More than 1,000 bands are playing at CMJ 2011, which kicks off tomorrow in NYC. Here are ten fantastic acts to consider adding to your schedule.

You Say France & I Whistle‘s set at Culture Collide in Los Angeles last weekend was a highlight of the festival. We highly recommend catching the New York debut of this immensely likable Swedish indie pop collective.
Listen: When Lovers Die
Catch them: Wednesday 10/19 – Swedish Pop Explosion @ Kimmel Center, NYU (11:45)
Thursday 10/20 @ Dominion Theater (8pm)

Michigan trio Lightning Love charms with their style of sweet, youthful, and instantly memorable pop.
Download: Everyone I Know
Catch them: Wednesday 10/19 – Quite Scientific Showcase @ Le Poisson Rouge

Portland’s Radiation City plays grand, warm synth pop that you can rock out to – but in a dreamy sort of way.
Download: Park
Catch them: Wednesday, 10/19 – Big Hassle Media Party @ Pianos (1pm)
Wednesday 10/19 – Paste Party @ Living Room (4pm)
Thursday 10/20 – Gluttony Is The New Black Party @ Pete’s Candy Store (10pm)
Friday 10/21 – Distiller Promo Party @ Knitting Factory (1:35pm)
Friday 10/21 – Self Group @ Lit Lounge (8pm)
Saturday 10/22 – Baeble Music Party @ Spike Hill (3pm)

Miami duo ANR manages to merge chillwave, Beach Boys-style pop and ’70s glam rock–sometimes all in one song. We’re intrigued.
Download: New Armor
Catch them: Tuesday 10/18 @ All Things Go Showcase @ Dominion NY (11pm)
Thursday 10/20 – Windish Agency Showcase @ Le Poisson Rouge (7pm)
Friday 10/21 – Neon Gold Party @ Fontana’s (9:30pm)

Irish singer-songwriter Fionn Regan writes beautiful, deeply personal songs bolstered by delicate orchestral arrangements.
Download: 100 Acres of Sycamore
Catch him: Monday 10/17 @ The Rock Shop (headlining – not CMJ)
Tuesday 10/18 @ Mercury Lounge (headlining)
Thursday 10/20 – Music From Ireland showcase @ Fat Baby (8pm)

Lily & the Parlour Tricks are sure to get the room swinging with their sultry retro rock ‘n roll.
Download: Poison Song
Catch them: Tuesday 10/18 – Deli Magazine Showcase @ The Delancey (9:50pm)
Thursday 10/20 – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Sullivan Hall (11pm)

New Jersey’s Delicate Steve is an expert at crafting bright and engaging instrumental guitar compositions.
Download: Don’t Get Stuck
Catch him: Tuesday 10/18 – Stereogum Presents @ Glasslands (w/Titus Andronicus)
Friday 10/21 – Crush Presents @ Drom (Doors at 7pm)
Saturday 10/22 – Golden Ratio/Birddog NYC Taper @ Cameo Gallery (6:30pm)

Step back in time with The Stepkids and groove along to their sweet, sweet soul music.
Download: Legend
Catch them: 10/18 – Apple In-Store @ W14st St Location (7:30pm)
10/19 – Under the Radar showcase @ Public Assembly (5pm)
10/20 – Official Music Tech Lounge, Curated by Cantora @ The Thompson Hotel (Time TBD; 3 – 9pm)
10/20 – Deli Mag showcase @ Pianos (12am)
10/21 – Strangers in Stereo showcase @ The Delancey (Time TBD; 4 – 6pm)
10/21 – Stones Throw showcase @ Rubberstamp Studio (9pm)
10/21 – Yours Tru.ly showcase @ Glasslands (1am)
10/22 – Brooklyn Vegan showcase @ Public Assembly (Time TBD)

Aficionado‘s emotionally charged, organ-accented rock owes a large debt to former tourmate Tim Kasher of Cursive, but they put their own stamp on their songs with big pop choruses and female backing vocals.
Listen: Stir Like Hell
Catch them: Wednesday 10/19 – Property of Zack/Kind of Like Records @ The Acheron
Saturday 10/22 @ TJO/Whatever Blog @ Matchless (4pm)

Finally, if you haven’t caught EMA live yet, she’s bringing her powerfully dark electro-folk anthems to two great shows this week.
Listen: California
Catch her: Thursday 10/20 @ Bowery Ballroom (with Dry The River, Lydia, Marques Toliver, Alabama Shakes)
Saturday 10/22 @ Webster Hall (with CSS and MEN)

Share and Enjoy

•