Rock out to the stars of tomorrow at CMJ

The annual College Music Journal Music Marathon—better known as CMJ—has come to town, and with it the badge-wearing, notebook toting denizens of the music blogging world.

CMJ is a weeklong music festival, the longest running and largest of its kind—arguably the most significant music event in the city. Known for breaking artists a year before the rest of the world hears of them, CMJ—now in its 29th year—is particularly popular among trendsetters looking to scope new talent while it’s still obscure. Musicians from M.I.A. to The Killers played at CMJ before they were household names.

In many ways, the Music Marathon reflects a time gone by, when college students, and particularly college radio stations, were at the forefront of musical innovation. CMJ still tracks the charts of college and non-commercial radio stations, seeking out no-name bands, to put out weekly and monthly reports, complete with CD samplers.

Nowadays, as many college radio DJs can confirm, trend-setting power lies elsewhere: in blogs. The Music Marathon reflects this shift, featuring artist showcases organized by the biggest and most cutting edge music blogs, record companies, and PR agencies, rather than college radio stations.

Brooklyn Vegan and Nicky Digital have two big showcases, and other bloggers, like Aquarium Drunkard, are hosting unofficial shows throughout the week, benefiting from the influx of fellow trendsetters to the city.

A CMJ badge, with a student discount no less, will run you $295—to some, a small price for the pride that comes with knowing about the next big thing. But the truth is that badges are largely unnecessary.

Almost all shows and events are open to the badge-less public. CMJ’s website provides a comprehensive guide to showcases, panels, and film events, and you can purchase tickets to most of these events directly from the venues. One anonymous friend of mine even talked her way in to a particularly crowded show by telling the bouncer, in a heartfelt speech, that she was the band’s biggest fan.

Once you’ve made it past the badge issue, the next problem is deciding which bands you’ve never heard of to go see.

The process can be overwhelming, as several shows with multiple artists are taking place simultaneously throughout the city all week. Picking a showcase with at least one band you know is a safe bet. Come early for the unheard of artists, and then brag to your friends a year later when you hear the former openers on the radio.

Another tactic is to attend a showcase for a label or blog that you know well. If you trust the blogger or record label to make good choices for you, you might just stumble upon your new favorite band. Going to see a band just because you like their name may actually not be a bad idea.

Most importantly, don’t be intimidated. Even the clairvoyants of the music world have not heard of many CMJ artists, and that’s the fun of it. But if you’ve had enough trend-hunting and just want to take a step back to the 90s, the heyday of college radio, Bobby Brown, Sister Hazel, and Evan Dando are all performing as part of the festival, too.