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
Sinatra Celebration Concert To Swing in Ocean Grove This June
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sinatra Celebration Concert, a theatrical special event to honor the legendary career of musical icon Frank Sinatra, is being presented by producer Karen Morris of Sand Castle Communications and The Rat Pack Music Alliance.
Broadcast Legend Sid Mark to be Remembered at Ocean Grove Event on June 7th
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Sid Mark, the popular and iconic radio host, sadly passed away four years ago, on April 18th, 2022. Sid’s son Brian Mark, Executive Producer of Orange Productions' nationally syndicated radio program The Sounds of Sinatra with Sid Mark, will be a very special host/guest speaker, at a musical event which will highlight the legacy of his father and celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Sounds of Sinatra broadcast program.
Prudential Center presents Mexican superstar Carín León on June 7th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mexican superstar Carín León entered a bold new chapter of his acclaimed career with the release of Muda - his new studio album and one of the most eclectic of his catalog. See for yourself when he performs at the Prudential Center on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra presents "Music in Bloom" on June 7th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) will present its Spring Concert, Music in Bloom, on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Richardson Auditorium on the Princeton University campus. The performance will feature GPYO's top ensembles in a dynamic program of orchestral works by Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and John Philip Sousa. Showtime is 3:00pm.
The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on June 7th
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Jeffrey Gaines & Josh Joplin on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 7:00pm. NOTE: This show was originally scheduled for May 14. All tickets will be honored on the new date.
Orion Weiss Returns to South Jersey on June 7th
(SEWELL, NJ) -- Music at Bunker Hill welcomes pianist Orion Weiss in his third appearance on their series on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00pm. Weiss is a "brilliant pianist" (The New York Times) with "powerful technique and exceptional insight" (The Washington Post).
Mahwah Museum to host Les Paul 111th Birthday Celebration: "The Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute Show with Tom & Sandy Doyle" on June 7th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Raise a toast to a legend. Celebrate Les Paul's 111th birthday with an unforgettable Les Paul & Mary Ford Tribute at The Mahwah Museum performed by Tom & Sandy Doyle on Saturday, June 7, 2026 at 2:00pm. Cake will be served as they toast the birthday.
Anderson Brothers to Play 'Best of Berlin' at June Jersey Jazz LIVE! Concert in Madison
(MADISON, NJ) -- In March 2025, multireedists (and twin brothers) Will and Peter Anderson released an album on the Arbors Records label entitled The Best of Berlin, performing 13 tunes composed by Irving Berlin.
Telegraph Quartet to Perform on the Morris Museum's Back Deck to Kick Off Its Celebrated Summer Outdoor Concerts Series
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Telegraph Quartet will return to perform for the Morris Museum's seventh annual Back Deck season. This outdoor concert series began during the pandemic, and The New York Times describes it as "Live Music Splendor in a Parking Lot." Showtime is 7:30pm.
Carteret PAC presents Jo Dee Messina
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Chart-topping country music icon Jo Dee Messina will perform at The URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Friday, June 12, 2026. Messina is known for her powerful vocals and extensive catalog including nine number-one hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and awards and nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA, Billboard, and the Grammys. Showtime is 8:000pm.
MORE EVENTS
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