CMJ Music Marathon, now in it's 28th year, continues to be one of the music industry's biggest yearly events and the known hunting grounds for discovering music's next big things-- where R.E.M. and Eminem were both acts discovered and signed. This year's five-day-fest, starting October 21st and running through the 25th-- whose unofficial motto is "sleep is for the weak"-- will cram in an action-packed schedule of around 1000 acts, ranging from the well-to-do bands to the still relatively unknown, and combine a mixed crowd of music enthusiasts and industry insiders.

As CMJ's line-up can be overwhelming for even the most in-the-know concert-goer, psychoPEDIA honed down the options to highlight six of this year's not-to-be-missed acts:

Róisín (Row-Sheen) Murphy is set to unveil her first live performance in the United States. Touring in support of her acclaimed solo album, Overpowered, hardcore fans will remember her as the former lead singer of Moloko. Their first album-- Do You Like My Tight Sweater-- was a phrase Murphy employed as a pickup line upon meeting fellow band member Mark Brydon. Alas, the love affair dissolved along with the musical partnership, but lucky for fans, she forged ahead with her kinky disco siren songs. Her avant-garde outfits are the cherry on top of this modern day chanteuse act. While you may have already heard her new work-- her rendition of "Slave to Love," featured in the new James Franco Gucci commercial-- be sure to download her title track "Overpowered" and "Primitive" to hold you until her performance.

The King Khan & BBQ Show is comprised simply of King Khan (aka Blacksnake) and BBQ Show (real name Mark Sultan), former members of Montreal bands Les Sexareenos and the Spaceshits. This two-piece outfit now make sweet music together under the quirky moniker. Prone to wearing anything from loincloths to WWI military paraphernalia during their raucous live shows, they've left a trail of crowd surfing fans swearing allegiance in their wake. The enthusiasm surrounding the group far outweighs the gimmicks and obscene gestures: they produce some of the freshest garage rock (think the Troggs and the Yardbirds on MDMA) this side of the 21st century-- especially on tracks like "Teenage Foetus" and "Waddlin' Around." One thing's for sure about King Khan & BBQ Show-- this duo should come with a warning label.

One might pass over Amazing Baby simply because of their name. But once you hear the music, it will become a head-over-heels knee jerk response. These Brooklyn Boys are the next big thing. Each one of their songs-- all available to download for free on their website-- are like magic. What could be described as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club having a quickie with Simple Minds, their tracks like "Supreme Being" masquerade as the end credit soundtrack from classic '80s movies, and "Pump Yr Brakes" will make you want to drive with the top down. They even riff on Zeppelin on their heavy metal folk jam "The Narwhal." Be sure to see them this time around, so you can say you "knew them when."

All hail Yo Majesty. The queens of queer crunk-- straight out of Tampa, thank you very much-- are due to set it off in style. Shunda K, Jwl B and Shon B are notorious for their live sets in which the borders between audience and performers dissolve. Rapping over the most infectious dance beats in ages, bumping, grinding, and shout-outs amongst the crowd are all fair game. Songs such as "Club Action" and "Kryptonite Pussy" are guaranteed to bring down the house. That, and the fact that they are known for taking off their tops.

When word that guitarist Benjamin Curtis was leaving the Secret Machines came last year, it was quite a shock. But now that his new endeavor has launched, the logic behind his move is clear. Curtis has enrolled with twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza in School of Seven Bells who are set to release their debut Alpinisms next month. The sisters, formerly of On! Air! Library!, bring their trademark ethereal harmonics to mirror Curtis' swirly psychedelic pedigree. Be sure to listen to "Half Asleep" and "Connjur"-- which evoke fairy-tale ballads sung from the top of a mountain, as mixed by a wizard on a MacBook.

The Whip are currently on the cusp with music in the digital age. This Manchester UK four-piece couple heavy riffs and stellar back beats with a futuristic laser bass sound-- best displayed on their single "Trash." As a result, their marriage of headstrong pop and buzzy electronics have completely won crowds over. Thankfully, their album X Marks Destination will finally see the light of day with a US release. For those yet to experience them live, squeeze into one of their showcases, because hearing the dreamy track "Sirens" live (like early New Order) will be a highlight of any concertgoer's career.

~Abbey Braden


Other acts not-to-be-missed:
Fiasco
Passion Pit
Little Boots
Friendly Fires
Gang Gang Dance