By Lazlo
originally published: 06/16/2025
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 Rhonette Smith, Nick Scafuto, Evil Nature, Rich Lancia, Radar & Satellite, and Todd Bailey. Plus a look back at "We Go High" by Boots.
Before we get into this week's New & Notable, a quick reminder that two new Rock Against Hate compilations are available now. Each features over 20 previously unreleased songs, with 100% of proceeds going to LGBTQ+ non-profits. Volume 7 benefits Trevor Project, and Volume 8 benefits No More Dysphoria. Go to https://rockagainsthate.org for more info.
Rhonette Smith - "Bent". Rhonette Smith returns with the new single, "Bent". Those familiar with her earlier works may be surprised by the more aggressive rock sound of this song, which features screaming vocals from Manny "Nondasson" Mavrakis from New York City rap/rock band Saints In Exile, but I feel it is the perfect fit for this song.
Rhonette describes "Bent" as, "an ode to the nonlinear nature of progress and how it sometimes feels like pushing against a brick wall."
Nick Scafuto - "Digital Firepit". Nick Scafuto, of Nick And The Leg-Heavy Boys, releases his first solo EP, "Digital Firepit", a glorious collection of 5 catchy songs. They are all more acoustic/folk based, but don't let that make you think is a mellow album. These songs are upbeat and have a full band backing him, with an energy coursing through it that is infectious. Below is the video for the leadoff track, "Drip Drip Drip", which is my Earworm of the Week!
Evil Nature - "Quasi-Demonic". Alternative/Post-Punk band Evil Nature, has just put out one heck of a good album in "Quasi-Demonic". Nothing more needs to be said about it. Go listen, now!
Rich Lancia - "Wondering". Rich Lancia returns with his new single, "Wondering", a beautiful Adult-Alternative song that leaves me wondering when we're going to hear more new music from this mainstay of the local music scene.
Radar & Satellite - "Something to Unload / Exercise in Silence". "Something to Unload / Exercise in Silence" are two new songs from Radar & Satellite. They describe it as, "Two tracks (count 'em) filled to the brim with nonsensical noise and tomfoolery." I describe it as some catchy garage rock fun.
Todd Bailey - "Cover Band Town". When I started BlowUpRadio.com nearly 25 years ago I had lofty dreams of changing people's minds, the people that would rather go hear a cover band than see an original band... you know, the musician's who if they are lucky, will one day have there songs played by a cover band. its been an uphill battle, but one I continue to this day.
Todd Bailey's new song, "Cover Band Town" (also the title of a forthcoming album due later this month), encapsulates from a local singer-songwriter perspective of the challenge of wanting to play originals in a "cover band town".
Wouldn't be wonderful if this became a big enough hit that cover bands started playing it...
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Boots - "We Go High". It has been almost 7 years since Boots' debut (and to my knowledge only) album, "Made for This". The album is chock full of great jangly acoustic songs. "We Go High" closes the album, and is as much an anthem today as it was 7 years ago.
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
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.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 17th
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards
(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- The Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts An Evening with Patty Griffin & Kathleen Edwards on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The concert is presented by the Camden County Board of Commissioners.
LoMotion Live Presents America at 250: A Celebration in Song to Benefit Elks Army of Hope
(PARSIPPANY, NJ) -- LoMotion Live invites the community to an inspiring evening of music, storytelling, and patriotism with America at 250: A Celebration in Song, a special benefit cabaret on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Parsippany Arts Center. Showtime is 7:30pm. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Elks Army of Hope, a charitable program dedicated to providing assistance to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families during times of need.
Grounds For Sculpture and Third Way Cultural Alliance to Present an Intimate Evening of Art and Music on July 18th
(HAMILTON, NJ) -- Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) and Third Way Cultural Alliance announce a special evening celebrating the power of creative freedom through music, art and conversation. "Creative Freedom: A Salon Experience featuring Marshall Allen, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Jamaaladeen Tacuma," will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
DePue Brothers Band to Bring "Grassical" Music to Sewell
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes the DePue Brothers Band on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 3:00pm. In a departure from the series' customary chamber music fare, the DePue Brothers Band has long coined their music with the term "grassical," the combination of bluegrass with jazz, blues, rock, folk, and classical.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
