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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 5/4/26

By Lazlo

originally published: 05/04/2026

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 Teen Idle, Rich Lancia, Somebody Club, Suede Aces, and Exit Eleven. Plus a look back at "Songs for the Moon" by The Porchistas.

Before we get into the New & Notable...

*** TICKET GIVEAWAY ***

Win 2 tickets to see Jason Didner and the GSP's album release show for their new album, "Asbury Heart", at Porta (Asbury Park) on Friday, May 15th.

How to enter and all the rules at: https://jasondidner.com/bur






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Teen Idle - "A Heart So Tender". I have always enjoyed Teen Idle's music. I have listened as her songwriting and sound has developed over the years, and her latest, "A Heart So Tender", is such a perfect album that I only need one word to describe it, masterpiece!

Rich Lancia - "The Rest Of Me". Sometimes I've had a rough day and I'm looking for something comfortable to relax with and feel good. Rich Lancia's new EP, "The Rest Of Me", fits that bill. The six mid-tempo Americana/singer-songwriter/adult-contemporary songs on the EP are fresh, but also feel like an old friend. I should also note that James Maddock produced the EP and plays on it.

Somebody Club - "Blue Sun" & "Foolish Things". Somebody Club returns with not one, but two new EPs! I can only guess why the songs on "Blue Sun" & "Foolish Things" where split into two EPs vs one album... "Blue Sun" leans more acoustic piano based songs, while "Foolish Things" leans more electric guitar based songs... but both EPs are highly recommended for fans of alternative rock.

Suede Aces - "Suede Aces". Suede Aces bio describes them as, "Drawing from the classic power of Led Zeppelin and the vocal soul of Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin the band crafts music that’s both timeless and forward-thinking." I don't think I could describe them any better myself. I definitely heard classic hard rock/blues in their songs, but it sounded less retro than many bands inspired by those classic sounds. Their self-titled debut album is quite the introduction.

Exit Eleven - "Fairweather Friends". Exit Eleven's "Fairweather Friends" is the Earworm of the week! This song is insanely catchy alternative-pop-rock. Don't be a fairweather friend, check out their single release show May 8th at Stone Pony.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

The Porchistas present Deivito - "Songs for the Moon". Deivito, New Jersey's master of Spanglish Sea Shanties was once a founding member of, the still active today band, The Porchistas. Back in 2007 they released the album "Songs for the Moon", recently re-released on Bandcamp. This collection is as fantastic today as it was 19 years ago.




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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

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.

CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Street Survivors - Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience

Friday, October 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


The Bob Band - A Bob Dylan Tribute

Friday, October 09, 2026 @ 8:00pm
The Strand Center for the Arts
400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, NJ


Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band®

Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ


Dueling Pianos

Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


The Wag's Halloween Spectacular

Saturday, October 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ