CMJ: Day 1
posted October 20, 2011, 1:45 am | Log In To Post Comments | 
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Tags: We Are Augustines, Zola Jesus, Portugal. The Man, Jenny Owen Youngs, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
First off, let me give a brief history of what CMJ is. College Music Journal (CMJ) is an annual festival in NYC. It is a weekly magazine aimed at the music industry and college radio station. Over 900 musicians play in various small venues throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Wednesday was my first time at CMJ. I had no clue what to expect. One thing to note, sets are 30-45 minutes, tops. They start on time and end promptly. This is perfect if you have ADHD. It was a rainy Wednesday morning - which put a small damper on the day, but CMJ must go on!
Zola Jesus @ the Ace HotelHave you ever seen a band play in a hotel lobby? Me neither, until today. I walked in fairly late for this performance. For being a tiny girl dressed in a light pink dress, Zola Jesus (real name Nika Roza Danilova) had the crowd moving at 10:45am. I am upset I missed majority of her set, but I did catch her powerful performance of 'Vessel' from the new album Conatus. Hopefully I can see her perform again during CMJ!
We Are Augustines @ the Ace Hotel
KEXP Seattle is hosting the events at the Ace Hotel all week. The performances are live on the radio. Billy McCarthy, Eric Sanderson, and Rob Allen took the stage to perform tracks from their new album, Rise Ye Sunken Ships. McCarthy dripped with sweat by the end of the short 30 minute set. Their performance was impressive. If you were not a fan going in, you certainly left one.
Portugal. The Man @ the Ace Hotel
It has been a busy year for the band, playing at SXSW, Bonnaroo, and Lollapolooza (remember their van was stolen). I was actually surprised to see a band this popular on the on the bill for this years CMJ. Lead singer John Gourley and Co calmy played to a maxed out hotel lobby. The acoustic set was a nice mix from all their albums. They played the old fan favorite, 'People Say' as well as, "Got it All (This Can't Be Living Now)" from their newest album.
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ the Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel was officially at capacity. I know because my friend was apart of the press and was not allowed back in. Majority of their set was from their new album, Hysterical. They oped with Hysterical's album opener, "Same Mistake". "Ketamine and Ecstasy" was the most memorable song from the bunch. I left their set early in hopes to catch Sleeper Agent across town.
Jenny Owen Youngs @ Rockwood Music Hall
I am not sure what made me want to go see Jenny Owens Young play, but I am glad I did. It was a nice chance of scene from a hotel lobby to a small bar with a stage. The past bands did not talk much to the crowd. Jenny interacted with the crowd and told the meanings to some of the songs she was about to perform. Jenny Owen Youngs was the best performance of the day.
Setlist:
- Clean Brick
- Pirates
- Last
- Full of Fever
- Last Person
- Your Apartment
- Drinking Song
- Why You Fall
- Led To The Sea
- Start + Stop
- Love For Long
The day started early and ended early. Thursday will start off with Givers and Dum Dum Girls. I will also be checking out Tristen, Grimes, Caveman, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Emily Greene...and more.
