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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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FEATURED EVENTS

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The

The Commodores

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


 

512:

512: The Selena Experience

Friday, February 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music


 

Emanuel

Emanuel Ax, piano

Friday, February 06, 2026 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: music


 

An

An Intimate Evening With David Foster & Katharine McPhee

Friday, February 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music


 

Elytis

Elytis Chair Fund Board of Trustees presents Greek Music Anthology

Friday, February 06, 2026 @ 6:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: music


 


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

The

The Marie Rader Series presents Philly Pops "Blockbusters in the 'Burbs" concert at Rowan

(GLASSBORO, NJ) -- The Marie Rader Series presents the South Jersey debut of the new Philly Pops at Rowan University. On Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 3:00pm, the Pops will present "Blockbusters in the Burbs" at Rowan's Pfleeger Concert Hall, introducing audiences in South Jersey to the orchestra.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents Dru Hill

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Dru Hill featuring SisQo, Nokio, Jazz, Smoke, Black, and Scola on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. DJ Ralphie Mercado will perform an opening set at 7:15pm. In honor of their 25th Anniversary in the music industry, Dru Hill is featuring all members of the group, past and present, to give fans an experience they will never forget.



Singer-Songwriter

Singer-Songwriter Conference & Showcase Returns to Cape May in March

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The annual Singer-Songwriter of Cape May Conference & Showcase returns March 27–28, 2026, bringing two inspiring days of music, learning, and connection to historic Congress Hall and venues throughout downtown Cape May. Hosted in Congress Hall's Grand Ballroom and Harrison Conference Center, the 2026 conference continues its tradition of uniting songwriters, performers, and music industry professionals in one of the East Coast's most iconic seaside towns.



State

State Theatre New Jersey presents Who's Bad - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience on Saturday

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Who's Bad - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8:00pm. This power-packed tribute to Michael Jackson has ignited crowds around the world and can only be described as a jaw-dropping, musical must-see. Limited tickets remain.



MPAC

MPAC presents Alan Cumming: Uncut

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Multi-hyphenate, multi-award winning, multimedia mogul Alan Cumming returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, February 5, 2026 with a new cabaret show, this time even more revealing, hilarious and authentic than ever before. It is, in fact, Alan Cumming Uncut. With musical direction by Henry Koperski. Showtime is 7:30pm. Limited tickets remain.