By Lighty
originally published: 04/30/2026
The second episode of Lighty’s Corner is live! This is a bi-weekly recorded radio show presenting new rock music from around the globe. Each of the 15 new tracks played were received via email within the last two weeks - a practice I hope to continue each time.
This show has music by artists from America, Canada, England, Finland, and Germany. There’s no theme to the show other than these are new tracks I think deserve to be heard. Most of the artists are indie, but the show does have new tracks by Jesse Malin and Arkells.
The last two weeks brought me a lot of great songs by female artists and bands with a female lead singer. The list includes “Barely Breathin’” by Francesca Fuentes, an artist from West Long Branch, NJ; “Letter to Elon” by Mr. Dinkles - a band from the LA/Seattle area; “Clearly Cursed”, the title track of a new album by Pony; “Ghouls” by Troubles - one of two bands from Helsinki, Finland in the show; “Skin Remembers” by Brain Leak from Manchester, England; and the show closes with the New York based Lauren Minear and her song “Bruise”.
A shout out to some EPs and albums that deserve mention: I really love “Between Us” - the new album by Arkells, a band from Ontario, Canada. I got introduced to them many years ago thanks to the Iceberg station on Sirius radio that I’d listen to on my hour commute to work. “Clearly Cursed” by Pony is an outstanding new album as is “R.I.P.T.” by Mr. Dinkles, which comes out in June. “Nightmares and Broken Dreams” by Dharma Guns from Finland has a lot of excellent tracks. And “The Rest of Me” by Rich Lancia from New Jersey is a terrific EP. It reminds me a bit of the Mr. Reality/Highway 9 vibe of rock and roll with a little country blended in the mix.
Lighty’s Corner uses “Rock is Dead” by Tenacious D as its theme song. It’s a song that makes me laugh and points out exactly what I’m up against - showing that rock and roll music isn’t dead. Throughout my entire lifetime (and probably for those a generation ahead of me as well), I’ve heard that there isn’t any good music being produced anymore. I not only disagree, I couldn’t disagree more.
I grew up in the 1980s when only a handful of bands ever had the opportunity or finances to release an album. That was back when getting a record deal meant everything in the world because it led to an actual recording. Just think of all of the artists back then who never got the chance to record their music… I think most artists have at least one good (or even great) song in them. What I’m trying to do with this show is find that song.
Thanks go out to the artists, record labels, and radio promoters who sent the tracks. Some include This Could Be Your Music Label, Obsidian PR and Media, Earshot Media, Presshopper, take this to heart records, and Echo Myron. If you are an artist with new music, feel free to send me a WAV, MP3, or download link to [email protected] for consideration in a future show.
I’m trying to keep the show around one hour each time. Here are a few tracks that just missed the cut that deserve a listen: “Feet Don't Fail Me Now” by The Velvet Room; “Wasted Time” by Mirror Glass; “Overflow feat. Astrology Girl” by Howells; “Hide Away” by Dead Reynolds; and “Nightmare Dreaming” by Thorne.
EPISODE 2: TRACKLIST
Rock is Dead -Tenacious D
Barely Breathin' - Francesca Fuentes
All Over Me - Brokof
Riverside - PuZL
Hollywood Forever -Jesse Malin
Still I Carry On - Bluesnado
Letter to Elon - Mr. Dinkles
Imagine Barcelona - Arkells
Dreaming Screaming - Ryan Hamilton
Clearly Cursed - Pony
Keep Running - Slowdrive Avenue
So Long, C’Est La Vie - Rich Lancia
Shame - Dharma Guns
Ghouls - Troubles
Sunset Strip - Kickstand Jenny
Skin Remembers - Brain Leak
Bruise (made of glass version) - Lauren Minear
EVENT PREVIEWS
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th
(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
Gateway Playhouse to produce "Concert For A Cure" Fundraiser on June 28th
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
FEATURED EVENTS
