CMJ Music Marathon
We threw a few sweaters in a suitcase and hopped a plane to New York for the CMJ Music Conference, a week of independent music, networking and industry shenanigans. CMJ is known for being a fast-moving mob of showcases, parties and gatherings spread throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn with a primary focus on indie rock music, but the lineups have diversified to include the funkier side of things with artists like Pharoahe Monch, Prince Paul, Madlib, J-Live, Honeycut, Kudu and many others. Fusicology got in early to support the action on severalsponsored shows, and weve been hanging out at one of the best events of the week.
Fusicology has been involved with some high temperature CMJ 2006 events. Mixtape Riot, Stones Throw at BB Kings and other showcases. As well, last night we headed out to KCRWs showcase over at Delancey on the lower east side to check out Honeycut, Kraak & Smaak, The Pinker Tones DJ Crew and Thievery Corporations Rob Garza with his new rock band, Dust Galaxy. KCRW DJs Jason Bentley and Garth Trinidad were out in full effect as well, bringing the showcase to a close with their signature sounds.
Later that night we peeped the Raw Fusion crew featuring Melo and his immaculate songs at Hiro Ballroom. On Thursday the 2nd, Mixtape Riot represented at the Canal Room, On November 3rd, Puma kept Friday afternoon live with an in-store event at its Union Square location that featured a very unexpected house-flavored DJ set from Ali Shaheed Mohammed. Legendary graf artist Daze and Ladybug Mecca were in the spot as well, chatting it up with Puma reps and checking out the newest gear. With all the dope events that happened in New York last week, there are too many to name. Bands we most enjoyed included Strange Fruit Project, Tanya Morgan and the Raw Fusion crew – all impressive.
Suffice it to say the last after-party we hit had cats splashing around in the QT pool as people were eating bagels upstairs before the New York Marathon. Whew, what a week!
