By Lazlo
originally published: 11/25/2024
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 Katye Kellye and The Interruption; Solo For Dolo; Backyard Superheroes; Danello, The Sad Surfer; and Loveseat Pete. Plus a look back at "America Is For Everyone" by Hal Guitarist.
Katye Kellye and The Interruption - "New Year, 1904". Katye Kellye and The Interruption go Celtic Rock in their excellent new song, "New Year, 1904". The band describes the song as, "Based on a James Joyce story that takes place at family New Year party, the protagonist grapples with his identity, jealousy and his future."
Solo For Dolo - "Trauma Bonds". I've been a long time fan of Solo For Dolo, but his latest single, "Trauma Bonds", may be his best, and most personal, song yet. Why are you still reading this? Go listen to the song!
Backyard Superheroes - "Mass Hysteria". Ska-Punk band Backyard Superstars have really outdone themselves on their latest album, "Mass Hysteria". It is all the fun musically that you would expect from a ska-punk band, combined with some deeply personal and affecting lyrics. This album really hit me in multiple ways.
Also, they dedicated the album to their pets, "the real heroes", and 25% of all online sales will be donated to the NJSPCA.
Danello, The Sad Surfer - "Danello, The Sad Surfer II". Danello, The Sad Surfer returns with, "Danello, The Sad Surfer II", which ironically is largely comprised of songs written & recorded prior to the first album. So why were these not released first? No idea, but it is clearly not because they were of lesser quality than the debut album. Danello, The Sad Surfer continues to make some of the catchiest indie-pop-rock songs, which almost masks the heavier lyrics.
Loveseat Pete - "Alamo". Remember the "Alamo"! In this case "Alamo" is the debut full length album from Loveseat Pete. The album is full of indie-power-pop rock, with a few shoegaze and folk rock songs for a well rounded collection.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Hal Guitarist - "America Is For Everyone". Was Hal Guitarist inspired by Woody Guthrie when he wrote "America Is For Everyone" back in 2018? Quite possibly. I look at the song as being in the spirit of "This Land Is Your Land". As the incoming administration next year is already trying to make certain types of people feel like they don't belong in America, I prefer the more optimistic, inclusionist view of Hal Guitarist.
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.
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