CMJ’s 2010 festival and conference is officially underway from today through Saturday (Oct. 23), and along with the little-known acts who are angling to become the next Sleigh Bells (last year’s breakout band of the fest), there are plenty of bigger names — from Wu Tang Clan’s
PHOENIX/THE DIRTY PROJECTORS
When: 10/20 at Madison Square Garden
Why: A CMJ show at MSG surprised us, too, but the massive gig fully cements Phoenix’s famedom beyond hipsters and car commercials. Dirty Projectors’ harmonies will inspire awe, while its beats will inspire grooving in the stands.
Buzz Opener: Wavves
FREDDIE GIBBS
When: 10/22 at Glasslands, 10/23 at Brooklyn Bowl
Why: The Gary, Ind. native wants to bring gangster rap back into vogue, and the gritty beats and bleak verses on latest EP “Str8 Killa” proved that he might actually be able to do so.
Buzz Opener: Ty Segall
SURFER BLOOD/NEON INDIAN
When: 10/23 at Bowery
Why: They were last year’s massively hyped bands to watch at CMJ, but now-major-label signed Surfer Blood and chillwave leaders Neon Indian have made it to the head of the class.
Buzz Opener: DOM
LISSIE
When: 10/22 at Hiro Ballroom
Why: The Illinois singer/songwriter (real name: Elisabeth Maurus) earns regular raves for her covers of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” but the live versions of her originals from debut album “Catching a Tiger” should be just as captivating.
Buzz Opener: Dylan LeBlanc
DAS RACIST
When: 10/21 at Santos Party House
Why: Don’t be fooled by the stoner-friendly simplicity of “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.” This Brooklyn-based hip-hop trio lauded new mixtape “Sit Down, Man” boasts big-name producers (Diplo, Boi-1da) delivers one genius pop culture reference after another (“Call me Dwight Schrute, the way that I eat beats.”
Buzz Opener: Maluca