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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 10/28/24

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.



 




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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.




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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

(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.

Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik

MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park

51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show

(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB

WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th

(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.

51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th

(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.

McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.

 

FEATURED EVENTS



Mary Fahl

Sunday, August 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ


The Stray Cats

Sunday, August 16, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Free Summer Event: Wilma

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) - Vail Mansion Plaza
Morristown, NJ


Orleans, Firefall, Pure Prairie League & Atlanta Rhythm Section

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
Morristown, NJ


Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ