13 New Artists to Check Out at CMJ 2014

From: Virginia

Shows: Webster Hall 10/24

Rapper/singer D.R.A.M. has been making waves with his #1EPICSUMMER mixtape, and "Cha Cha" is now at over 60,000 SoundCloud plays and on its way to becoming an undeniable hit (especially if it gets a big remix). His music is vibrant and fun, and we've got a feeling that when D.R.A.M. gets on stage, the shit is going to be magic. We talked to him last week and he can't wait to hit the stage. Catch him at the Pigeons & Planes-presented show at Webster Hall on October 24.

From: Toronto, Canada

Shows: Bowery Ballroom 10/22

Sway Clarke II has already opened shows for HAIM back in Germany where he currently lives, but the CAA showcase at CMJ will be his first ever in New York City. Having already demonstrated his songwriting talents, Sway's blend of indie-rock, pop, and R&B is not to be missed int he live setting.

From: Brookyln, NY (via Canada and Colombia)

Shows: Pianos 10/22, Baby's All Right 10/23

Tei Shi first came to our attention last year with "M&Ms" and a subsequent EP of personal, electronic-backed pop music. Just a couple of weeks ago, with CMJ nearly upon us, she announced her signing to Mom + Pop imprint Mermaid Avenue and dropped "Bassically," her best and most mature song to date. If this sprawling, driving synth-pop slow-burner is a sign of what's to come, the future looks very bright for Valerie Teicher.

From: Texas

Shows: Mercury Lounge, 10/22, Webster Hall, 10/24

Kevin Abstract released his debut album, MTV1987, earlier this summer, the day before he turned eighteen years old. Produced entirely by Romil, a fellow member of the multi-state Alive Since Forever collective, the album is a product of the internet, and a reflection of the frustrations, realities, and confusions of kids growing up in this strange internet age. Abstract will be bringing the cohesive album and his energetic stage presence to NY for the first time—you can catch him at the P&P presented showcase at Webster Hall on 10/24.

Read our interview with Kevin Abstract here, listen/download his free album MTV1987 here.

From: Michigan

Shows: Pianos 10/22

Daniel Wilson's first ever live show was in NY at a fairly empty Glasslands, to an audience of curious onlookers and those who fell in love with his debut EP. The glorious voice which was clear on record was in full effect live, and Wilson turned in an incredibly impressive debut performance. Returning to NY with more songs and more experience, Daniel Wilson's show is not to be missed.

From: Michigan

Shows: Mercury Lounge 10/21, Pianos 10/23,

We've only heard one song from BØRNS, but it's a great song, and we're interested to see what this artist is all about. He's a new addition to the Interscope lineup, and his SoundCloud bio describes him as a "tree-house dwelling LA transplant." His sound mixes traditional folk roots with modern sounds and futuristic vibes, and it's almost impossible to predict what comes next based on his debut song "10,000 Emerald Pools." We'll have to find out at Mercury Lounge and Pianos.

From: Philadelphia

Shows: Glasslands Gallery 10/23

Keeping information about themselves to a minimum, and the music of the very highest quality, Marian Hill's jazzy take on electronic pop seems suited to long nights in dark, smoky bars. The subtly catchy "Lovit" is their best song yet, but the entire Play EP is sultry, seductive excellence—take bae or potential bae to the Glasslands show, and slow-dance together.

From: London, UK

Shows: Brooklyn Bazaar 10/24, Rough Trade 10/24

Only Real's sound is a curious mixture of hazy, surf-rock guitars, warm vocals, and loose-limbed rapping, with the resulting music making it sound like he's King Krule's sunshine and psych-rock loving cousin. Whatever his sound Only Real's his music feels rooted in youthful fun, so it would make sense that his live shows are the same.

From: Brighton, UK

Shows: Rough Trade 10/23, Rough Trade 10/25

There are too many slick electronic pop acts out there and not enough bands that actually rock. The Wytches hail from Brighton and their sound recalls the energy of early Nirvana (think Bleach) with a Jack White-esque snarl. It's a little surfy, but a little gothic too. Bottom line: they rock, and we're excited to see what kind of energy they bring to the live performance.

From: Adelaide, Australia

Shows: See flyer below

Tkay Maidza comes into CMJ off the back of a run of songs that have show how versatile an artist she is. "U-Huh" had an infectious hook and fun bounce, "Finish Them" was more dance-oriented and boasted production from Bok Bok, and most recent track "Switch Lines" is another mixture of rapid-fire rapping and straight pop elements. With six shows lined up during CMJ week, it shouldn't be too hard to see how all this translates to the live setting.

From: Canberra, Australia

Shows: Santos Party House 10/22, Paper Box 10/23, Knitting Factory 10/24

Although SAFIA's songs all have elements of electronic production (especially on the stunning, surprising "Listen To Soul, Listen To Blues"), they manage to keep that organic, human element intact. The always interesting, varied production is certainly impressive, but the moments when the synths drop away and the soulful vocals ring clear hit hardest. Catch the three-piece at one of three New York dates this CMJ.

From: Melbourne, Australia

Shows: Santos Party House 10/22, Rosenthal Pavilion 10/23, Knitting Factory 10/24

Another Australian who should not be missed at CMJ is Banoffee. The singer has already shown that she can create whimsical synth-pop jams as well as she can create melancholy, minimal love songs, and her mixture of pop and R&B-referencing vocals with interesting electronic production has proved addictive so far.

From: Arizona

Shows: Santos Party House 10/23

Former Daily Discovery Zella Day will bring her powerful voice to New York for CMJ, and hopefully she'll sound as good live as she does on record. Blending folk influences from her upbringing in a small town in Arizona and mixing it with clean, modern pop production, Day is making honest music with true crossover potential.