Every fall, the CMJ Music Marathon in New York is responsible for thrusting some of the hottest independent acts in music into the spotlight of the Big Apple. Various venues throughout the city will be taking part in CMJ this weekend, so it's going to be pretty hard to pass by your local music hall without hearing the buzz of new sounds emanating through every doorway. With a series of panels and discussions on modern music and technology, the marathon is just as much a showcase of new bands as it is a celebration of the digital age that allows said artists to climb the ranks of exposure with a few clicks.

Some Oct. 19 highlights include Odd Future at Terminal 5, as well as a panel at NYU on creating professional videos on a YouTube budget. Oct 20 will be host to Perez Hilton's "One Night in NYC," a special Hammerstein Ballroom concert featuring artists handpicked by the superstar blogger. Take a break from stomping your feet to indie's best and brightest at the social music & gaming panel on Oct 21, just before catching Pete Tong at Pacha the same night. End your weekend with Kevin Devine at Highline Ballroom on Oct 22, or check out Brooklyn Vegan's party/concert... on a boat!

These highlights are just a small bite of CMJ's overwhelming course of entertainment. With every silly-named band in existence taking over the bars and clubs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, the festival can turn into an awkward musical scavenger hunt if you don't know where you're going. Luckily, you can peruse the full schedule right here.