Today, Governors Ball returns to New York City to take over Randall’s Island Park for another edition of the annual festival. It’s hard to believe that it’s June, let alone time for another edition of NYC’s beloved festival.
By now, you should (probably) have a good idea of who you’ll be seeing tomorrow, as well as the rest of the weekend. But if not, I’ve compiled a list of artists who I plan to catch throughout the weekend, if that will help sway your decision.
Friday:
12:15-12:45 – The Districts (Honda Stage)
The young rockers are a force to reckoned with live. I’ve seen them three times now (here’s my Bowery Ballroom review), and am always just as impressed with their raw power. Do not miss them just because you’re too lazy to get there at noon. Trust me, don’t miss these guys.
12:45-1:30 – Black Pistol Fire (Big Apple Stage)
Don’t know too much about these guys, yet. But I took a listen to their KEXP performance and was sold on that. Fans of Royal Blood and The Black Keys will find plenty to like.
1:30-2:15 – DIIV (Honda Stage)
I’m curious to see if the show is all new songs from Is This like the show they played at Baby’s All Right, or if they mix in some old songs for a more festival friendly set. Either way, I’m excited.
2:15-3:00 – Benjamin Booker (Big Apple Stage)
Don’t miss the soulful rock and roll from Benjamin Booker, who impressed me last summer when he opened for Mac DeMarco at House Of Vans. He’s the real deal. Get your first look now, because he’s only going to get bigger.
3:00 – 3:45 – Charli XCX (Honda Stage) vs. Future (GovBallNYC Stage)
This one is a tough call as I’m not really leaning one way, but I am slightly interested in checking out both. Since I’m shooting, I may go with Charli, but this is probably a game time guy decision for me.
3:45-4:45 – MØ (Gotham Tent)
Danish indie pop-star MØ has never let me down live. She always brings a high level of energy to her live performances, and is likely to come into the crowd to crowd surf at some point.
4:45-5:45 – Chromeo (GovBallNYC Stage)
Chromeo-oooo-Oh. No question.
5:45-6:45 – Death From Above 1979 (Big Apple Stage)
Love that they’re returning after canceling last year. Going to be an awesome show. Don’t miss it. Get in the front and go wild. You’ll have a blast.
6:45-8:00 – The Decemberists (Honda Stage)
A festival set from them is going to be full of all of their best tracks. I haven’t seen them in a couple of years, so I’m excited.
7:30-8:30 – Florence + The Machine (GovBallNYC Stage)
Florence’s set now cuts into St. Vincent (they changed the schedule a bit), which is even more problematic than its previous conflict with The Decemberists. I’m going to catch as much as I can until it’s time for Annie.
8:00-9:15 – St. Vincent (Big Apple Stage)
I hope she doesn’t hold back after a recent fall at a show, but knowing Annie, she’ll still bring it 110%.
9:15-11:00 – My Morning Jacket (Honda Stage)
My second time getting to see one of the best live bands we got at the moment in two weeks. The best part is, Drake is playing against them, so all the bros will be faaaaaaar away.
Saturday:
12:15-12:45 – Charlotte OC (Honda Stage) vs. Holychild (GovBallNYC Stage)
Not sure about this one. If I get there in time, I may go with Charlotte OC, who is sorta reminiscent to Florence. Holychild is a pleasant indie-pop band, if that’s your thing. Either way, not a bad way to start the day.
12:45-1:30 – Kate Tempest (Big Apple Stage)
Missed Kate Tempest’s shows last year and regretted it. Heard nothing but good things about them. Excited to see what the talented MC will bring to her set on Saturday.
1:30-2:15 – White Lung (Honda Stage)
White Lung are a powerful force live. Seen them twice and was blown away both times. Don’t miss them.
2:15-3:00 – J. Roddy Walston & The Business (Big Apple Stage)
I could just as easily chose Rustie, but I’ve been meaning to catch J. Roddy Walston for a while now, and will use this as much chance.
3:00-3:45 – Marina and the Diamonds (GovBallNYC Stage)
Enjoyed her performance a great deal at Boston Calling, looking forward to another round this weekend.
3:45-4:45 – Sharon Van Etten (Big Apple Stage)
A true bright spot in the world of indie rock. Etten is a special talent, one who delivers live every damn night (or evening, in this case).
4:45-5:45 – Little Dragon (GovBallNYC Stage)
Excited to finally catch these guys, after trying, and failing, so many times.
5:45-6:45 – Future Islands (Gotham Tent)
Saw them nearly half a dozen times last year and still want more. Their performance at the now departed DBA was my favorite show of 2014. It’s going to get wild in the Gotham Tent (they probably underestimated their pull, they probably should be on a stage outside).
6:45-8:00 – Conor Oberst (Honda Stage)
You’ll only be able to catch maybe 10 minutes if you plan to catch Bjork, but it’s better than nothing, I suppose.
7:00-8:15 – Bjork (GovBallNYC Stage)
You don’t get too many chances to see Bjork. It will be strange to see her in a festival setting, but after catching her at Carnegie Hall earlier in the year, the show will be stunning.
9:15-11:00 – Ryan Adams (Honda Stage)
It will be cool to take in a full-length set from Adams, with the other with our decision being made that much easier with DeadMau5 opposing him. Get ready for some of DeadMau5’s set to bleed into Adams..
Sunday:
12:15-12:45 – Streets of Laredo (Honda Stage)
Probably a game time decision for me. I’ve heard good things about Streets Of Laredo, so I may check them out.
12:45-1:30 – DMA’s (Big Apple Stage)
If you like Oasis, you’ll love these guys. They even dress like Oasis did in their earlier (happier) days.
1:30-2:15 – Strand of Oaks (Honda Stage)
Missed him last time around.
2:15-3:00 Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption (Big Apple Stage) vs. Hermitude (Gotham Tent)
May just decide closer to, or use the time to get food, etc.
3:00-3:45 Logic (Honda Stage)
Heard some good things about Logic last year.
3:45-4:45 – Royal Blood (Big Apple Stage)
This brotherly duo make a hell of a lot of noise. They’re on the way up, be sure to catch them here. They’re opening for Foo Fighters across the U.S. this summer.
4:45-5:45 – Tame Impala (GovBallNYC Stage)
Don’t need to explain this one, do I?
5:45-6:45 – “Weird Al” Yankovic (Gotham Tent)
Kills me that they put The War On Drugs at the same time, but when the hell do you get to see Weird Al?
6:45-8:00 – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (GovBallNYC Stage)
His new songs sound great live, and he plays some Oasis. It should be perfect for a festival setting.
8:00-9:15 – Hot Chip (Big Apple Stage)
Hot Chip’s live return. Can’t wait to hear all our favorites dance jams. They always bring it live, no matter how big the stage.
9:15-10:30 – Lana Del Rey (Honda Stage) vs. 9:15-11:00 – Black Keys (GovBallNYC Stage)
Another tough conflict, only because I want to see them both. But I may have to catch Lana, simply cause I’ve seen The Black Keys so many times, and never seen her. I can still catch 30 minutes of The Black Keys set after, so that’s not bad.
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