By Lazlo
originally published: 11/03/2025
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 Flycatcher, Ciara Zwicker, The Nightly Noodle & Opposite Action, Jonathan Tea, Lily Vakili, Rhonette Smith, and Dr Scientist. Plus a look back at "Dear You" by The Extra's, Inc.
Flycatcher - "Wrench". Flycatcher continues to impress with their latest album, "Wrench". It is alt-rock, filtered through Americana/Folk, with just a hint of grunge.
Ciara Zwicker - "The Cure to Fear". I have yet to see Ciara Zwicker refer to "The Cure to Fear" as a concept album, but given radio broadcast interludes within the album, and the overall arch of the album, I'd be surprised if it wasn't intended to be such. But even if you just want to hear some great alternative rock, without paying attention to the overall story, it's a damn fine album.
The Nightly Noodle & Opposite Action - "Broken Record". If you are a regular listener of BlowUpRadio.com then you are already familiar with The Nightly Noodle's beautiful songs and guitar noodling. Adding the soulful vocals of Opposite Action on the collaborative EP, "Broken Record" is perfection!
Jonathan Tea - "Big & Bright & Restless". On "Big & Bright & Restless", Jonathan Tea gives us 8 songs of Grade A Americana. Despite the first track on the album, do not "skip it".
Lily Vakili - "Oceans Of Kansas". "Oceans Of Kansas" is a masterpiece. This is Lily Vakili's opus! Over the span of 9 songs the album takes you on a journey, some pathways are folk, some are psychedelic, others bring you down small alleys between buildings and into other lush soundscapes.
Rhonette Smith - "Loss". Rhonette Smith dabbles in adding electronic sounds to her rock music on her latest single, "Loss". It is used to great effect helping to elevate the power of this song about a very personal subject matter, but one we all deal with.
Dr Scientist - "It Hurts". "It Hurts", is a misnomer. Dr Scientist's latest alt-pop-rock album had me smiling, singing along, and all around feeling good. Nothing hurts doc, it is pure joy.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Extra's, Inc. - "Dear You". Before Pete Jager started putting out amazing solo music, he fronted The Extra's, Inc. Both solo and with his former band, he has captured some lyrical truths into Punk, Power-Pop, and Folk/Americana songs. One such song that quickly became a fan favorite is, "Dear You". I suspect it is because the lyrics are relatable... that and everyone loves a song with an F-Bomb in the chorus.
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
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