By Lazlo
originally published: 03/09/2026
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 The Cucumbers; Dr. Void; best dressed ghost; Laree H. Cisco; DDA; Mourning Coffee, aevina; and Psychtooth. Plus a look back at "Don't You Move" by The Mighty Alrighty.
The Cucumbers - "As You Heard Me - Songs From "Hello George". The Cucumbers (Deena Shoshkes & Jon Fried) have been a big part of BlowUpRadio.com for over 25 years, and a part of the local music scene even longer. These songs, written by Deena, relate to Jon's novella "Hello, George" (a PDF copy comes with a download of the album). The novella is described as, "the story of a songwriter, a music publisher and a country music legend - and falling in love with a song demo."
Dr. Void - "Speed Kills". Dr. Void (Funch, Nerve Tonic, Dr. Void & The Death machines) is back with a new EP, "Speed Kills", and he perfectly channels his anger at the state of the country, and world, into his rockabilly infused punk rock songs.
best dressed ghost - "Funhouse". "Funhouse", a single from best dressed ghost's forthcoming release is a high energy garage punk rock song that makes me excited to hear the rest of their forthcoming release. And the video is pretty creative too.
Laree H. Cisco - "FAWM 2026". Every February artists around the globe participate in FAWM (February Album Writing Month), where one tries to write and record 14 songs in the shortest month of the year. Laree H. Cisco has been a part of it for many years, I often joke it is the one time of year we get new music from him. This year he completed the challenge, as you can hear on the 14 songs, "FAWM 2026" collection. Despite the crunch to complete the songs in a short period of time, there's no bum tracks here.
DDA - "4". DDA (David Andrew Devine from The Number Theory, and Zigman Bird) has finally completed "4", he 4 song EP. I say finally, because some (if not all) of these songs predate the pandemic. His songs have a chill vibe to them, but are also catchy rock with a slight psychedelic vibe... you know what, you should just listen to it yourself. I am terrible at describing music. I just know what I think is good music, and this my friends belongs in that category.
Mourning Coffee, aevina - "You and I". "You and I" pairs the prolific Mourning Coffee with the alluring vocals of aevina. Their voices intertwine so well together that I hope this is more than a one off.
Psychtooth - "Synapses//Adore". Two new songs from Psychtooth? Yes, please and thank you! "Synapses//Adore" are endearing lofi-alternative rock songs. Both starting off slow, eventually erupting into heavier, fuzzed out guitars. I love it!
Not New, But Memorable Corner
The Mighty Alrighty - "Don't You Move". I can't believe it is almost 8 years ago that The Mighty Alrighty's debut album, "The Confines", was released. At the time a solo project, Andy Napolitano's first release as a self described, "Apartment Rock" artist, was full of hooks and catchy alt-pop. "Don't You Move" may be my favorite from this release, where Andy harmonized with himself on the vocals. The song still gives me the same chills it did when I first heard it, and it has gotten even better with the addition of band members Mike Hetman and Albert Semler (a reimagined version of the song with them features on their 2019 EP, "Once Then Ifs").
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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents The Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00pm. They're keeping our country's 250th celebration going with inspiring songs from these two fantastic musicals sung by four incredible vocalists!
bergenPAC presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Playing is the joy and satisfaction of touring, but it comes with the hard part -- travel, the endless miles on a bus. There's no dodging the wear and tear, and Little Feat has been playing for quite a while.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Great Auditorium. Maestro Jason Tramm leads the 50-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra in an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor. From sweeping Hollywood epics to iconic modern classics, this symphonic celebration brings the magic of film music to life with dazzling orchestral color.Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
FEATURED EVENTS
