By Lazlo
originally published: 05/13/2024
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 Chris Tiedemann, Cut The Kids In Half, The Ratchets, Mike Herz, Estrogents, and JD Burner. Plus a look back at "There's A Hope" by Val Emmich & The Veeries.
Chris Tiedemann - "Chemical Grudge". On "Chemical Grudge" Chris Tiedemann brings power-pop hooks to modern rock/hard rock/metal tunes. It is wonderful!
Cut The Kids In Half - "A Good Man Died". Cut The Kids In Half may be a teenage duo from Rahway, NJ that named themselves after the bridge of Radiohead's "Morning Bell", but their second single, "A Good Man Died", doesn't make me think of Radiohead. The song has their own catchy modern rock thing going on.
The Ratchets - "Swagger With Kindness". The Ratchets have always excelled at creating rock anthems. Their latest, "Swagger With Kindness", is described by the band as "encouraging self-acceptance and authenticity". The B-Side is a chilled out, percussive based remix from Strawberry Zaiquiri.
Mike Herz - "River in the Rain". "It's a tune about mindfulness and recognizing happiness when you are in it", says Mike Herz of his new single, "River in the Rain". This beautiful singer-songwriter tune was 4 minutes and 20 seconds of pure happiness for me.
Estrogents - "Low Voltage". Estrogents showcase another side of themselves by stripping down four of their songs for bonfire acoustic versions. The EP may be called "Low Voltage", but low voltage does not mean low energy. These songs still rock.
JD Burner - "Something's off Here". JD Burner describes themselves as, "an acoustic punk comedy duo from North Cape May". Their debut EP, "Something's off Here", showcases that while their songs are witty and amusing, they take songwriting seriously, as these songs are legit.
Not New, But Memorable Corner
Val Emmich & The Veeries - "There's A Hope". Back in 2011 multi-hyphenate artist (singer-songwriter, actor, author), Val Emmich, released "Aide Memoire", his only album backed by The Veeries.
Look, to me you can't go wrong with Val's music. He writes catchy songs of varying rock/folk/pop genres, with introspective lyrics, but there is something special about the songs on "Aide Memoire". No song stands out more than the album's closing track, the epic eight and a half minute "There's A Hope". The song slowly builds, and becomes more impassioned. Sometimes when I feel beat down, I turn to this song and it reinvigorates me.
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
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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