The CMJ Music Marathon is upon us. Starting tomorrow, multitudes of fans, bands and industry types will fill venues throughout NYC. It’s a time for excitement and panic because of all the choices. We thought a day-by-day breakdown would be nice, offering you broad view of what’s in store. Get ready, here is part 1 covering Tuesday and Wednesday. Plan accordingly.
Tuesday, October 18
CMJ Kicks off with a bang. Some easy choices as well as some hidden gems. Here is our take on what’s important. You can also view the full schedule at schedule.cmj.com.
Live4Ever Showcase at Brooklyn Bowl
Great UK acts and some late night DJ’s? Yes please. Live sets from The Duke Spirit, Figo, Damn Dogs, Pint Shot Riot and DJ sets late into the night with LA Riots, VHS or Beta and Boyhollow. The show is free with a RSVP and to CMJ badge holders. Doors @ 6pm.
Zola Jesus at Knitting Factory
Zola Jesus just released the pretty awesome Conatus and this is the first chance to catch her at CMJ. Packing a big voice and even bigger songs, catch her at the small Knitting Factory and let it wash over you. If you can’t catch Zola Jesus on Tuesday, you can see them again at Le Poisson Rouge on Wednesday (although it’s not a CMJ show). Doors @ 7:30pm
Zola Jesus – Vessel
Computer Magic at The Delancey
There’s this great solo electronic-pop artist Danielle (“Danz”), aka Computer Magic came down to join us living in New York, coming from upstate, and we’re glad she did. Set time 9:40 p.m.
Wild Flag at Bowery Ballroom
This show will be well attended. Show up early, got a good spot and enjoy. Carrie Brownstein and company deliver a wild live performance. The show is sold out, so the only way to get in is with a badge or scalping a ticket. Eleanor Friedberger and Hospitality open. Doors @ 7:30pm.
Wild Flag – Glass Tambourine by Off Air
Public Assembly
I’m cheating a bit on this since there are two showcases going on at Public Assembly. Mexican Summer has a showcase in the Back Room featuring Light Asylum and Radio People. In the Front Room, Car Park/Paw Tracks has their showcase featuring Class Actress, Dent May and Cloud Nothings. Doors @ 7:30pm for both shows.
Titus Andronicus
Popgun Booking and Stereogum are throwing quite the party at Glasslands. Titus Andronicus and Delicate Steve are playing along with Chelsea Wolfe and Hollerado. Doors @ 8pm.
Wednesday, October 19
This day is pretty eclectic with a lot to choose from during the day and night. KEXP is holding down the fort at The Ace Hotel and will feature performances by Portugal. The Man, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Zola Jesus.
Noisey.com CMJ Showcase at Santos Party House
Twin Shadow, Main Attrakionz, Pujol and Bleached are a few of the names playing this free show. Twin Shadow has been playing larger spaces and the great sound system of Santos means a great night out. Doors @ 7pm.
Under the Radar CMJ Showcase at Public Assembly
Time to take things over during the day time. Under the Radar is taking over Public Assembly early and will feature performances by Chad Valley, Porcelain Raft, Eleanor Friedberger, Still Corners and The Stepkids. Doors @ 12:30pm.
Domino Records/Ribbon and Stereogum Showcase at 285 Kent
Twin Sister, John Maus and Deradoorian are playing live sets while Deakin and Geologist from Animal Collective spin. There will be free vodka from 8pm – 9pm. Doors @ 8pm.
Creme de la Creme Showcase at Tammany Hall
This is one stacked dance party that Spotify and The Dfm are throwing. Art Vs. Science, Body Language, Penguin Prison and Gordon Voidwell are playing live sets with plenty of DJ acts to boot. Free with a RSVP here. Doors @ 7pm.
Penguin Prison – The Worse It Gets
Golden Ratio and Paper Trail at Cameo Gallery
If you want to get sweaty and thrash around, this is the show for you. Things always get a little crazy when Japanther is on the bill. So So Glos and Fort Lean are two other acts on the bill that should get you excited. Doors @ 7:30pm.
Yuksek at Fat Baby
French electro-pop producer Yuksek, who just wowed the crowed at The Creators Project — a crowd in which we spotted MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden, brings his two band-mates along for what’s sure to be another fun set, this time for The Great Escape showcase. Set time 11 p.m.
Yuksek – Extraball by juicybox
