CMJ Music Marathon

Photo: Jeff Meininger

The weekend is almost here. But hasn’t it felt like the weekend all week at CMJ Music Marathon? At least today you can go out and not have to worry about dragging yourself into the office tomorrow, and CMJ has a suitably unhinged lineup for you to choose from as a result. Pop, rap, indie and even a brass band all feature on our list of picks that fall into the “must-see” bracket today. Just think of it as being a gateway into experiencing every genre on the planet in just one day.

Make sure you check back in with us tomorrow for more tips on artists to see, parties to be seen at, and much more.

01. Ghostface Killah @ Irving Plaza

Rap superstar Ghostface Killah is one of the biggest names at CMJ this year, and he headlines this Mass Appeal showcase that includes sets from Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire, Roc Marciano and Asher Roth.

Click here to see him at CMJ.

Ghostface Killah CMJ profile page.

02. Kimbra @ Webster Hall

New Zealander Kimbra brings her fizzy pop confections to Webster Hall for the first of a two-night stint at this show.

Click here to see her at CMJ.

Kimbra CMJ profile page.

03. Savages @ Mercury Lounge

There’s life left in the post-punk template yet, as proven by this hotly tipped four-piece from London who are making their Stateside debut.

Click here to see them at CMJ.

Savages CMJ profile page.

04. Wild Nothing @ CMJ Union

KEXP brings a day of live music to CMJ Union with sets from Wild Nothing, Line And Circle, Kishi Bashi and the Antlers. Get there early, space is limited and Wild Nothing go on at 12:30 p.m.

Click here to see them at CMJ.

Wild Nothing CMJ profile page.

05. Icona Pop @ Brooklyn Bowl

“I Love It” by this Swedish electropop duo was a huge hit in the band’s native land, providing a helpful preview of a forthcoming album that will likely get an airing at this CMJ showcase.

Click here to see them at CMJ.

Icona Pop CMJ profile page.

06. Q-Tip @ Irving Plaza

One of rap’s all-time greats heads up this 2DopeBoyz/Shameless showcase at Irving Plaza, with Silkk The Shocker and Mystikal among the strong supporting lineup.

Click here to see him at CMJ.

Q-Tip CMJ profile page.

07. The Soul Rebels @ Highline Ballroom

Maceo Parker is among the guests adding to a night of Mardi Gras funk, soul and R&B at this showcase from the Soul Rebels. Bring your dancing shoes.

Click here to see them at CMJ.

Soul Rebels CMJ profile page.

08. JJAMZ @ The Studio At Webster Hall

First question: How do you pronounce that name? They tell us it’s Juh-Jamz, so if that makes sense to you (or even if it doesn’t) head out to Webster Hall to see this supergroup combining members of Maroon 5, Rilo Kiley, Phantom Planet and the Like. Read CMJ’s Q&A with JJAMZ here.

Click here to see them at CMJ.

JJAMZ CMJ profile page.


09. Talk Normal @ The Knitting Factory

The forthcoming LP Sunshine from Talk Normal is this Brooklyn duo’s best work to date, containing just the right amount of tension and aggression—a formula that’s even more impressive when witnessed live.

Click here to see them at CMJ.

Talk Normal CMJ profile page.

10. Sinkane @ Union Pool

Sinkane is the dubby solo project of sometime Yeasayer drummer Ahmed Gallab, who helped kick off this year’s CMJ with an exclusive performance at our launch party at the Mercury Lounge back in August.

Click here to see him at CMJ.

Sinkane CMJ profile page.