Everything about CMJ can feel like a competition. Bands and artists compete for audiences all day. Badge-holders compete to see the most desirable shows, since there is never a guaranteed admittance into events. Something as simple as planning a schedule for attending showcases can feel like a struggle. Simply put, nothing about CMJ is especially easy or stress-free. However, it is for that reason that experiencing the showcases can be so rewarding and special.

Having been turned away at Mercury Lounge because that showcase was filled to capacity, it was an opportunity to stroll down Ludlow Street to check out some of the many happenings there. At Pianos, a bustling crowd of hipsters crammed inside a nook of a space to see Chicago trio Hey Champ [ tickets ]. The trendy blazer-and-scarf donning frontman admitted that the group only found out a week ago that they were performing at CMJ. "We traded the cold of Chicago for the cold of New York. It didn't work out so well," he told onlookers. Making happy, dance-friendly tunes along the lines of '80s dance pop and We Are Scientists-style indie rock, Hey Champ captivated the scene.

Just down the street at Googie's Lounge, Swiss singer-songwriter Heidi Happy [ tickets ] entertained a sophisticated, sit-down lounge audience using a guitar and pre-recorded back-up vocals. Wearing a plaid, belted dress, the brunette sang wistful, moody tunes about seasons, watching flowers grow and relationships. "Most of my songs are about distance since I've lived in Amsterdam for the last three years and my boyfriend lived in Switzerland," she explained between songs. Her Regina Spektor-meets-Ani DiFranco style was endearing, especially when she sang an entire song while tapping a drumstick on a wine glass. However, after a while, the simplicity and lightness of it all grew somewhat tiresome, even for this politely attentive, preppy crowd. Most strange and uncharacteristic of other showcases was when Happy passed around a huge red bucket for tips--time to relocate.

Just next door at Cake Shop, and at the opposite end of the musical spectrum, Swedish hardcore-pop unit Adept [ tickets ] attracted herds of international fans, many of whom were well-versed in the group's music. The club's dimly lit basement, decorated with red tinsel and Christmas lights, was the perfect setting for the band's eerie, synth-pop, industrial sounds. Distorted roars and bass-heavy noises energized the crowd, and especially one dude wearing a derby hat and suspenders. It was clear this band had been sought after by several people here.

Things only got better at Fat Baby. The venue's final showcase for the night featured New York-based quintet Zambri [ tickets ]. Fronted by two sisters who share vocal duties, Zambri makes catchy, sincere and powerful indie, synth-pop rock. With sexy, confident attitudes, the sisters sing songs about fun things like guys who want them but can't have them. Their dueling vocals harmonize like Tegan and Sara, but their stage presence is more tough and spunky. Zambri definitely felt like tonight's reward for battling bouncers and the blustery chill to explore the Lower East Side CMJ hub.

Thursday's plans include showcases at Bowery Ballroom and the Knitting Factory. Of course, as with all things CMJ, that, too, is subject to change.

Read LiveDaily's coverage of CMJ Day One

Read LiveDaily's coverage of CMJ Day Three

Read LiveDaily's coverage of CMJ Day Four

Read LiveDaily's coverage of CMJ Day Five