CMJ 2010 Line-up

CMJ has announced 99% of their music line-up (they're still booking a few bands) and once again it looks like this highly anticipated event will live up to its reputation. The festival runs from October 20 - October 23, with 5 different venues and 7 shows. Some of the bands I'm excited to see: Swingset Committee, Bear Hands, Brahms, Anni Rossi, and Arpline.


For those of you who are not familiar with CMJ, it is not just about the music. The film component is still tba, but some of the panels look interesting (like "Hey Mr. DJ, Put A Record On…A Real One"). The fest is also introducing CMJ Play for the first time this year, a one day event that is a "cross-pollination of the vibrant cultural forces between music and gaming." This makes me immediately think of the 8-bit band Fang Island. Perhaps an appearance will be in store? 


With general admission badges at a whopping $495 and student badges at $295, I have one word for you: Volunteer! 

Swingset Committee NYC Debut with Netherfriends

Swingset Committee - the new BK based natives - are hitting the scene tonight with their debut show at Cake Shop. I stumbled upon this group at a Bear in Heaven day show at SXSW and it was the kind of moment where I knew I was witnessing the beginnings of a band going big. Formed by David Dahlquist and Andrew Belinksy at UC Berkeley, the multi-instrumental duo brings a full sound of electro and new wave beats, mesmerizing the crowd with their energetic dance moves. They recently returned from a year in South Korea, gaining a large following among the locals. With the new addition of drummer Timothy Morrison, I suspect that their rhythms will be even more dancalicious.

Little Life [mp3]

Swingset Committee is opening for Netherfriends (Shawn Rosenblatt) as a part of his 50 songs in 50 states tour. In each state Rosneblatt joins up with local musicians to play a show, writes a new song, and then moves on. Netherfriends brings ambient pop with strong harmonies, like a more pop version of Animal Collective.

Nunya [mp3]

Doors open at Cake Shop tonight, 05/24, at 8pm. This show is a part of Cake Shop's 5 year birthday celebration.