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Lighty's Corner: April 13, 2026

A DJ-run radio program/column spotlighting new rock music by mostly indie artists


By Lighty

originally published: 04/13/2026

I’m one of those guys who hates it when people say that rock and roll is dead... I disagree when people say that there's no good new music being released today. I actually think there may be more good music now than ever, but it can be harder to find due to corporate radio stations and online algorithms. Since we get a ton of new music sent to us at New Jersey Stage each week, I decided to try something new - a recorded DJ hosted radio show and a column spotlighting new works. The plan is to have a new one every two weeks.

The debut episode contains tracks by 17 (mostly indie) artists from around the world. It’s got songs by artists from America (New Jersey, Colorado, California, Texas, Philadelphia, and New York City) plus songs from England, Canada, Ireland, and Norway. Most of these tracks were received in the last two weeks. Rather than posting each track individually, I'm hoping people listen to the show. Warning: some artist names may be mispronounced. I apologize in advance!

In addition to the radio program, each column will highlight a few other tracks from around the web. These are either songs I don’t have a physical copy of, albums of note, or songs with videos that I think deserve the spotlight as well. Or it might mean we just received too much good music for one radio show!

The artists in this episode include: Silver Heir, Frenchy and the Punk, U2, SonofDov, The Dambuilders, Mike Daly’s Lost N’ Found with the Ray Nissen Orchestra, Remington Super 60, June Rest, Rolling Blackout, Orbis Max, Bricklin II, Sam Tunkel, Blindness Light, Faith Eliza, Cowboy Diplomacy, The Willful Deaf, Fake You, and Bruce Tunkel.




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If you are an artist interested in being considered for the radio program or column, send some info about yourself and a link to your latest song or album to [email protected] - If you want to send over a track or a download link, I prefer Wav files but mp3s will work, too.

I’m just getting back into recording shows with the goal of hopefully getting a little better each time.  I’m working on a new show each week - “Lighty’s Corner” featuring new music; “Classic Jersey” featuring artists from New Jersey; “Bring Me The Head of Max Headroom” featuring tracks from the MTV era; and “The Penguin Rocks” featuring of my favorite songs from an online radio station of mine that ran for over a decade.

Most of these tracks were received in the last two weeks, but the songs may have been released much earlier. Sometimes artists decide to push works from years ago and sometimes they hire a promotion team to help. These tracks and videos were sent to us from artists, record labels, and radio promotion companies.  A special shoutout to some of the companies we used for the show: Haulix, Shameless Promotion PR, ALLCAPS PR, Obsidian PR and Media, Mixtape Media, This Could Be Your Music Label, and The Syndicate.

And if you are into new music, Lazlo of blowupradio.com takes a look at new releases by New Jersey artists every two weeks in his column, and we have several new music DJ run shows as well: Altrok (run by Sean Carolan), Deuce Radio Show, and From the Basement (run by Mike Marrone).



Here are some recent songs that caught my attention from around the web.

 





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April 13th Show Tracklist

theme song (Tenacious D - Rock Is Dead)
Silver Heir - Footmans Tale
Frenchy and the Punk - War on War
U2 - Scars
SonofDov - Skin and Bones
The Dambuilders - Shrine
Mike Daly's Lost N' Found with the Ray Nissen Orchestra - Wishing Hoping Wanting
Remington Super 60 - Time to Breathe
June Rest - Overrated
Rolling Blackout - Fools Gold
Orbis Max - By Degrees
Bricklin II - Lift
Sam Tunkel - Do You? Will You?
Blindness Light - Just a few milligrams
Faith Eliza - Monsters
Cowboy Diplomacy - Looney Bin
The Willful Deaf - Spirit of Youth
Fake You - Spitshine
Bruce Tunkel - World Blues #10


EVENT PREVIEWS

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Legendary vocalist Patti LaBelle comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. Through the years, the songbird's name has become synonymous with grace, style, and class.
Killer Queen to Perform at Scottish Rite Auditorium

Killer Queen to Perform at Scottish Rite Auditorium

(COLLINGSWOOD, NJ) -- Killer Queen, the award-winning UK-based Queen Tribute featuring the incredible Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, will perform at the Scottish Rite Auditorium on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. The group's ambitious twelve-week 2026 US Tour runs from April 16 to October 23. 
Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR

Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts presents Melissa Etheridge: RISE TOUR on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:00pm. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Etheridge has remained one of America's favorite female singers for more than two decades. A limited number of tickets remain for the show.
The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on April 17th

The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on April 17th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Simple Gifts on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Christ Congregation Church. Two women plus ten instruments equal one good time when the award-winning duo of Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon take the stage. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Remember Jones to present 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder

Remember Jones to present 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life"

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Remember Jones will present a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life - a one night only theatrical event featuring the ENTIRE album and MORE Stevie Wonder hits with a full expanded band, Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, and Very Special Guests on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2:00pm. This is a unique experience that puts the audience in control.
MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Popular entertainer Tony Danza brings his Standards and Stories concert to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Combining timeless music with wit, charm, storytelling, and a dash of soft shoe and ukulele performances, Danza performs a selection of his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook while interweaving stories about his life and personal connection to the music.
Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Contemporary folk stalwart Lucy Kaplansky will perform at Jersey Shore Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Jersey-born songwriter and guitarist Dave Vargo will open the show. The show is part of the on-going Split Level Concerts Series which highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.
State Theatre New Jersey presents

State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'n Roll Revival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'N Roll Revival on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:00pm. The evening features performances by Jay and the Americans, The Grass Roots, The Lovin' Spoonful, and The Brooklyn Bridge.
Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Actor, writer, designer and producer Isaac Mizrahi will blend comedy, storytelling and jazz for a performance at Stockton University's Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Showtime is 7:30pm.

 

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