By Lazlo
originally published: 09/08/2025
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 Side Project Skip, Sam Tunkel, Jon Caspi & The First Gun, and Joseph Alton Miller. Plus a look back at "Someday" by 383 Stroker.
Side Project Skip - "The Friday Night Detour". Side Project Skip is Chris Dickscheid,most recently from the band The Mediocre Friends. Those said friends are all over his new superb EP, "The Friday Night Detour". The first two songs draw you in with some peppy, pop-Americana. That is followed by a indie-power-pop-rock number, and closed out by what reminded me of an acoustic song that could have come from one of the big Seattle grunge bands of the 90's. It's all amazing and worthy of your time. Check it out!
Sam Tunkel - "Out There". To know from reading the liner notes to Sam Tunkel's debut album, "Out There", that these songs were all written years ago, when he was first learning how to be a songwriter and musician, is kind of astounding. The seven original songs on the album do not sound like someone learning to be a songwriter. These are beautiful, powerful songs.
Sam Tunkel himself describes, "The songs and themes on this album are rooted in child-like dreams of escape, isolation, and a yearning to break free and be one’s true self, and chase that indescribable thing that will fulfill your soul, that you just know is out there somewhere."
Jon Caspi & The First Gun - "New Record". What can I say about Jon Caspi & The First Gun's new single, "New Record"?
Well, here's what they said, "Did you hear the New Record? It's to announce our upcoming record"
So is it a song, or is it a jingle/ad for their new record? The jury may be out.
But is it an earworm? Hell yes!
And does it have harmonies that to me evoke The Byrds? Hell yes, again!
And do I like it? Hell yes! (so it is probably not a jingle, since I hate most jingles)
Joseph Alton Miller - "Teeth in the Silence: Live at The Barron Arts Center (Extended Version)". I love a good live album, one where you can close your eyes and listen and feel transported to the show.
"Teeth in the Silence: Live at The Barron Arts Center (Extended Version)" from Joseph Alton Miller is such an album. Recorded at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge, this is an intimate solo performance. Amazingly the recording captures the warmth and energy of the room, something often lost in live recordings. I suspect this warmth sounds even better on the vinyl release than the digital version I listened to.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
383 Stroker - "Someday", Many of you know Dennis King as Sonofdov, or his current project with Melissa Anthony, Tiny Cities, but back in the early 2000's, he fronted the rock band 383 Stroker, and put out catchy power-pop like, "Someday".
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
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.
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.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
MORE EVENTS
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