Just when the cool weather has us thinking of curling up at home in our pj's, the CMJ Music Marathon descends on NYC to encourage us to rock out to talented bands from all over. From Oct. 21-25, just about every stage in the city will be overrun with up-and-coming acts hoping to impress jaded record execs and music bloggers alike. We narrowed down an ideal itinerary for you and caught up with a not-to-miss band from Seattle, Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden. With Tucker’s velvety, haunting voice floating over her indie-folk-rock band, it's no wonder that Sound Magazine named them one of 10 Bands to Watch. The band is also on a Starbucks compilation and showcased at SXSW and Bumbershoot. Catch them at 8:30pm on Oct. 22 at the Canal Room.

Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden

New York is a long way from Seattle—how often do you make it out here?
Not often enough. This will be our second time this year. We love it. Don’t tell anyone, but we dream of moving to Brooklyn.

How does Seattle's indie music scene compare to New York's?
Both cities have very vibrant scenes with lots of bands intent upon getting out of their respective cities. Given the size issue, it might be easier to develop your live show in New York, if only for the opportunity to play so many different venues and different scenes. Seattle’s got a devoted community of music listeners that makes up for it, but we still love to get out to NYC for the crowds.

When in NYC, do you have any favorite hangouts?
I like kickin’ it on the Lower East Side, catching any number of shows a night. I usually end up in Brooklyn though. There’s a great place in Williamsburg that gives out free pizzas with every drink, all night long. There were alligators hanging from the ceiling. [Ed. note: That would be Alligator Lounge.]

What are your hopes for performing at the CMJ Marathon?
We’re hoping to play a killer show with a packed house full of adoring fans. As for seeing bands, we’re gonna be all over the place. The Sons of Sweden have very diverse tastes. I can bet some of us will be at Eagle Seagull, Pela, Akimbo, The Jealous Girlfriends, The Duke Spirit, and Salt & Samovar—we love those guys.

Do you think college radio and the CMJs are still relevant to the music industry?
Yes. We live in a city that’s entire music scene is centered around and dependent upon a college music station called KEXP.

How do you feel about being featured on a Starbucks compilation? Do you drink Starbucks?
We’re happy to be included in compilation with some of our favorite artists and we really appreciate the exposure Starbucks has given us. Oddly enough, coming from Seattle, I don’t drink coffee.

You recently won the grand prize on OurStage.com, a fan-operated music chart, and got to play Bumbershoot—how does it feel to be selected by fans vs. record execs?
I suppose we took the stage with confidence we might not have had, knowing the crowd was there to see us and support us. It’s always good to know that real music listeners are listening.

What do you guys do in your downtime?
Downtime?

In New York, we're seeing a resurgance in classic cocktails and pre-Prohibition style bars—is this happening in Seattle too?
Yep. I love it. One of our local haunts is a bar called Hazlewood (after Lee). It’s a tiny little spot full of familiar faces that serves up classic cocktails and some incredible old-school inspired house drinks as well. I like to start with the Hazlewood, something about bourbon, peppermint tea, and bitters, shaken up and served with a Nat Sherman.

What's next for the band?
New songs and a shiny new record come 2009. We’re hoping to tour a lot next year and make our way back to NYC.

Shecky’s Picks for the CMJs:

Oct. 21
8pm: The Bronx at Fontana’s
10pm: The Ettes at The Delancey
11pm: Lykke Li at Bowery Ballroom (sold out)

Oct. 22
11pm: Amanda Blank at The Annex

Oct. 23
6pm: Janelle Monae at Bowery Ballroom
11pm: Kid Sister & A-Trak at Webster Hall

Oct. 24
10pm: Black Lips at the Antics Warehouse

Oct. 25
12pm: CMJ Daytime BBQ with Justin Townes Earle at Union Pool
9:30pm: Vivian Girls & A Place to Bury Strangers at Bowery Ballroom

~ Selena Ricks