CMJ FRIDAY: KNOX HAMILTON, ODESSA + BIG HARP

Friday night I decided to head out to see the singer of one of my new favorite songs “Work It Out”. Knox Hamilton played Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side. The Little Rock, AR band brought their alternative dance rock show to one of Rockwood’s packed rooms. This was their first official full band gig in NYC. I’m sure they’ll be back playing some larger venues.

Downstairs at Rockwood, in a soundproof room, Odessa performed. The California native played to a very intimate crowd. There were signs outside the room reminding everyone to silence their electronic devices. Her smooth vocals created a nice chilled vibe. I was only able to check out the end of her set, but I will definitely see her next time she’s in town.

I ended the night in Brooklyn at Pete’s Candy Store. Big Harp played there fuzzy surf-rock in a room in the rear of this venue with an old-school candy store façade. The three piece band played to a nice crowd in a room that reminded me of an old train car. It was a nice way to round out this year’s CMJ Marathon.

Article by: Michael DiGiovanni