Fans, bloggers, journalists, industry professionals and musicians all descend upon the city that never sleeps for five days of panels, parties and artist showcases.
That’s 120,000 or so people situated across 80 different venues in New York City with over 1400 performers drawing them there.
Naturally, those figures didn’t get so impressive without a humble beginning in 1981 where CMJ was born in a small venue with just two bands present.
While across the world CMJ Holdings Corporation is famous for this annual October event, within North America it has made a name as a successful music events and publishing company.
Along with the Music Marathon the company also publishes a weekly magazine, while hosting other events such as a film festival and Rock Hall Music Fest.
Since the Music Marathon’s inception its rise can be attributed to pushing some of todays most celebrated acts into the limelight by providing another stepping stone for success.
While CMJ themselves point out their pride in booking Arcade Fire in 2004 when they were an unknown prospect and Mumford & Sons before their explosion in North America, the event can also lay claim to having a hand in helping to build the careers of Feist, Grizzly Bear, MGMT, Lykke Li, Janelle Monae, Alabama Shakes, The National, The Shins and even Lady Gaga.
Aside from championing those names in the early days of their careers CMJ’s panels allow industry experts to tackle some of the most pressing issues currently facing the music industry.
The CMJ Music Marathon provides both a snapshot at the industry today with the intention of providing answers for its future.
Whether you’re a musician, fan, blogger, journalist or an industry professional CMJ acknowledges the role you play by allowing you to immerse yourself in music for a five-day marathon.
Lineup
Washington indie rockers The Dismemberment Plan will headline CMJ to coincide with the release of their latest studio album, Uncanney Valley. While one of 2013’s most revered up and coming acts in Savages will represent the latest crop with their debut, Silence Yourself.
HAERTS, Half Moon Run, Speedy Ortiz, TEEN, Empress Of and DIANA are just a few of many acts that will be fielding their own buzz at this event.
Balancing out the up and comers with their experience will be electronic two-piece Fuck Buttons, indie five-piece Real Estate and Seattle outfit The Long Winters.
Australia will be heavily represented with the likes of The Griswolds, Ball Park Music, Gossling, Bored Nothing, Courtney Barnett, The Delta Riggs, Dune Rats, Elizabeth Rose, Emporers, Oh Mercy, The Preatures, Them Swoops and World’s End Press all booked for this New York event.
When Is It?
This music marathon will take place from the 15th-19th of October.
Where Is It?
Pinpointing the exact location of CMJ is a little difficult given there are over 80 venues across New York City that will be utilized for this music marathon. However the home of this festival and the place of registration will be your first port of call.
CMJ’s headquarters are located at Judson Memorial Church on 55 Washington Square South adjacent to New York University’s Greenwich Village campus.
How To Get There?
All flights to New York City will usually include a stopover in Los Angeles (for Perth travellers your stopover may be Hong Kong) with V Australia, Qantas, Delta and United Airlines being your airline options.
Obviously prices vary depending on which city you’re flying from. Read below to get estimates for return airfares from major Australian cities.
Adelaide: One-stop flights start from $2400, with two stop flights valued from $1900.
Brisbane: One-stop flights start from $1800, with two stop flights valued from $1800.
Melbourne: One-stop flights start from $1600, with two stop flights valued from $1700.
Perth: One-stop flights start from $2000, with two stop flights valued from $2100.
Sydney: One-stop flights start from $1700, with two stop flights valued from $1900.
Once you’ve arrived at the John F. Kennedy International Airport a taxi to your accommodation is essential, but getting around Lower Manhattan on foot is the cheapest way to travel and a nice opportunity to soak in the sights of the Big Apple too.
However if you haven’t got time to spare the Subway should ensure you don’t miss any acts during the event. Head to the Transport Authority’s website for the all information, with a seven day Metro Card setting you back around $33.
Where To Stay?
CMJ has partnered up with the likes of Ace Hotel, Hotel On Rivington, Mondrian Soho, Soho Grand and Yotel New York for special discounted rates. Click here to access CMJ’s discounted rates.
For those with tighter budgets the hostel options of Hostelling International NY, American Dream, NY Loft Hostel and Broadway Hostel should stop your bank from breaking.
How To Get Tickets?
CMJ punters won’t be purchasing tickets or wristbands per se, but badges instead.
A full badge, which gives you access to the entire five day event, including all panels and music showcases, will set you back around $555, while students can access the discounted price of $308.
You can purchase your badges here.
Insider Tips & Tricks
As always with these types of music conference events there are a plethora of free showcases, unofficial events and after parties held throughout the city. Keep your eyes peeled for further details of such events closer to the date.
With hundreds of bands playing across New York it’s easy to forget that CMJ hosts a large number of quality panels throughout the five-day event. The Death of A&A, The Challenges of Indie Labels in a Streaming World, Back In Black: The Return of Vinyl, The State of Emerging Music in 2013 and Fair Play: Royalty Rates and Internet Radio are just some of the best conference events at CMJ. Check out the full list of featured panels here.
Law enthusiasts with an interest in the entertainment industry are also catered for at the CMJ Music Marathon. The Entertainment Business Law seminar will tackle the constant change in the entertainment sector and law as well as legal education and professional education. Find further details of the seminar here.
Given the huge amount of music-related goods on offer at this marathon its only fair that CMJ created their own scheduling tool for punters to sort out which panels, showcases and parties they wish to attend. Expect CMJ to update this handy tool closer to the date when the full list of acts and panels are announced.
For more details head to CMJ’s Official Website.
