Emerging artists inhabited a handful of New York City’s premier music venues Monday night, as the New York Music Festival received a great turnout across the board. The night of music followed up the New Music Seminar Opening Night Red Carpet Event, which was held on Sunday.

Headlining at Webster Hall was The Drums, who filled the venue to the brim. The Brooklyn-originated indie pop/rockers gave a lively performance that had fans scrambling for sightlines in the balcony because of the massive crowd near the stage. Preceding The Drums were the pop/folk trio Pearl and the Beard, who delivered their signature unique live show featuring obscure instruments and harmonies. The energetic pop act Alan Lava got the crowd dancing with their dance beats and synth sections. Hess is More, the stage name for Danish musician Mikkel Hess, opened the night by packing the stage with numerous musicians for a distinctive orchestral electronic sound.

A packed house at Webster Hall awaits The Drums to take the stage.

Webster Hall also hosted a lineup of singer/songwriters in The Studio. Ryan Cabrera delivered an intimate acoustic performance, and former American Idol contestant Jason Castro sang a few of his acoustic Christian folk/pop songs. Keaton Simons, who recently performed on NBC’s Ellen and made an acting cameo on Showtime’s Californication, also played a well-received acoustic set. Drigo and Jimmy Law began the showcase.

Monday’s New York Music Festival had a distinct international flair. The Living Room hosted the SGAE Spain Showcase, featuring a trio of Spanish artists. Singer/songwriter Depedro played songs from his recent record released in April, translated to The Incredible Story of a Good Man. Singer and guitarist Coque Malla played some of his softer acoustic songs, while Carmen Paris pleased with her piano-based melodies.

At Cake Shop, the Sweden Showcase began with Cruise Elroy’s piano pop/rock featuring Chris Merritt. Yves Jean brought his Caribbean sound to the stage next, winning the crowd with his bass solos, followed by an energetic synth-filled set from State of Grace. Ending the showcase was Full of Keys, the experimental project from Anni Bernhard.

State of Grace performing at Cake Shop during the Sweden Showcase.

Pianos hosted four acts, beginning with rock quartet Double King and ballad-based Modern Rivals. Closing were French acts Team Ghost and Chateau Marmont, who delivered appealing electro pop/rock.

Team Ghost at Pianos.

The Festival played on at Rockwood Music Hall, which began with the passionate and intense performance of Lily & The Parlour Tricks. The acoustic pop duo Cultfever continued with songs from their recent release Animals. Air Traffic Controller, who is a New Music Seminar ‘Artist on the Verge’ (AOV) finalist, played another great show after their AOV showcase set at Webster Hall on Sunday. The Doorbells closed the night with songs from their debut EP Belong.

Tammany Hall hosted a lineup of rising hip-hop acts, beginning with Mr. Gargoyle and Ryshon Jones. Chancellor Warhol delivered his unique electro-rap sound, and Holistic’s retro style was a winner with the crowd. O.C.A.D., the duo of Olivia Cipolla and Arie Dixon, played songs from their debut album The Truth. Artist on the Verge finalist Sam Lachow, who performed after Air Traffic Controller at Webster Hall on Sunday, closed the set.

NMS Artist on the Verge finalist Sam Lachow performs at Tammany Hall.

The Delancey featured a provocative set of acts, beginning with Brittany Campbell and Blind Benny. Next were a pair of duos: the electro-soul denitia and sene followed by alternative pop group Manicanparty. Krissy Krissy, who also performed at Webster Hall on Sunday, played the final set.

Throughout the night, winners of the New Music Seminar social media contests were given free swag by festival sponsors.

Festival fans show off their free swag.

The New York Music Festival continues Tuesday night at all the same venues, sans Rockwood Music Hall. Be sure not to miss more budding artists!

Check out tonight’s full lineup here: https://www.newmusicseminar.com/nms-new-york-music-festival/.