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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 6/30/25


By Lazlo

originally published: 06/30/2025

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 Mark Parker, Average Blonde, Cold Weather Company, Dana Why, The Grip Weeds, and Todd Bailey. Plus a look back at "How Dare You Call Yourself Justice" by Ferocious Designs.

Mark Parker - "A Little Bit More". "A Little Bit More" is not only the name of the new EP from Mark Parker, but also could describe it. I've been a fan of Mark Parker's music for a long time now, but there truly something a little more about this EP than his previous releases, and it is not just the edition of a  Roland T-8 beat machine, though it is possible that was the catalyst for the new creative pathways that this EP takes from previous releases. Highly recommended!

Average Blonde - "Average Blonde". Average Blonde (the artist formerly known as Joey Biondi) has put out their self-titled debut, and it is full of stunning synth-alt-dream-pop.

Cold Weather Company - "In Time". There is a real irony in Cold Weather Company releasing an album during a very hot late June. However, "In Time" will chill you out with their unique blend of alternative and folk rock, with a haunting falsetto.

Dana Why - "The Cracked Hand". Dana Why is a master of harmonious indie-pop. If that is your vibe then you need to check his new album, "The Cracked Hand", now!




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The Grip Weeds - "Soul Bender". It is incredible to see a local band that formed back in the late 1980's still at it. Even more incredible is that The Grip Weeds latest album, "Soul Bender", is as good as anything else they've put out, maybe even their best. The album hits you with power-pop, but there is also mid-tempo balladry, and psychedelic-garage rock.

Todd Bailey - "Cover Band Town". A few weeks back in this column I talked about Todd Bailey's song, "Cover Band Town". Now a full album of the same name is out. His singer-songwriter style remains mid-tempo throughout, which makes it a perfect album to relax to in my opinion.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

Ferocious Designs - "How Dare You Call Yourself Justice". Ferocious Designs' "How Dare You Call Yourself Justice" is less than a year old, but given how 6 Supreme Court Justices continue to act, it feels appropriate to remind people of. 'Nuff said.

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)




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EVENT PREVIEWS

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.



Jazz

Jazz Concert at Trenton City Museum will Feature the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum will present a free jazz concert Friday, July 18, 2025 at the museum's Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park. Featuring world-renowned vibraphonist Joe Baione, the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience is the first group to perform in a series of jazz events leading up to the museum's 2026 TRENTON MAKES JAZZ exhibition, in collaboration with the City of Trenton.



Blues

Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms to Play Tour with Spin Doctors

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Multi-platinum rock legends Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms have joined forces for an electrifying co-headlining summer tour. Currently headlining The 90s Cruise at sea, the bands behind iconic hits like "Run-Around" and "Hey Jealousy" have announced a 30-date tour set to kick off on Friday, July 4 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Locally, the tour comes to Ocean Casino Resort's Ovation Hall on Saturday, July 19, 2025.



FEATURED EVENTS

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

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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


 

Joanna

Joanna Connor

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Lynette

Lynette Sheard - ​​​​​​​Gatsby Reimagined

Thursday, July 24, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Back

Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl

Thursday, July 24, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music