By Lazlo
originally published: 10/28/2024
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 Kevin Liebkemann, Fear of Falling, The Mighty Alrighty, Tim and Brian, and Meteor Police. Plus a look back at "Song For A Musician" by Happy Joe.
Kevin Liebkemann - "About Time". "Kevin Liebkemann's debut album features ten original songs touching on the concept of time", says his Bandcamp page, which explains why the title is "About Time". His acoustic folk/Americana stylings are very laidback and relaxing. He's a storyteller, and one, in my opinion, worth listening to.
Fear of Falling - "King Of America". "From The White House To The Crack House", says Fear of Falling's latest single, "King Of America". By their own admission, this song, "pulls no punches", and is a "critique of power, corruption, and the twisted delusions of authority". It does so, almost deceptively, under a catchy middle of the road rock tune.
The Mighty Alrighty - "Enough Is Enough (Single Mix) (feat. Tyler Insley)". With "Enough Is Enough", The Mighty Alrighty can no longer be called, "apartment rock", as they did when the project started back in 2018. This is a full on rock song, and a politically charged one at that. "Enough is enough, It's time for action..." VOTE!
(speaking of voting, early voting is open and I urge you to vote blue! More voter info: https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote.shtml)
Tim and Brian - "Mmm Hmm". It has been 13 years since the last release from Tim and Brian (Tim Egan and Brian Ferrel). Most of us thought we'd never hear anything new from. Surprise! The "folktronic-rock duo" are back... with 1 new song, "Mmm Hmm", and it is a great tune!
I look forward to their next single, should we all be lucky enough to still be here, in 2037.
Meteor Police - "Hallowtide Hymns E.P.". Just in time for Halloween Meteor Police release, "Hallowtide Hymns E.P." Four post-hardcore/post-punk Halloween/Horror themed songs, including a cover of Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Halloween", should get you all set for the holiday this week.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Happy Joe - "Song For A Musician". Happy Joe (aka Joe Canzano) is a talented singer-songwriter who generally writes fun, catchy tunes like "Smashed Up Cadillac" and "I Quit"... earworms that are also amusing. Both of those songs appear on his most recent album... which was released in January of 2010 (I'm told a new album is finally coming soon). Also on the album, is one of Joe's most heartfelt songs, "Song For A Musician", which he wrote as a tribute to Jack Stock, a musician who used to play at any and every open mic night.
That's all for this week.
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 at https://gardenstate.social/@BlowUpRadio (and bridged on BlueSky at https://bsky.app/profile/BlowUpRadio.gardenstate.social.ap.brid.gy)
EVENT PREVIEWS
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday
(WARETOWN, NJ) -- The outlaw spirit of classic Country music will ride into Albert Music Hall on Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the historic Waretown venue presents a special evening dedicated to the songs, stories, and the independent spirit of Outlaw Country.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
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.
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.
MORE EVENTS
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