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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 3/23/26

By Lazlo

originally published: 03/23/2026

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 Pillowinde, Indeyevid, Quality Living, Sally Draper, Steam Enginess, and DIANA. Plus a look back at "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours" by The Anderson Council.

Pillowinde - "Motions of Life/Rotting Away My 20s in Bed". I love Pillowinde! Their power-pop-alt-rock is insanely catchy and fun, but if you attention, their lyrics have substance too. So getting 2 new songs from them,  "Motions of Life" and "Rotting Away My 20s in Bed", is cause for celebration.

Indeyevid - "Audacity of Authenticity". Indeyevid's "Audacity of Authenticity" is awesome rage infused punk rock. The six songs on this EP are the perfect outlet for my frustration of the world falling apart around us.

Quality Living - "Sumac Red". "Sumac Red", the new single from Quality Living, is a glorious piece of indie rock incorporated with Americana. I hear they may be working on an album that this song will be on. More like this? Yes, please!

Sally Draper - "ICE SS". The title "ICE SS" probably tells you everything you need to know about the new single from Sally Draper. But, in case it didn't, it is a punk rock protest song for these times we are living thru.




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Steam Enginess - "Say Your Name". I have been a fan of Steam Enginess' music for some time now. I remember last year when Hunter Guzenski told me his band's new album was going to be something special. He was not wrong. They have taken their sound and songwriting to a new level. It is transcendent!

DIANA - "All Things Must Pass". DIANA's new 7 song collection, "All Things Must Pass", does not expressly say it is a concept album, but with an intro, interlude, and outro, and what appears to be a running theme throughout, it might be. But what I have no doubt of is that it is an enthralling alternative rock album.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

The Anderson Council - "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours". The Anderson Council are a go-to power-pop band for me (along with fellow central NJ band, The Grip Weeds). I'm gobsmacked realizing that their album, "The Fall Parade" is turning 20 this year. The album, as all of theirs are, have earworm after earworm. But the one that I keep going back to, that guarantees putting me in a euphoric mood, is "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours". Check it out below.

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

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik

MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.

51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th

(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.

McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love Concert

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


DJ Drewski - Mayor's Summer Concert Series

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase

Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


IMAGINE LENNON LIVE

Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Ready or Yacht: The Best of Yacht Rock

Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ



 

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