CMJ 2011 Wrap-Up and Review

Over 40 of New York’s most important music venues… over 1000 bands… one week… two members of RSU Radio. Metal Meltdown host Turbo and myself, Music Director Cody Nix, took New York by storm last week as we attended the College Music Journal Music Marathon and Film Festival. The festival, which took place all over Manhattan, featured over 70 panels and “meet and greets,” hosted by music and radio professionals, live music featuring over 1,300 artists, and a film festival showcasing rising stars in the film industry. In only a few days, we were able to witness emerging artists and alternative music giants perform all over Manhattan at what has been called “the most important platform for the discovery of new music.” Some of the highlights include:

• Portugal, The Man: We caught up with these psychedelic folk legends at an acoustic set at the Lomography Gallery. Hanging out with them before the show and talking to them about music, touring and everything in between was one of the greatest experiences I had the entire trip. Their main show, at Terminal 5 with the bands Givers and Alberta Cross, lit the crowd up with plenty of flashing lights and rock and roll. Check Out The Video!

• Penguin Prison/Art vs. Science: the New York native Penguin Prison and the flamboyant and energetic Art vs. Science took over Le Poisson Rogue for an absolute blast of a show. Penguin Prison, who was heading to Europe for shows soon after CMJ, gave his farewell with songs from his debut album. Art vs. Science put on a show made of pure energy, complete with disco balls, guitar and synth solos and songs about flippers, Hollywood, France and more.

• AAM 2011 CMJ Celebration/AAM Listening Party: Promotion company AAM celebrated held two different events. Their first was an exclusive listening party, featuring unreleased music from the Decemberists, Niki and the Dove, Cass McCombs and Thee Oh Sees. Their second celebration, at the legendary Knitting Factory, featured Dom, Casiokids, Vacationer, Memoryhouse and 1, 2, 3. Meeting the gang from AAM and hearing some great bands was one of the best moments of my visit to NYC.

Now that CMJ has come to a close, and Turbo and I are back in Oklahoma, we have a ton of great new ideas to make 91.3 even more awesome! CMJ 2011 was one of the best experiences of my life. Hopefully RSU-Radio returns to NYC next year.