10 Artists to check out at The Governors Ball Music Festival

Festival season is starting to heat up in 2019, and since 2011 The Governors Ball Music Festival has received a tremendous draw from all around North America. One of New York City’s biggest outdoor music festivals, The Governors Ball runs from May 31 to June 2, with concerts throughout the day and night, featuring headliners Tyler, The Creator, London’s Florence + The Machine, and local NYC indie rock legends The Strokes.

It would be easy to stick to talking about the headliners, as they are some of the biggest from the past two decades of music with impressive catalogues and live shows, but let’s get to know some of the other great acts who will be coming to play.

The 1975

Led by Matty Healy, The 1975 are a true force of English pop rock out of the Manchester scene. The band has been gaining recognition in North America for the past decade which has led to headlining arena tours and top spots on many festival-goer’s lists.With their November 2018 release of A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, a new chapter began for the award-winning group. Not slacking on new music, new songs may be in the mix by the time the festival begins as the band’s fourth album Notes On A Conditional Form is scheduled for the summer.

Denzel Curry

2018 was Denzel Curry’s biggest year as a musician with the release of his critically acclaimed album TABOO, which for a lot of hiphop heads was an album of the year contender. Curry’s aggressive flows mixed with crisp, dark beats were the perfect combination of sounds that have resonated well in his live shows. Speaking of Denzel’s live performances, they are some of the most energetic and crazy that will take place during the weekend, so be sure to make it there for his set.

Noname

Chicago’s Noname has been on the come up for several years, and after two albums that have received universal praise she is ready to take the spotlight. Regularly incorporating her spoken word past into her current music, Noname sets herself apart from others in the hiphop game, with a unique sound and delivery. Backed by a jazzy soul band, it is incredibly easy to get into the music.

Charli XCX

Another Brit in the mix that has risen to popularity on the pop charts is Charli XCX, who has been releasing music since a very young age. Playing a part in hit songs such as I Love It and Boom Clap, Charli is another artist ready for the solo spotlight, and will be keen to show why during her performance at the Governors Ball.

Beast Coast (Joey Badass + Flatbush Zombies)

If you told fans that just Joey Badass would be performing, they would be preparing for a energy-ridden show. Now add the flows and prowess of Flatbush Zombies. This will be show that nobody will want to miss. The quartet form Beast Coast, all from Brooklyn and all ready to devastate. Probably one of the most anticipated shows of the weekend, this east coast super group is one to be on the lookout for.

Calpurnia

The kids from Vancouver who have made waves in the indie scene are back at it again with a busy tour schedule in 2019, including a stop at Governors Ball. Led by Finn Wolfhard, also known for his acting in shows such as Stranger Things and the latest rendition of It, the group has been gaining traction in the past two years in the mainstream charts. A fun and energetic live show are what awaits, as the group knows how to play to a crowd and feed of of the energy.

070 Shake

Another artist who had a huge 2018 is New Jersey’s 070 Shake. Working mainly with Kanye West as part of the GOOD music label, she has had guest features on Ye, Pusha T’s Daytona, and Nas’ Nasir. 070 Shake was also a part of Easter weekend’s Sunday Service at Coachella providing backing vocals. New music might be on the horizon for her as well, with a release being hinted at in 2019.

Injury Reserve

The Arizona hiphop trio consisting of Stepa J. Groggs, Ritchie With A T and Parker Corey have been quietly cooking up quality music since 2013. The group’s 2015 Live From The Dentist’s Office gained a lot of respect from the hiphop community upon release. Following up with Floss, the group has found something that works and something to stand out from the majority of hiphop artists in the 2010s era.

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

Melbourne’s Rolling Blackouts C.F. have been waiting for their moment to break into the North American scene, and this summer seems like it’ll be a big one for the Australian group. The indie rock group focuses on raw guitars and vocal harmonies that stay stuck in your head after a couple listens.

Jessie Reyes

Toronto’s Jessie Reyes is fresh off a JUNO Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2018 as well as a SOCAN songwriting prize. In her budding career she has already worked with hiphop greats such as Eminem on his 2018 Kamikaze record. With pop hooks that catch you off guard and stories intertwined throughout them, Reyes’ songwriting ability is her most valued asset as she continues to grow as a musician.

The Governor’s Ball Music Festival has a stacked lineup of talent no matter what genre you are there to see. Nas, SZA, Lil Wayne, Brockhampton, Sheck Wes and Vince Staples round out the hiphop category. Gesaffelstein, Major Lazer, Louis the Child and Kaytranada will have the beats flowing all weekend long, while other notables such as Kacey Musgraves, Blood Orange, Lily Allen and Lord Huron are also on the bill. The NYC festival taking place at Randall’s Island park on May 31 to June 2 will be one to remember. Single day tickets along with full weekend passes are available here.