Adelaide band, The Shiny Brights are currently showcasing at the CMJ festival in New York.

In the final installment of a 5 part blog, the band report in on their latest adventures.

The Shiny Brights welcomed the fifth and last day of CMJ in many different fashions. Some of us asleep in bed, others starting the day in the same way the night before ended, another asleep in Central Park, and another watching the sunrise and randomly fishing with a newly found (non-english speaking) friend in New York Harbour. Once awake, pulling twigs from hair, regrouping and explaining that the Chinese fisherman didn’t want to share the morning’s catch we were ready to head along to what would be our last CMJ event, The Western Australian Showcase which was to be held at Arlene’s Grocery.

We had no trouble finding the venue this time around as we had ventured there the previous Monday for their famous live-band karaoke sessions. The dingy little downstairs bar is definitely a must-see if like our lead singer Wolfgang, you enjoy a little bit of a singalong. His rendition of The Beatles Come Together had the entire crowd wolf-whistling (pardon the pun) and screaming for more. Needless to say the good memories of Arlene’s probably contributed to rousing us out of bed so early considering the rough night and minimal sleep.

The showcase was advertised to feature Xtortya, Bird To Prey, Snowman and Gigantic but upon arrival we were promptly informed that due to Visa complications, Snowman had not been able to enter the country and were to be replaced by Brisbane’s The Boat People. We knew that US immigration could be scrupulous and had heard the stories from other bands but this was a warning for all future trips; do not underestimate the risk of being sent home by a customs officer on a power trip.

With a breakfast beer in hand and all of the welcoming words from the
organisers out of the way it was time for Bird To Prey to hit the stage.
With a teeny-tiny guitar and a whiskey-tinged voice, Bird To Prey captivated the crowd with alt-country musings of lost loves and nostalgic childhood memories. We were relieved that BTP was the opener that morning as the following band Xtortya were a tad heavy for our hangovers, offering songs that were reminiscent of Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. After a quick break to network with the other Australians in the room (we didn’t hear a single American accent throughout the entire showcase) Gigantic, a 3-piece pop/rock act put on quite the energetic performance considering it was a daytime gig and a half-empty venue. But it wasn’t until The Boat People appeared on stage that we finally woke up and got into the music. Although they were the outcasts at this show, they lived up to the current hype they’re receiving back home playing a set jam-packed with perfectly executed indie pop tunes. Ironically, they were by far the outstanding band at the WA showcase and the only one who prompted us to delve deep into our empty pockets so we could purchase their CD on the way out. With a quick exchange of business cards and promises of future communication we left Arlene’s and headed for the subway, eager to find our way back to our West 51st Street apartment.

And there it is; 5 Shiny Brights, 5 days, a collective 33 hotdogs, Cut Off
Your Hands, Friendly Fires, Radio Luxembourg, worthwhile panels, one crazy Onitsuka Tiger Showcase gig, a new found love of mojito’s, and CMJ done and dusted. All that is left is to search the apartment for missing socks and jocks, spend the last of the US dollars on pizza, and prep for the imminent flight delays.

Check out Part 1 HERE.

Check out Part 2 HERE

Check out Part 3 HERE

Check out Part 4 HERE