Pharell prodigies Chester French performs an acoustic show yesterday afternoon at Rugby
Today we’re talking about the fashion of CMJ and I have one word for you: plaid. From the stages of Pianos to inside the Rugby store and the hat on this writer's head, let it be known that plaid is not just for ‘90s grunge rockers. And as a person whose website began in Scotland, I couldn't be happier. I stopped D.A. Wallach of Chester French (above) before his set and asked him about his band's unique style. The duo has made fashion headlines from all over the country, and they trace their eccentric preppy look to their days at Harvard (both are recent grads). “We don't have any particular plan for how we dress, we just like our look to be clean, fresh, unique and effortless. We never plan ahead," D.A. told me. In our red tartan Thompson shirt, he looks crisp and modern without making the cardinal sin of trying too hard.
Now, let’s get to yesterday’s wrap up. I spent my afternoon checking out Seth Kallen and the aforementioned Chester French at the Rugby store. Seth and his band kicked off the Rugby Music Showcase with a sweet, country-rock set, warming up the in-store crowd for the much-hyped Chester French acoustic show. By the time Chester French took the stage, the store was filled to capacity. The vibe was super chill and intimate, with fans seated on the floor within hugging distance of the band (literally -- one girl jumped up and hugged lead singer D.A. Wallach). The highlight of the set was the sexy, stripped-down version of “She Loves Everybody” (click here for a free download of the album version).
"Best of New York" Showcase highlight Motel Motel
And no sooner was my day over than my night began. After the Jump presented a three-floor extravaganza of official showcases at legendary Tribeca venue the Knitting Factory. Each floor was themed: “Best of New York” in the basement, “Fuzz Pop” on floor one and Headliners in the main space. While I was expecting the buzz acts to fill the main level, it was really the smaller rooms that shined. Down the in the very sub basement The Lisps performed an amazing set of vaudeville-inspired folk and Motel Motel wowed the crowd with their energetic alt-country (and more plaid!).
Electro rockers The Depreciation Guild
One floor up in the tap room were the 'Fuzz Pop' groups, a rather indistinct title for the newly minted indie pop groups cropping up lately. Particular favorites were the unstoppable My Teenage Stride with their brazen front man and '80s rock and reverb-drenched electro rockers The Depreciation Guild.
Headliner PWRFL Power
Upstairs, the line-up was more varied with PWRFL Power, recent Japanese immigrant with a delicate voice and soft rock sound, and Swedish pop star Juvelen, perhaps the biggest surprise of the night. His out-of-left-field dance songs had people pairing off and dancing throughout the entire set. If a singer can get weary CMJ-goers dancing at 1 a.m., you know he must be doing something right.
In-store today: Tim Williams and Emmy the Great. And stay tuned for tomorrow when we talk social action with Emmy and head over to some of the parties CMJ has to offer.