As well as the DJ acts we all know and love such as the likes of Flume, Marshmello and GRYFFIN, the Governor's Ball offers something for all, featuring an array of artists from different genres from Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4.
It's a long list, though, so to make the life of the festival attendee (slightly) easier, I have picked out a couple names per day as highlighted “acts to see” that specifically electronic fans may miss. For those who have already been persuaded by the above bill as a whole, however, feel free to buy your tickets while they're still available. Friday and Saturday single day passes have unfortunately sold out, with Sunday supplies running low, but few weekend passes remain so confirm your attendance while you can – the Governor's Ball will gather on Randall's Island within the week!
But nonetheless, and without further adieu, let's begin the list.
Francis and the Lights
First and foremost, I am not the only person to make this (crazy) comparison, but blending beauty between pop music and alternative jazz-infused electronic elements, Francis and the Lights reminds me of Phil Collins. Yes, Phil Collins from Genesis and the man behind the “Tarzan” soundtrack. Not only do the similarities between vocals and styles sound uncanny, but the artistry behind the production also strikes me as a talent precedented by very few other individuals.
If such a crazed comparison doesn't convince you to see Francis and the Lights at Gov Ball, the band also has been around for the last decade; however, following the release of their debut studio album “Farewell, Starlite!” and previous tours with the likes of Drake, MGMT – whom the band went to high school with – and more, the band has shined in a new light.
Francis and the Lights will be performing on the Bacardi stage on Friday from 2:15 to 3:00
Bleachers
Press Photo Courtesy of RCA Records
You may know Jack Antonoff from another band, Fun, but you may also recognize hits from his current project Bleachers, including “I Wanna Get Better” and “Rollercoaster” off of the band's album “Strange Desire.” A personal favorite track of mine was also appropriately named “Wild Heart,” a little something Antonoff and Bleachers have a lot of, both on and off the stage. Bleachers packed “Strange Desire” full of heart, and Antonoff brings that love and energy to the stage as well.
Bleachers will be performing on the Gov Ball NYC stage on Friday from 4:45 to 5:45
Car Seat Headrest
Another indie rock band, with similar following to Bleachers, Car Seat Headrest has been a popular name to read on festival lineups across the country. The artist behind the band, Will Toledo, has already self-released an 11-album catalog, however, the Car Seat Headrest's latest album “Teens of Denial” was the first to be recorded with a full band, and the band has since taken the nation by storm.
Car Seat Headrest will be performing on the Big Apple stage on Saturday from 2:15 to 3:00
BANKS
Press Photo Courtesy of BANKS
While Friday night will feature Lorde as a headliner, Saturday will also feature another talented young woman of similar style, BANKS. The alt-pop R&B “Goddess” first broke out in 2014 with the release of her debut album, however, her sophomore effort “The Altar” has since taken her to new heights.
“I pushed myself. I pushed my boundaries. I found my own strengths while making this album,” BANKS said.
BANKS brought the whole package to “The Altar,” hitting topics such as the happiness and hardships found in love, as well as the pain of self-doubt. I can only expect her to bring the same emotion to the stage.
BANKS will be performing on the Bacardi Stage on Saturday from 8:00 to 9:15
As we begin Sunday, multiple names stand out to me, but if I had to pick one artist not to miss (besides the last names on my list) then I need to suggest Mac DeMarco. An alt rock act who blends his music with psychedelic ambiance similar to Tame Impala, DeMarco has enchanting over stellar productions.
He's gained quite the following over the years and there was a lot of excitement leading up to his 2017 release “This Old Dog,” which did not disappoint. I've personally looked forward to this performance since the day the lineup dropped, and I think you should, too!
Mac DeMarco will be performing on the Honda stage on Sunday from 4:45 to 5:45
Logic
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 25 (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Rapper Logic performs in concert at Stubb's Bar-B-Q on March 25, 2016, in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage)
Lastly, on the festival's final day, we have Logic who recently released his fourth studio album, “Everybody,” which topped the Billboard charts. The album has not only been a huge success, but the praise and status that the album has received was also well-deserved.
Focusing on the prejudice he's received as biracial, Logic raps about real problems such as suicide, anxiety and other general problems that pertain to “Everybody” as human beings on our adventure called life. It's an amazing album and Logic has quite the presence on stage as well. I've been lucky enough to watch him perform live twice and I highly recommend others take the opportunity to see Logic at Gov Ball, where I do not plan to miss him (which will make my count 3)!
Logic will be performing on the Big Apple stage on Sunday from 8:00 to 9:15
Bonus: EDEN
I list EDEN as a bonus because I would consider him to be an “EDM” act, but that's such an umbrella term. Multiple artists I've listed use electronic elements, and to be fair, EDEN combines genres as well to create a unique style. I personally like to call his music “Post-EDM,” but for simplicity, many may place EDEN under a more general category: Indie electronic.
Nonetheless, the Irish-born artist has embarked on his own festival tour across the country this summer, and his Gov Ball set will be a great opportunity to see him perform live.
For these reasons, I had to suggest such a talented, up and coming artist as a bonus name on my list.
EDEN will be performing on the Bacardi stage on Sunday from 2:15 to 3:00, and I hope you enjoy your time at the Governor's Ball!
Related: Music Festival Checklist
Cover Photo by The Governor's Ball Music Festival
