October 23, 2008 - 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.