CMJ: The next big things for 2009?

I have bad news for you. Sorry. I've tried to be positive in almost all my posts thus far. But truth is, I didn't even have the guts really to inform you that NYC's CMJ Music Festival was lacklustre which means, if history serves as a guide, this year of indie music may be lacklustre.

The problem lies in the fact that CMJ typically forecasts the year in music. Last year MIA, Spoon, Deerhunter, Dan Deacon, Vampire Weekend, MGMT, Justice, Santogold beasted onstage, each night packed to the brim with the up-and-coming. We notebook-totting reporters were seething with excitement.

This year? We lingered at the bars, shrugged our shoulders though half the sets and went home each night largely disappointed. 1200 bands and only a handful of goodies?

Sure the cute Swedish rocker Lykke Li caused a blog ruckus, with slick style, several catchy pop songs and the occasional kick-ass cover. But we've known about Lykke Li for more than 6 months now. (If you don't know of her, get on your computer and DOWNLOAD NOW).

But asides from an occasional sweet thing, if CMJ is any indication, this year in music is looking light. Either thank me or hit me for being honest; I was heart-broken too. (Rest assured, there's still the possibility that a couple of new ingénues will jump through the MySpace woodwork) That said, here's a quick (read: short) list of indie musicians to keep an eye on:

Death Vessel: www.myspace.com/deathvessel

Sounds like demonic death metal - but it's really a pleasant Americana folk unit lead by Joel Thibodea who looks like a Native American with long hair and dark skin, but sings like a 14 year old angel. Like nothing you've ever heard before.

School of Seven Bells: www.myspace.com/schoolofsevenbells

You knew the guy Benjamin Curtis of Secret Machines wouldn't leave a good band for nothing. Instead he left his old band for two hot Guatemalan twins with voices of sweet nymphs. Together Alejandra and Claudia Deheza and Mr Curtis craft atmospheric shoegaze pop, reminiscent of Blonde Redhead and My Bloody Valentine. The twins' ethereal voices float delicately over each airy synth, like nymphs tempting you to daydream longer.

Wale: www.myspace.com/wale

The DC ingénue brought into the spot light by music producer mastermind Mark Ronson, revs up crowds with an infectious brand of drum heavy go-go rap.

Passion Pit: www.myspace.com/passionpitjams

Honestly, these were one of the most hyped bands of CMJ. They packed in crowds. Why? Not because their music is fantastically original, but mostly just because it's fun and feverish pop, the type that makes you forget the fact you're broke BEFORE we've sunk into recession.

Violens: www.myspace.com/violensmusic

Violens (read: Vy-lenz) essentially popped out of nowhere in October but have been almost ubiquitous in the NY indie scene these days. Best comparison I've heard thus far is they are a mix of blissed out 60s music like The Zombies with modern saavy like Of Montreal, The Shins and Neutral Milk Hotel. Plus we love their names: Iddo Arad (synths, vocals), Ben Brantley (bass), Jorge Elbrecht (lead vocals, guitar), Kris King (drums).