CMJ 2012: Jake's Best Shows of CMJ

As CMJ drew to a close the week long music marathon put a pounding on all those involved. With over 1,300 artist performances spread out over more than 80 of NYC’s greatest venues we can all agree that it was an overload of music and an under-load of sleep. It was a phenomenal experience to listen in on the up and coming talent in the game, see one of a kind performances, and hear new sounds that only NYC is lucky enough to host.

Highlights from this week long event:

-Complex teamed up with First we Feast to host a night of madness. They took over the House of Vans in Brooklyn for a “Judgment Night”. The show featured a stellar DJ set by Alchemist where he teamed up with SpaceGhostPurpp. The show also introduced rappers KA, Ratking, Savoir Adore and then mixed up the evening with the rock band Savages. That was a real twist in the mood but it worked and kept the crowd intrigued. Almost as intriguing as the snickerdoodle ice-cream sandwiches that the foodie blog “First we Feast” supplied. The night ended with a bang with Action Bronson the rapper-chef who really cooked up a solid show before Paul Banks of Interpol shut the house down.

-The Miguel show at Public Assembly was an at-capacity banger of a show where he really flaunted his vocal range and took the crowd on a melodic journey. It was really cool to see Miguel in such an intimate setting knowing that it is only a matter of time before he takes over the pop charts. His voice, stage presence, and captivating beats made him a delight to listen to. Particularly as he was melting ladies hearts left and right.

-The Get Right Records showcase at the Box was pretty much everything you could expect from the venue. Wild, unpredictable, and a little out there. With sets from Solidisco, Jason Smith, and Benzi the crowd was bumpin and grinding with such an eclectic and creative array of DJ sets. Master Shortie and Shwazye came on stage for some impromptu performances and Silver Medallion finished the night really beating down the crowd with his heavy beats. It was a treat and a night full of surprises that was well worth waiting in line for a solid 45 minutes for.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=groqP9z1cVI[/youtube]

-Webster Hall featured two nights of great music. The first night featured 12th Planet and AC Slater. These two quickly rising stars in the electronic world kept the party going til the wee hours and left my ears ringing for days. It was the type of ringing that a music fanatic likes to have because it only left me craving more. They brought some heavy, heavy, heavy dub step, drum and bass and electro sounds that really brought out the grimey side of Webster fanatics. The other night at Webster was the Moodswing360 showcase that featured an all female line-up of Nina Sky, Maluca, Anjulie, Lady Starlight, Roxy Cottontail, Chippy Nonstop and Jane Bang. The ladies impressed the Studio at Webster with some great performances and some dj sets that kept everyone dancing.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFM3H4DyyXw[/youtube]

All in all, CMJ was a massive success. A week long musical journey that only sparked musical curiosity throughout the city. It was a week to remember.