It’s about to be that time of year again, when NYC is completely immersed in music for five days straight for the CMJ Festival. There are films too, but the amount of music takes ultimate precedence. With almost 900 bands announced, it’s quite difficult to decide who to see. We at BestNewBands.com are here to help. We’re picking a handful of bands for every day of the festival that we think are more than worthy, although they’re certainly not the only bands who are more than worthy. Besides, part of the beauty of festivals like CMJ is that you’re bound to discover great new music no matter what. If you get to a show to find that it’s already sold out, don’t worry, just head to the next venue down the block. There’s really no way to lose. Now, here are our band picks for Day 1 – Tue. Oct 18:
Gauntlet Hair
At 7pm, Pianos in the Lower East Side is hosting the Lefse Records CMJ Showcase, with BestNewBands.com favorites Cuckoo Chaos, A Lull, and our recent discovery Gauntlet Hair. Get an idea of their experimental pop sound with their video for “I was Thinking…” below:
This show is 21+, at a $10 ticket for a total of six bands.
Dent May
Back in Brooklyn, there’s a whole lineup of young and sprightly bands at Public Assembly. This will include Dent May, who is like Mississippi’s bizarro Jens Lekman, and Cloud Nothings, who puts on a great high-energy show. This Car Park / Paw Tracks showcase will be in the front room of the venue, and free for all badge holders 21+.
Also in Brooklyn, Zola Jesus will be hitting the stage at Knitting Factory at 8:30pm. Her new single “Vessel” off of her latest album CONATUS (that just dropped yesterday) has created much buzz. Tix for this show are $15.
In Bushwick, Shea Stadium is hosting the Newtown Radio CMJ party with Parlovr and Mister Melt. If you caught Parlovr’s show at Glasslands, you know how good they are live. If you didn’t, now is your time to find out. Show starts at 8pm, $8, all ages.
And if you managed to get tickets to Wild Flag’s sold out show at Bowery Ballroom, well, you already know what you’re doing Oct. 18.
