CMJ 2011 has just wrapped up and WTSR’s representatives are back! Catch up with them and see what bands and venues you need to check out this year, plus see our favorite food, swag and memories from the week. Click through for all our answers!
EMA at Bowrey Ballroom
Name: Melissa Virzi, Station Manager
Favorite Venue of the Week: We did go to Webster Hall 3 times in 4 days, but I think my favorite venue this week was Cameo Gallery in Brooklyn. It felt so secret and tucked away, you would never know there’s a venue in the back.
Most Memorable Performance: Atlas Sound literally rolling out of bed to come downstairs and perform in him pajamas (“You’re all just jealous of my outfit”).
Best Overall Performance: Teengirl Fantasy killed their DJ Set. Probably the most fun I had all week.
Percentage of People on Acid at the Neon Indian Show: at least 10%
Best Panel: Saving College Radio: super informative (but also really depressing)
Favorite Swag:Terrorbird Showcase Poster!
Best Food: Pumpkin Milkshake at Shake Shack in Madison Square Park
Best Band you have never heard of before CMJ: EMA! Notable stage banter: A fan asks “Why are you so sexy?” She answers: “It was an accident! I was Charles Bukowski in another life and reborn into this 6-foot tall…thing.”
Predicted Breakout Band of CMJ 2011: I didn’t get to see her but I think I have to answer Zola Jesus
Favorite Memory of the Week: I hugged Bradford Cox and Nick Diamonds called me sweet. Enough said ya’ll.
Portugal. The Man performing at the Ace Hotel
Name: Caitlyn Preciado, Program Director
Favorite Venue of the Week: The live broadcast set-up in the Ace Hotel. It had the most perfect ambience.
Most Memorable Performance: We Are Scientists at Pianos on Saturday. Their on-stage banter is priceless.
Best Overall Performance: Penguin Prison at Le Poisson Rouge on Thursday night. The lead singer’s stage presence and charisma is crazy!
Best Panel: Saving College Radio because it really put things into perspective.
Favorite Swag: The “Helping Bands Avoid Desk Jobs Since 1939″ shirt that I got from Brad, the coolest bro who works at BMI.
Best Food: Everything Bagel Cafe at 12th and 3rd Ave. Despite the name, they had the best deal on pizza, which was delicious!
Percentage of hipsters that secretly loved when Ke$ha’s “We R Who We R” played between sets at Pianos on Wednesday night: 100%
Best Band you have never heard of before CMJ: Races, who played earlier in the day on Saturday at the Bowery Presents showcase.
Predicted Breakout Band of CMJ 2011: Purity Ring. Both of their sets (opening for Neon Indian and then We Are Scientists) were spot on.
Favorite Memory of the Week: While not an official CMJ show, the Crystal Castles, Rapture, and A-Trak show on Saturday night was without a doubt the best concert that I’ve ever been to (and that’s saying something).
Nick Diamonds (Thorburn) at Fontana's
Name: Matt Jannetti, Music Director
Favorite Venue of the Week: Webster Hall.
Most Memorable Performance: Postelles/Wombats at Webster Hall.
Best Overall Performance: Atlas Sound at the Ace Hotel.
Best Panel: Saving College Radio. A thoroughly depressing and scary panel, but one that was very informative and helpful. A rarity at CMJ.
Favorite Swag: The free CMJ poster we got outside of the Neon Indian show
Best Food: Pumpkin Pie Milkshake. That’s really all there is to say on the matter.
Percent of People who Talked their way into a show they weren’t allowed in: 2%
Best Band you have never heard of before CMJ: The John Steel Singers
Predicted Breakout Band of CMJ 2011: Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Favorite Memory of the Week: It’s a tie, between meeting Bradford Cox after the Atlas Sound show and talking with Nick Diamonds after his performance at Fontana’s.
