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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 3/25/24


By Lazlo

originally published: 03/25/2024

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 Turnpike Gates, Kanak, Surfing For Daisy, and Rubber Band Gun. Plus a look back at "Breathe" by Hey Tiger.

Turnpike Gates - "Not Myself Today". Turnpike Gates describes their first full-length album, "Not Myself Today", as, "a collection of eight songs that chronicle the psychologically draining experience of living in a post-pandemic American city."

It is also a rollicking collection of songs that combine anthemic rock & roll with punk swagger, so while the subject matter might be draining, the music is energizing.

Kanak - "On The Outside". I have been a fan of Tom Kanach, the frontman of Kanak, and his music going back to my college radio days in the 90's when I played his band Well Of Souls on a local music show I did at WMCX. Here we are 30 years later, and he is still putting out incredible music, with "On The Outside" being 6 power-pop songs to make your day better.

Surfing For Daisy - "Jammin' G (Saturday Night)". "Jammin' G (Saturday Night)" is another wonderful single from Surfing For Daisy. A very soulful Americana/Folk Rock song.




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Rubber Band Gun - "Zero Love Songs". Rubber Band Gun's latest album, "Zero Love Songs", may not contain love songs (though one song is titled "When Lovers Dream"), but it does contain 9 mid-tempo songs, some jangle pop, and a few chill pop.

Not New, But Memorable Corner

Hey Tiger - "Breathe". Christina Alessi & The Toll Collectors are a huge part of the New Jersey music scene, especially the Hoboken/Jersey City area scene, but years before Christina Alessi fronted Hey Tiger. They were also an amazing band that rocked all over NJ, and even got to open for Bon Jovi at Giants Stadium (footage of which can be seen here).

"Breathe", one of their first singles, is a powerful slow build of a song, and still a masterpiece to me all these years later.

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




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Tuesday

Tuesday Night Record Club - Stevie Wonder, Talking Book

Tuesday, February 03, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Monmouth University - The Great Hall
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music


 

Junior

Junior Mack

Tuesday, February 03, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 

Umphrey’s

Umphrey’s McGee

Wednesday, February 04, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

The

The Growing Stage presents "Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale"

Friday, February 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
The Historic Palace Theatre
7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
category: music


 

The

The Commodores

Friday, February 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music


 


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

The

The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Anne Hills on February 20th

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Anne Hills, one of contemporary folk music's premier vocalists, on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Christ Congregation Church in Princeton. In addition to her marvelous voice and inspired song writing, Hills accompanies herself with skill on guitar and banjo. An Anne Hills concert always includes unforgettable material and original, heartfelt songs. Showtime is 8:00pm.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the eries are $20-$30.



RVCC

RVCC presents Bachelors of Broadway: Gentlemen of the Theatre on February 28th

(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College will present Bachelors of Broadway: Gentlemen of the Theatre, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 7:00pm. The concert will feature a trio of dashing men performing symphonic arrangements of beloved songs from musical theatre.



Altamura

Altamura Legacy Concerts presents "Moonlight in the Afternoon"

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4:00pm, Altamura Legacy Concerts (ALC) will present Moonlight in the Afternoon at Princeton UMC (located on Nassau Street at Vandeventer Avenue.) The concert features the Italian pianist Francesco Mazzonetto from Turin, Italy in a recital of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, plus works by Clemente, Liszt and the Italian film score composer Ezio Bosso.



Starland

Starland Ballroom presents Cheap Trick on March 20th

(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Currently gearing up for their 50th anniversary year, Cheap Trick remain an indisputable, indispensable rock 'n' roll institution, beloved everywhere for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential union of mischievous wit and maximum melodies, powerhouse pop hooks and razor-sharp riffs. James Hatem will open the night.