10:00 p.m. Next stop, the Indaba Music Loft, an apartment turned music performance space for the “yet to be discovered.” I came here to catch a threesome out of D.C. named Jukebox the Ghost. I’ve seen them perform before, but I was curious about the venue. It actually felt more like a frat house party, to be honest. The room was packed with college kids, clearly friends of the band, and the kegs were flowin’.

I actually bumped into the lead singer of Illinois, another band showcased during CMJ. I missed their sets because of Mute Math, but apparently their show was “one of their best.” If you ever get a chance to see Illinois live, I recommend you do so. Jukebox themselves turned out a lively show, and while I’ve seen them play better, the room didn’t really demand it.

Ben Thornewill, on vocals and keys, is an animated frontman who probably makes more uncanny facial expressions than John Mayer. His and guitarist Tommy Siegel’s songs range from heartfelt to nonsensical. But Jukebox’s music demands a lighthearted approach. Ben Folds said when his band broke up that nobody cared about piano rock anymore, and while that might be the case, Jukebox and their fans still do. With a little polish, these guys might be ready to convince more followers.