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Adventures in CMJ 2010: Day 1 (Tuesday)

5:03 p.m. · October 20, 2010 · by Jen Zipf

NYC in fall: Leaves are falling, the air is crisp, hipsters are breaking out their scarves, and, of course, CMJ Music Marathon is back in town. Over the week (Oct. 19-23), I'll attempt to cover as many events as possible (with a decidedly electro-centric slant) while still working a day job and squeezing in some zzz's (or disco naps).

Day 1 of this year's CMJ (Tuesday, Oct. 19) was a good way to ease into the swing of things, as the schedule was a bit lighter than the upcoming days. (For photos from the day, click here.) Due to aforementioned job, the day events are a bit harder to get to, but I did manage to catch Bikini's set upstairs at Pianos for the Music Slut showcase. A late add to the schedule, the Canadian trio got off to a slightly delayed start, closer to 2:15 than 1:30. Though the daytime crowd was slim -- and their hazy/bouncy/multi-layered electro is better suited to after-dark hours -- they nicely pulled off an energetic 30-minute-or-so set of dreamy, dancy, vocal-affected sounds, including standout single "A Cheerleader." Like Teengirl Fantasy crossed with classic rave, Bikini are one of my favorite new electronic artists this year. Dance music fans, definitely keep your eye on them.

Much later, I dropped by the BMI/SPIN CMJ showcase showcase at Highline Ballroom in time to catch most of The Golden Filter and Dan Black's sets. Having followed The Golden Filter since their self-titled single began kicking around the blogosphere, I was eager to see the evolution of their live set. Bandmates and former members Penelope Trappes and Stephen Hindman each performed double-duties (Trappes as frontwoman and occasional programmer, Hindman with production and occasional percussion) were joined onstage by a tight, high-energy drummer. Having fine-tuned their dark, mystery-laden, synthy-yet-heavily rhythmic sound, the live set took things to the next level and wowed the crowd with high energy. Highlights included tracks "Thunderbird" and "Solid Gold," as well as a track that featured dueling tribal percussionists (Hindman losing many a drumstick in his frenzy). Trappes's stage presence also has some serious chops -- charming yet entrancing the crowd with her delicately beautiful vocals and feverishly graceful dancing.

Though I've been hearing his name all over, I hadn't actually heard Dan Black's music prior to catching his set. Headlining the showcase -- and, as he told the audience, playing his penultimate gig before a hiatus that follows two years of touring his debut record -- the face-painted British showman both impressed and induced a fun, feel-good vibe throughout the house. Pulling double-duty with vocal duties and working the programming presets, Mr. Black was accompanied on stage by just a guitarist, yet somehow seemed to give an impression of having a full band up there. With an electro/pop/hip-hop sensibility vaguely reminiscent of classic '90s alternative and perfect singalong lyrics, he is, without a doubt, poised for crossover stardom. The wildly entertaining Black has charisma and stage presence to burn, unabashedly and endearingly un-self-conscious, busting out crazy dance moves and random ad libs as he goes ("How many of you are industry people and how many of you are real?" and, to an audience member's request, "You want my shirt, you can have it later -- I'd look stupid if I took it off now -- well, more stupid").

From Highline I hightailed it over to Santos Party House for the IAMSOUND CMJ showcase. I arrived to an ultra-packed venue just as Salem were finishing up, and I was able to catch the last live-band set of the day, Brooklyn's MEN. In typically ironic fashion, Men are actually a three-piece comprising two females (one being JD Samson of Le Tigre) and just one man. Donning Devo-esque jumpsuits on stage, they perfomed a catchy, poppy, message-heavy yet crowd-pleasing electro-rock set that ended the night on a high note.