Last month, CMJ held its 35th annual music marathon at more than 80 music venues around the New York City Area. Hundreds of bands and performers played multiple shows throughout the week in the hopes of creating a buzz for music industry fans.
There were many talented acts to be seen during the week. Here are a few that impressed us.
Thunderbitch at Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY October 16, 2015
Without a doubt, the best set we saw during CMJ 2015 came from Thunderbitch, featuring Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes. Check out our full review and photos from their electrifying concert at the Knitting Factory.
Grace Mitchell at Brooklyn Bowl, NY October 15, 2015
If veteran DJ Zane Lowe talks highly of you, then you know you're doing something right. Singer Grace Mitchell is only a teenager, but you wouldn't be able to tell. When she performed on this night, she exuded confidence, talent, and maturity into her electro-driven pop set. She pumped a lot of energy into her songs, and held nothing back. Elements of dance, electronica, and hip hop brought a unique style that the fans clearly enjoyed. Keep your eyes and ears open for Grace Mitchell because she's poised to be a household name.
You can download Grace's five song EP, Raceday, on Amazon.
Tokyo Police Club at Rough Trade, NY October 14, 2015
Canada's Tokyo Police Club was one of the more well-known band's playing this year's CMJ festival, so it came as no surprise when the room at Rough Trade filled up to soak in their brand of alternative rock songs. Their set was full of catchy songs that the fans enjoyed singing along to.
Pick up their 2014 album, Forcefield, on Amazon (Vinyl, CD, MP3).
The Joy Formidable at Brooklyn Bowl, NY October 15, 2015
There was a strong fanbase for Welsh indie rock band The Joy Formidable, and they had their fans engaged in every song throughout the night. Their 11-song set consisted of songs mostly from their 2013 album Wolf's Law and 2010 albumBalloon Called Moaning.
Pick up Wolf's Law and A Balloon Called Moaning on Amazon.
Joywave at Brooklyn Bowl, NY October 13, 2015
You can't go wrong catching a show any night of the week at the Williamsburg hot spot Brooklyn Bowl. The venue tends to draw a hip clientele and always features interesting acts. New York indie rock band Joywave brought their signature sound of dance-infused rock to an audience that was clearly engaged. Joywave's entire 11-song set consisted of songs from their 2015 album, How Do You Feel Now? Pick it up on Amazon (Vinyl, CD, MP3).
The Kickback at Rough Trade, NY October 14, 2015
Chicago indie rock band The Kickback brought a ton of energy to their set at record store / music venue Rough Trade, also in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Their style of rock mixed elements of hard-driving guitar riffs and pounding drums, supported by thick bass. The intimacy of the venue seemed to really work in the band's favor, as they felt engaged with the fans and seemed to feed off the room's vibe.
Pick up their 2015 album, Sorry All Over the Place, on Amazon (Vinyl, CD, MP3).
Oberhofer at Brooklyn Bowl, NY October 13, 2015
Active since 2008, Brooklyn based Oberhofer had a strong support of fans on this night. They did a clever job of combining synth-pop beats with catchy vocal melodies.
Pick up their 2015 album, Chronovision, on Amazon (Vinyl, CD, MP3).
