CMJ Music Marathon 2013: Our favorite 100 photos (slide show)

Check out the action at Gotham's biggest music fest.

  1. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenNeon Hitch performs at Gramercy Theatre during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 17, 2013.
  2. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanLucius performs at Rockwood Music Hall for CMJ Music Marathon
  3. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanLucius performs at Rockwood Music Hall for CMJ Music Marathon
  4. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanLucius performs at Rockwood Music Hall for CMJ Music Marathon
  5. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanLucius performs at Rockwood Music Hall for CMJ Music Marathon
  6. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanJoanna Gruesome performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  7. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanJoanna Gruesome performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  8. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanJoanna Gruesome performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  9. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanJoanna Gruesome performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  10. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanJoanna Gruesome performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  11. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanJoanna Gruesome performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  12. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanJoanna Gruesome performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  13. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanJoanna Gruesome performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  14. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanYamantaka performs at Knitting Factory for CMJ Music Marathon
  15. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanYamantaka performs at Knitting Factory for CMJ Music Marathon
  16. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanYamantaka performs at Knitting Factory for CMJ Music Marathon
  17. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanYamantaka performs at Knitting Factory for CMJ Music Marathon
  18. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanYamantaka performs at Knitting Factory for CMJ Music Marathon
  19. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanBlack Moon performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  20. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanBlack Moon performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  21. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanBlack Moon performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  22. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanBlack Moon performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  23. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanWild Yaks performs at Cake Shop for CMJ Music Marathon
  24. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanMiniboone performs at Cake Shop for CMJ Music Marathon
  25. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanMiniboone performs at Cake Shop for CMJ Music Marathon
  26. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanWild Yaks performs at Cake Shop for CMJ Music Marathon
  27. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanWild Yaks performs at Cake Shop for CMJ Music Marathon
  28. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanMiniboone performs at Cake Shop for CMJ Music Marathon
  29. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenSavages perform at Terminal 5 during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 16, 2013.
  30. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenSavages perform at Terminal 5 during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 16, 2013.
  31. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenSavages perform at Terminal 5 during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 16, 2013.
  32. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenNeon Hitch performs at Gramercy Theatre during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 17, 2013.
  33. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenNeon Hitch performs at Gramercy Theatre during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 17, 2013.
  34. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanRes performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  35. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanRes performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  36. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanEmpress Of performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  37. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanEmpress Of performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  38. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanEmpress Of performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  39. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanKirin J Callinan performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  40. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanKirin J Callinan performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  41. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanCory Mo performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  42. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanCory Mo performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  43. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanCory Mo performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  44. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanDuck Down Showcase at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  45. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanDuck Down Showcase at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  46. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanDuck Down Showcase at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  47. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenLou Doillon performs at Highline Ballroom during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 16, 2013.
  48. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSean P performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  49. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSean P performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  50. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSmif-n-Wessun performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  51. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSmif-n-Wessun performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  52. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSmif-n-Wessun performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  53. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanTalib Kweli performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  54. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanTalib Kweli performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  55. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHead and the Heart performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  56. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHead and the Heart performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  57. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHead and the Heart performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  58. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHead and the Heart performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  59. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHead and the Heart performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  60. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHead and the Heart performs at Music Hall of Williamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  61. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanPelican performs at Saint Vitus for CMJ Music Marathon
  62. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanPelican performs at Saint Vitus for CMJ Music Marathon
  63. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanPelican performs at Saint Vitus for CMJ Music Marathon
  64. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanPelican performs at Saint Vitus for CMJ Music Marathon
  65. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanPelican performs at Saint Vitus for CMJ Music Marathon
  66. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanAva Luna performs at The Gutter for CMJ Music Marathon
  67. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanAva Luna performs at The Gutter for CMJ Music Marathon
  68. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanAva Luna performs at The Gutter for CMJ Music Marathon
  69. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSpeedy Ortiz performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  70. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSpeedy Ortiz performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  71. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSpeedy Ortiz performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  72. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSpeedy Ortiz performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  73. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSpeedy Ortiz performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  74. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanSpeedy Ortiz performs at 285 Kent for CMJ Music Marathon
  75. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanFather John Misty performs at Music Hall of WIlliamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  76. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanFather John Misty performs at Music Hall of WIlliamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  77. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanFather John Misty performs at Music Hall of WIlliamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  78. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHaerts performs at Music Bowery Ballroom for CMJ Music Marathon
  79. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHaerts performs at Music Bowery Ballroom for CMJ Music Marathon
  80. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHaerts performs at Music Bowery Ballroom for CMJ Music Marathon
  81. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanHaerts performs at Music Bowery Ballroom for CMJ Music Marathon
  82. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanKate Berlant performs at Music Hall of WIlliamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  83. Photograph: Marielle Solan
    Photograph: Marielle SolanKate Berlant performs at Music Hall of WIlliamsburg for CMJ Music Marathon
  84. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenSondre Lerche performs at Bowery Ballroom during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 15, 2013.
  85. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenSondre Lerche performs at Bowery Ballroom during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 15, 2013.
  86. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenDiane Birch performs at Gramercy Theatre during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 17, 2013.
  87. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenDiane Birch performs at Gramercy Theatre during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 17, 2013.
  88. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenAu Revoir Simone performs at Highline Ballroom during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 16, 2013.
  89. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenAu Revoir Simone performs at Highline Ballroom during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 16, 2013.
  90. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenJacco Gardner performs at Mercury Lounge during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 16, 2013.
  91. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenJacco Gardner performs at Mercury Lounge during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 16, 2013.
  92. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenJacco Gardner performs at Mercury Lounge during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 16, 2013.
  93. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenJoywave performs at Gramercy Theatre during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 17, 2013.
  94. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenJoywave performs at Gramercy Theatre during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 17, 2013.
  95. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenLuke Temple performs at Bowery Ballroom during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 15, 2013.
  96. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenNGHBRS perform at Gramercy Theatre during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 17, 2013.
  97. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenNGHBRS perform at Gramercy Theatre during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 17, 2013.
  98. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenPlacebo performs at Terminal 5 during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 15, 2013.
  99. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenMusic fans enjoy the Placebo show at Terminal 5 during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 15, 2013.
  100. Photograph: Michael J. Chen
    Photograph: Michael J. ChenPlacebo performs at Terminal 5 during the 2013 CMJ Music Marathon on October 15, 2013.

  101. CBGB Festival 2013
     
    Global Citizen Festival 2013
     
    Afro-Punk Fest 2013
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Exhausted? Excited? You should be, having just completed this year's installment of the CMJ Music Marathon. The annual fest gives New Yorkers the opportunity to check out ten zillion* (*estimated figure) hot new bands and established heavyweights from around the globe right here in Gotham—just like SXSW, only a bit colder, and cooler. Our writers and photographers swarmed the city last week, taking it all in. Above is a slide show of our favorite pics from the fest, including shots of Savages, Lou Doillon, Father John Misty and those young scamps Placebo. Below are a few choice recommendations of acts you shouldn't miss next time they come to town. By then, you'll have recovered from CMJ and will be ready to do it all over again. Right?

RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to the CMJ Music Marathon

Arcade Fire
299 Meserole Street; Oct 19
It's questionable as to whether anyone believed Win Butler when he told the crowd that his band was nervous to play CMJ (they killed it at their debut show in 2004)—but the group’s knock-’em-dead performance at this not very secret show was undeniable. Billed as the Reflektors, the Montreal art-rockers hijacked a warehouse venue in Bushwick to showcase songs from their new album, Reflektor. Formal attire (or a costume) was mandatory, and gig-goers' fulfillment of the dress code (black balloons, tuxedos, a glowing umbrella jellyfish) made this show feel like a true New York happening. As for the songs? Think “Billie Jean” + LCD Soundsystem + Toto + an unquenchable, teary longing, and you’re getting close.Throw in a couple of Haitian drummers, fluorescent flags, glittery everything and Butler crowdsurfing at the end, and you have—well, the triumphant return of Arcade Fire.—Sophie Harris

Wreck and Reference
Saint Vitus; Oct 18
The Wreck and Reference live show is so bleak, it feels like an outtake from The Road. At Saint Vitus on Friday night, drummer Ignat Frege smashed out fractured doom beats, while Felix Skinner stood in front with a sampler strapped over his shoulder, alternately cradling it as if it were an infant and hammering on it like a cyborg who's grown to hate his mechanized appendage. Too abstract to be called metal and too focused to be pegged as noise, this California duo is a must for anyone in search of extreme music's next frontier.—Hank Shteamer

Empress Of
Music Hall of Williamsburg; Oct 15
It was the first night of CMJ and already I was struggling for words to describe Empress Of’s unconventional pop. The Brooklyn three-piece, led by sample-triggering singer Lorely Rodriguez, mixes electronic thumps, disco grooves, bossa nova rhythms and a base layer of synthesizers, never quite giving way to the washed-out reverb that can hamper similarly textural music. Rodriguez's nuanced, focused delivery, on what seemed to be mostly new material, stood out even on a stacked bill of vocal talents (worthwhile acts Kelela and Glasser rounded out the night). It turned out to be the best performance I saw all week.—Andrew Frisicano

Courtney Barnett
The Delancey; Oct 19
At the Delancey's Aussie BBQ on Saturday, Courtney Barnett showed off scrappy lo-fi rock and deadpan storytelling, most notably on "Avant Gardener," a gem of a song about having a panic attack while pulling weeds. I'm currently hitting repeat on her recent release The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas—and eagerly awaiting the 24-year-old singer's return to NYC.—Marley Lynch

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