Busta Rhymes, LCD Soundsystem, The xx hit New York CMJ

New York became a massive showcase for new music as the 2009 CMJ Music Marathon kicked off this week (October 20).

The annual festival of gigs took over in excess of 50 venues in the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, as bands from across the globe converged to play for a mix of industry talent spotters and fans.

Among the more established names taking part this year were The XX, Evan Dando, Golden Silvers, Hockey and LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy (who DJ-ed). Laura Marling, TV On The Radio spin-off group Rain Machine, School Of Seven Bells and rapper Busta Rhymes also played.

The rest of the festival boasted a mix of aspiring newcomers hoping to follow the likes of Arcade Fire, who previously used the event as a launching pad, by playing multiple sets across the week.

Among those attracting positive attention this year were Queens band Freelance Whales, New Jersey's Real Estate, London's Goldhawks, Dum Dum Girls, Darwin Deez, Surfer Blood and Suckers.

Check out NME.COM's Radar Blog for the best new music from this years CMJ Music Marathon and beyond.

The latter band joined the bill for a special Club NME show at The Delancey last night (October 22), which also witnessed a surprised set from The XX, who headlined.

The London band, who achieved a place on America's Billboard chart earlier this year on downloads alone with their self-titled debut album, had played a series of performances across CMJ, and thrilled fans with their unannounced late-night appearance.

Elsewhere the likes of The Temper Trap and Mumford and Sons shared a bill at the Williamsburg Hall Of Music for the sold out Blues Flowers night (22) as they looked to translate their British successes to the US.

The CMJ Music Marathon continues until Saturday (October 24). For more from this years event head to NME.COMs Radar Blog now.

The XX tickets: