A number of Irish bands will travel to New York in October to play at the CMJ Music Marathon. The industry event is a chance for musicians to impress international press, booking agents and managers.

Music from Ireland, the initiative run in partnership with First Music Contact and Culture Ireland, will be hosting a showcase featuring some of our best talent. Dark Room Notes, Super Extra Bonus Party, The Minutes, The Star Department, Valerie Francis and LA-based We Should Be Dead and FMC director Angela Dorgan said she was pleased with how the group reflected the diversity of the Irish scene. “It should make for a really excellent gig,” she said.

Dublin band Subplots, who released their acclaimed debut Nightcyclesthis year, will also be participating. Frontman Phil Boughton told The TicketFirst Music Contact had been pivotal in providing the band with assistance, as well as a grant for travel expenses.

“It’s financially incredibly hard for bands of our size to make it over to the US,” he said. “Playing CMJ provides us with the opportunity to invite some US-based music press and record companies who have expressed an interest in us to see us play live. Of course, the fact that we’ll be playing in one of the most culturally diverse and exciting cities in the world is a great bonus!”