CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival just recently announced the first round of artists scheduled to play this year.  The initial lineup is fantastic and full of personal favorites—Portugal. The Man, Givers, Zola Jesus, Talib Kweli, Dum Dum Girls, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Braids… just to name a few.

If you’re not familiar with CMJ, take my word for it, DON’T MISS THIS FESTIVAL.  I personally can’t think of a finer music festival in the US.  Not only is it your chance to catch an insane amount of live music, full of up-and-coming buzz bands that you get to enjoy before they lay claim to a swath of Grammys, but it just happens to also take place in one the world’s greatest cities.

I told myself last year I wasn’t going to miss 2011…let’s just say I’m already saving up for next year.  But don’t miss out on my account.  You can purchase badges here, peep the plethora of previously-announced industry-stacked panels here, and keep checking back here for more CMJ 2011 news.  CMJ is set for Oct. 18 – 22 in NYC, but in the meantime, familiarize yourself with the initial lineup below and enjoy some tunes along the way.

Artists playing CMJ 2011:
Portugal. The Man
CSS
Neon Indian
Wombats
Wild Flag
Metronomy
Talib Kweli
Givers ♫ Up Up Up ♫
Zola Jesus  ♫ Night ♫
Class Actress
Dum Dum Girls
Art Vs. Science
Viva Brother
Davila 666
Eleanor Friedberger
EMA
Jean Grae
Pharoahe Monch
Unknown Mortal Orchestra  ♫ How Can You Luv Me ♫
US Royalty
Datarock
Kermit Ruffins
Parlotones
Kvelertak
Sea of Bees
Handsome Furs
Memoryhouse
Kevin Devine
Braids  ♫ Lemonade ♫