Celebration

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Ultimate Queen Celebration comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, July 18, 2025. The band features vocalist Yvan Pedneault (endorsed by Queen) and backed by some of the finest musicians on the scene who have toured with the likes of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rock of Ages, Cher and more. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.



NJPAC

NJPAC presents KEM with special guest Melania Fiona

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents a special evening with KEM, known as Soul's Greatness, on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 8:00pm. Special guest Melanie Fiona will open the night.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Bria

Bria Skonberg

Thursday, July 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

KC

KC and the Sunshine Band

Thursday, July 17, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 

The

The Hit Men: The Ultimate Rock Concert

Thursday, July 17, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Jax

Jax Hollow

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

A

A Night of Worship with Bishop William Murphy - Live in Concert!

Saturday, July 19, 2025 @ 7:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music