#CMJ2015 Preview: Grace Mitchell, Alex Winston, Smallpools, BØRNS, Nina Sky & More...

CMJ Holy Week begins on Tuesday and this year's festival is looking like one for the books. I've got my schedule planned out, my proverbial bags packed, and I'm bursting with excitement like a kid ready for her first day of school. 

It wouldn't even be humanly possible to see every artist I'm excited about (I don't think, anyway). In case you're festival-phobic or maybe want some insight in to the fab artist that will be playing this iconic five-day showcase, here's who I'm most keeping my ears and eyes to the ground (so social media) for updates on their performances. Fingers crossed your girl will be seeing as many of these folks live this upcoming week as she can...


Spotify Playlists more you're speed? Here all the songs/artists below and more via my #CMJ2015 curated playlist here or play it while you read in the column to the right. --------------------->

NINA SKY (listen HERE to "Forever")

Remember 2004? Remember when "Move Ya Body" and "Oye Mi Canto" were all over the radio during that reggaeton explosion? Sigh...

AQUILO (listen HERE to "Human")

I've been a fan for a second of their dreamy sound. I have a feeling they are incredible to see live.

GRACE MITCHELL (listen HERE to "Jitter")

What's to be said that hasn't already been said? "Jitter" is the ish!

ALEX WINSTON (listen HERE to "The Day I Died")

A proper left-of-center popstar lying in wait...

BØRNS (listen HERE to "Electric Love")

Earworms abound...

MALIA GRACE (listen HERE to "Mama Didn't Raise No Fool")

"Mama Didn't Raise No Fool" is a foot stomping jam.

NÉONHÈART (listen HERE to "Comatose")

Lush and ethereal.

SMALLPOOLS (listen HERE to "Dreaming")

Catchy, bright power pop that Two Door Cinema Club would be proud of.

PHOEBE RYAN (listen HERE to "Mine")

True, I've already seen her live once, opening for Tove Lo. Second time for everything, you know.

AVEC SANS (listen HERE to "When You Go")

This duo's sound is so large, it fills you up. It reminds me a lot of Jessie Ware. Stoked to see how it translates to live.

AVABEREE (listen HERE to "Can't Get You Off My Mind")

Complex harmonies are this all-female, teenage Aussie group.

NEW MYTHS (listen HERE to "Howl")

An all-lady rock band from NYC with a ghostly dark sound? Perfect for October methinks (or anytime, really).