CMJ 2012 PREVIEW: 10 Bands To Add To Your Docket

October 16. 2012 | By Nick Williams

More than 1,000 bands are playing at CMJ 2012, which launches today in NYC. Here are The Owl Mag’s
top ten don’t-wanna-miss shows to ensure you and your loved ones have a kicking CMJ ’12.

JJAMZ
LA-based JJAMZ (pronounced juh-jamz allegedly) spin pop hooks packed with a huge amount of street cred. Listen if you will accept their love.

Listen: “Heartbeat”

Catch them: Thursday, Oct. 18 @ Santos Party House (upstairs)

Sleepies
Don’t let the band name fool you, Brooklyn punk group Sleepies will definitely not induce slumber.

Listen: “Seriously”

Catch them: Saturday, Oct. 20 @ 59 Canal Street

Ms Mr
With the release of their debut EP Candy Bar Creep Show and tour dates supporting Marina & The Diamonds and Grouplove, 2012 has been kind to this enigmatic pop-duo.

Listen: “Dark Doo Wop”

Dark Doo Wop from MS MR on Vimeo.

Catch them: Thursday, Oct. 18 @ Bowery Ballroom, 6pm

Foxygen
Astoria-based glam rockers Foxygen make bedroom psychedelics that will leave you wanting more.

Listen: “Make It Known”

Catch them: Thursday, Oct. 18 @ Brooklyn Bowl; Friday, Oct. 19 @ Bowery Ballroom; Saturday, Oct.
20 @ 59 Canal Street.

MNDR
Fresh off the heels of her LP Feed Me Diamonds out in August, NY/Bay Area MNDR (real name Amanda Warner) stands out among the large crop of female synth-pop vocalists with her unique style + production credentials.

Listen: “Stay”

Catch them: Thursday, Oct. 18 @ Brooklyn Bowl

Generationals
With large scale exposure by way of Lena Dunham featuring them on a recent Girls episode, only time will tell if this New Orleans-based Generationals can make the leap to the mainstream.

Listen: “Yours Forever”

Catch them: Wednesday, Oct. 17 @ Fontana’s Pire Party; Thursday. Oct 18 @ Glasslands

Body Language
Brooklyn-based nu-disco foursome Body Language have made quite a splash with their recent Grammar EP. With enough ammo, their forthcoming full length (due in early 2013) could be a cross-over hit.

Listen: “Falling Out”

Catch them: Thursday, Oct. 18 @ Matchless

Wild Child
Austin-based folk group Wild Child have been on our radar since we first heard the stunning duet “Pillow Talk.” Come sway and see what the fuss is all about.

Listen: “Pillow Talk”

Wild Child – Pillow Talk from Rob Wadleigh on Vimeo.

Catch them: Thursday, Oct. 18 @ Rebel

CITIZENS!
London-based CITIZENS! (not to be confused with Citizen) are described as synth-noirists. See for yourself if they fit the bill.

Listen: “True Romance”

Catch them: Thursday, Oct. 18 @ Santos Party House (upstairs)

Braids
Montreal-based Braids provide unique electro-pop ambiance that will undoubtedly whet your appetite for more.

Listen: “Lemonade”

Catch them: Saturday, Oct. 20 @ Bowery Ballroom

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