By Lazlo
originally published: 06/01/2026
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 Songbird, Allison Strong, Hexagon Cat, Sleep Station, and Lily Vakili. Plus a look back at "Everything Explodes" by Joshua Van Ness.
Songbird - "Is It Love?". Songbird continues to put out pop singles that belong all over commercial pop stations. I have to assume the only reasons her songs are not is because commercial radio generally ignores independent artists. But with songs like her new single "Is It Love?", I don't think she'll be independent for long, unless it is by choice.
Allison Strong - "Weightless". Another artist who I would expect to hear on commercial radio is Allison Strong. I would say her voice is her strength, as it is amazing, but the lyrics of her new single, "Weightless", are equally... well, pardon the pun, but... strong.
Allison describes the song as being about, "breaking up with the part of myself that has been playing small and safe since I lost and regained the ability to walk. It’s about letting go, feeling lighter and dancing into a whole new era."
Hexagon Cat - "Red Hexagon". A hexagon is six sided.
A Hexagon Cat is I guess a six sided band.
How so, considering there looks to be only four members of the band?
Well their sound on their new album, "Red Hexagon", is, depending on the song, alternative, prog rock, indie rock, orchestral pop, psychedelic rock, Mellow Wave... at least six sides, maybe more, and they are all awesome. And like a cat they will do whatever they want musically, and I'm glad they do.
Sleep Station - "This Side of Heaven". As an atheist, I'm not sure where "This Side of Heaven" is, but if being there means getting to have Sleep Station's new album, then I want to be there. This is some transcendent mid-tempo alt-indie-folk-rock!
Lily Vakili - "Live Wire". There is nothing like capturing an electrifying live band. Lily Vakili knows this, and for her latest album, "Live Wire", her and her band recorded it live. The result is mesmerizing mix of blues, rock, jazz... almost a cinematic vibe running throughout.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Joshua Van Ness - "Everything Explodes". It is 2008. I am lying on my bed, eyes closed, listening to Joshua Van Ness's DNA album for the first time.
Joshua is an amazing singer-songwriter who writes catchy, mid-tempo folk-rock-pop, that I absolutely love.
But then track 5 begins, and I check if I am still listening to the same album, because "Everything Explodes" kicks in when a thumping beat and a hard edged guitar riff. This is an industrial rock, dance club hybrid that 18 years later still blows my mind every time I hear it.
If this song doesn't grab your attention and get you up and moving... well I get to each their own, but this song is a three minute workout to me.
To my knowledge Joshua Van Ness has never recorded another song in this style, and only played this live a couple of times (the first of which may have been because I wouldn't stop asking him to).
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
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania Beatles Tribute Band on Friday
(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents An Evening with Britishmania - a Beatles Tribute Band on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. This band invites you to take a memorable trip back to the 1960's to experience the wonderful sound and stage persona of The Beatles.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
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.
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.
FEATURED EVENTS
