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
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.
Carteret PAC presents Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys on June 20th
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys bring The Brotherhood Tour to Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $58-$108.
The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band at the Montclair Brewery on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
