Women perform at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City. (William Wei, WPIX / October 22, 2008)

Last week, I went to see a handful of the 1,100 plus bands playing the CMJ Music Marathon, and it made me reflect on my youthful dream of being a rockstar. The first show I went to see featured up and coming Swedish singer Lykke Li at the Bowery Ballroom. I’ve only heard good things about her music and that’s how it remains since her crowd was at full capacity. Those who bought venue tickets could waltz in, but some of those who paid up to $495 for a CMJ Badge were relegated to a line that barely moved (luckily I received my badge for free).

Joss Stone hits the stage at the 10th Annual Voodoo Fest in New Orleans, L.A. (Jasper McNichols, WPIX / October 24, 2008)

With a historical election looming, talking politics became the ongoing theme for just about every act that hit the stage. Read how Voodoo artists got their politics on after the jump.

English singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason performed his new song "Good 2 U" and his classic "We Just Disagree" for us in our studio. Famss will remember him from rock band Traffic.

Mason's new album 26 Letters 12 Notes is available in stores now.

His singles include "Let It Go, Let It Flow," "Will You Stil Love Me Tomorrow?," "Every Woman," and "Show Me Some Affection."

For more information, log onto www.dave-mason.com.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCES AFTER THE JUMP...

Last night Okkervil River played Webster Hall, the second of their two night stay there. This is the first time I've seen them in over a year, and they've released "the Stage Names" album since. On stage Will Sheff gave it his all, like usual. I thought the setlist was a little slow, but good none the less. I absolutely loved how they opened the show, changing "The President's Dead" and then going into "Black." Incredible. The rest of the set is after the jump.

East Village Opera Company have a new album called Olde School, available in stores now. They'll perform "Walk" and "King of the Night".

For information on the group and tickets, log onto www.eastvillageoperacompany.com.

WATCH THE PERFORMANCES AND INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Move over Fall Out Boy and The Killers, there's a new band with a catchy pop sound.

Hailing from the Chicago area, critcs are saying The White Tie Affair sounds like a fusion of Justin Timberlake and AFI.

Their album Walk This Way is in stores now. Kristina Behr sat down with the band to find out who their biggest influences are, and their infamous appearance on The Hills.

For more information on The White Tie Affair, log onto www.thewhitetieaffair.com.

WATCH THE VIDEOS AFTER THE JUMP...

Music critics say, if you mix a blend of 60's soul, New Orleans swagger, and good old rock and roll, you'll have Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons.

Recorded mostly at his family's cabin in Wisconsin, the 6-song LP "Cabin Ghosts" is a collection of haunting melodies showcasing Chisel's expressive vocals. The album is available in stores now. They'll be performing Monday night, Sept 15th at The Living Room in New York. For ticket info and more in general, log onto corychisel.com.

She's a Brooklyn based singer/songwriter and model... Maiysha is a striking new figure who's taking charge of the progressive soul genre. With influences from the likes of David Bowie to Natalie Cole, Maiysha's sound is unlike any other.

Her album "This Much Is True" is in stores now. You can catch her at a live performance Thursday night at her album release party at Joe's Pub. For more information on her appearance, click here or log onto Maiysha's official website. Watch an exclusive interview with Maiysha after the jump.

New Kids On The Block are all grown up and back in the neighborhood with a new album, The Block, available in stores now.

The NKOTB band members are Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood. And they already have two new singles under their belt -- "Summertime" and "Single".

This '80s band paved the way for the boy bands of the '90s such as N*SYNC, 98 Degrees and the Backstreet Boys, who recently reunited as well. New Kids On The Block made their debut in 1986 with a self-titled debut album and continued their success with their subsequent albums Hangin' Tough (1988), Step by Step (1990) and Face the Music (1994). The band disbanded in June 1994, soon after Face The Music's January 1994 release.

WATCH THE VIDEOS AFTER THE JUMP...

Critics are calling them a "mix between Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Carlos Santana." Danger Radio is continuing to defy genres and we were lucky enough to catch up with them while they were in town to get the scoop. Interview and performance after the jump.

Their album "Used and Abused" is in stores now.
To learn more about the band, visit their website at dangerradio.net

Emily Frances sat down with musical prodigy Ryan Leslie, a native New Yorker, to talk about his rise to fame.

At the age of 19 he graduated from Harvard University and has gone on to produce hits for the likes of Diddy, Britney, Beyonce and found singer Cassie. Called a "phenom" in the music industry, Ryan is now concentrating on his own album and is releasing his first music video "Addiction" feat. Cassie and Fabolous.

We caught up with him at the video shoot to find out what makes him tick.

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

(Left to right) Jeremy Davis, Zac Farro, Hayley Williams, Josh Farro, Taylor York start a Riot! in Times Square's Planet Hollywood (Shelley Ng/WPIX-TV)

Paramore is in New York promoting their single "That's What You Get," the latest track off their certified gold album Riot! The band is also gearing up for their performance in Central Park on August 28th, when their Final Riot! Tour comes to the Big Apple.

Hayley, Zac, Jeremy, and Josh took time out of their busy schedule to rock out with dozens of lucky fans at Z100's Z Lounge in Planet Hollywood.

WATCH AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE BAND, PLUS CHECK OUT THEIR LIVE PERFORMANCES AFTER THE JUMP.

See PHOTOS OF PARAMORE PERFORMING AT Z100'S Z-LOUNGE AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD IN TIMES SQUARE.

Radiohead, Jack Johnson, Sia, Grizzly Bear, The Virgins, Cat Power, The Black Angels... you name it, we snapped it.

SEE ALL OUR PHOTOS FROM ALL POINTS WEST: Check back for more photos as the gallery is still growing.

The ad reads: BE SOMEONE ELSE. BE KANYE. Fast-acting tablets turn anyone to Kanye West!

After reading the ad, I immediately dialed up the number. Seriously, who wouldn't want to be Kanye West. He's rich, his best friend is Jay-Z, and more importantly Jesus walks with him. Hello!? I get down to the bottom of this mystery ad after the jump.