By Lazlo
originally published: 04/08/2024
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 Timothy Larigan, The Cynz, Aaron Pinto, furiousBall, and Commons 2. Plus a look back at "Dead Roses" by Quick Trigger.
BlowUpRadio.com Needs your help. Due to a problem with Bandcamp's "New Arrivals" search, it has become more difficult for us to keep up on new local New Jersey Music. If you are releasing music please remember to forward your music to us to play on BlowUpRadio.com. If you know someone releasing new music, make sure they know to send their music our way so we can play them too. Contact us at [email protected]
Timothy Larigan - "Summer Camp". On the Bandcamp page for Timothy Larigan's "Summer Camp", and B-Side "Meteors", he writes of the two songs that he was, "suddenly inspired". I hope he gets more inspiration, because these two indie folk songs are lovely.
The Cynz - "Little Miss Lost". The Cynz come out of the gate strong with their debut album, "Little Miss Lost". Cyndi Dawson and Henry Seiz have created memorable power-pop tunes while writing semi-autobiographically about Cyndi's pre-adult life.
Aaron Pinto - "Aaron Pinto". There are few artists that would put out a double album as their debut, and even fewer artists who put out a double album that doesn't feel overlong. Aaron Pinto's self-titled double album is 30 songs, one hour and twenty two minutes, of pop rock earworms. An absolute joy to listen to from beginning to end!
furiousBall - "Fixt". The press release kind of says it all beautifully: "Fixt is perhaps the best entry point for all FuriousBall newcomers, since it’s a collection of some of his catchiest, most addictive songs to date, and they’ve all been given superb updated mixes."
Or to put it another way, let "Fixt" be your gateway drug to furiousBall's infectious, lush, music.
Commons 2 - "Real Life". Commons 2 returns with a catchy piece of art-pop in "Real Life". I could say more, but just listen to it.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Quick Trigger - "Dead Roses (demo)". This one goes way back to the early 90's. Quick Trigger was a rock band that always put on a great live show and put out a series of demo tapes, some of which I am lucky enough to still have. Sadly, Quick Trigger's lead singer, Billy, tragically died in 1999, well before everyone's music was put on the internet. So most of Quick Trigger's music is unavailable, though I do occasionally still play their songs on BlowUpRadio.com. I did find this demo (I think all of their releases were demos) of "Dead Roses", which should give you some insight into this band's sound. Miss these guys!
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
EVENT PREVIEWS
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.
SOPAC to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, June 12, 2026 with Gala 20: Featuring Max Weinberg's Jukebox — a venue-wide celebration from 5:00pm–11:00pm.
Trenton City Museum presents Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on June 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum presents the concert Art & Song: A Musical Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 6:30pm. Versatile vocalists Tom Chiola and Pam Jorgensen, accompanied by the George Sinkler Trio, will delight audience members with selections from Broadway, Blues, Jazz, and more. Transformed into a stylish jazz café, the museum will also provide delicious food and beverages amid the art of the just-opened Ellarslie Open 43 exhibition. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
French Montana to Headline Grand Opening of Dream Live Performing Arts Center
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) -- American Dream will celebrate the region's opening World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco with the debut of its newest venue, the Dream Live Performing Arts Center, with a postgame concert by French Montana on June 13, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey
Sixty years ago, Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 (A&M Records) emerged as both a masterful artistic statement and a major commercial breakthrough album. The record helped introduce the sophisticated rhythms and cool elegance of Brazilian bossa nova and samba to a truly global audience, blending Brazilian musical traditions with American pop, jazz, and contemporary studio production and repertoire.
Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on June 18th
(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- The Levoy Theatre presents Paul Thorn on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop.
Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim Bring Award-Nominated Country Blues to Lizzie Rose Music Room on June 18th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Award-nominated country blues duo Erin Harpe & Countryman Jim will bring their captivating blend of traditional country blues, folk, and Americana to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 7:30pm.
The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers to Perform at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Genre-defying rock legends The Black Crowes bring their massive co-headlining Southern Hospitality Tour with modern rock's boundary-pushing powerhouse Whiskey Myers to Prudential Center in Newark on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
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