Love Action's CMJ Fix

Jessie Ward presenter of Love Action's Friday Fix (listen to latest episode below) here on RadioNowhere.org, and guitarist for the critically acclaimed September Girls, keeps us up to date on her adventures at CMJ in Gotham City!

CMJ

Day 1 - Tuesday

We started our day off heading from our place in Brooklyn to the CMJ HQ on Washington Sq Park to check in and look at schedules and meet and greet. For me that meant heading to my old NYU stomping ground that has changed in many ways... But is still overall the same. We then schlepped our gear to Cake Shop on the Lower East Side for Cake Shop's unofficial showcase hosted by the band, Curtin. We arrived in time to catch Casual Sex, who live up to their sleazy name with gritty, slimy pop tunes. 

We enjoyed our own set, after hanging around NY for a few days we were excited to finally get the guitars out. Lots of headbanging and noise and fun. 

After our set, J Fernandez (below) came on and I really enjoyed their twinkly pop sounds that reminded me of some of those brilliant Flying Nun bands from the 80s. Ace.

That evening we had our official showcase at Cameo Gallery in Williamsburg, hosted by OhMyRockness.com.  Mannequin Pussy (below) were playing when we arrived and I was absolutely blown away by Marisa's growly screams and the whole band's powerful performance. They are another band I want to learn more about and hear a lot more.

We had our second show for the day (below), which we were nice and warmed up for, but probably had a bit less headbanging as we were feeling the late hour of the night. 

After us, our pals PINS came on, and as usual, blew us away. They started slowly, with some new, much more pop-group oriented material... After a few songs, they started relaxing a bit and letting go of inhibitions, which made for more exhilarating watching. Their new songs, and upcoming album sounds like it'll make for great listening. 

By this time it was getting late and the rain had hit Brooklyn. We ended up staying out and having the chats with PINS and The Cribs, who made a surprise visit as they're in New York recording their new album with Ric Ocasek. Fun times. On to day 2

- Jessie x