Empire of the Sun performing at Governors Ball in 2011
Governors Ball is back for a second term (June 23 and 24). TheMusic.FM had a great time at the inaugural event last year, which was held on New York’s Governors Island (but has moved for 2012), and we’re excited to see what the expanded lineup has to offer.
Organizers seem to be continuing their laudable efforts to keep the music flowing in an enjoyable way for concert-goers. Like last year, there will be no overlapping sets. Fans can hop between stages and listen to each and every act for the two days they are at Governors Ball. No conflicts, no missed chances. It’s not only a great idea for a festival, but a great selling point that this festival is using in an environment of ever-increasing outdoor music choices.
The other item to note is that Governors Ball will be held at the larger Randall’s Island this year. Getting there is easy and Governors Ball has the whole list of travel options to make your trip a smooth one. With that being said, who should you be most excited to see? Glad you asked, because TheMusic.FM has you covered.
We gave a shorthand account of our top five picks, along with some other great blogs, over at Hype Machine (who has their own stage this year!) but there was plenty of debate about who was left off.
As always check the full schedule here, two-day passes are sold out but single days are available at $95 and other ticket options are available here.
Beck -Just Started Hating Some People Today
Saturday at Governors Ball
Passion Pit – It’s been several years since we’ve last seen the band on stage and it’ll be interesting to see how the new material works with the older material.
Duck Sauce – How great is this? The duo of Armand Van Helden and A-Trak have made the gigantic hit “Barbara Streisand” plus a great track record as solo artists equals a great time in the sun.
Major Lazer – With Diplo and crew, Major Lazer is made for a large festival audience. Expect things to get hot and heavy thanks to the crazy antics on stage and killer track selection. Perhaps a Santigold appearance as well?
Santigold – Speaking of, this will be a great set in its own right. She’s returned with a new album and I’m excited to see how the new music translate in a live setting. Santigold usually adds plenty of flare to the party so I expect a solid live show.
Big Gigantic – Should be a fun little trip early in the day. The band is hitting all the big festivals and it looks like they may be one to watch in the future.
I almost forgot to mention Chromeo, Special Disco Version (James Murphy and Pat Mahoney), and Kid Cudi, but chances are you were going to see them and they are very known quantities. You know what you’re going to get and chances are you are going to love it.
Sunday at Governors Ball
Beck – Any doubt this would be our most anticipated act for Governors Ball? His recent work released via Third Man Records has me excited about what we will see out of Beck.
Fiona Apple – She’s come back in a huge way hasn’t she? This set will have the best audience thanks to how dedicated her fans are and the new album has been getting rave reviews.
Explosions in the Sky – I’m not sure how well they will fit in but Explosions will be a great experience as you can get lost in their music.
Devendra Banhart – Fun and quirky, Banhart will bring his unique blend of pop and folk to warm hearts and this should be a blissful set in the sun.
Alberta Cross – Just great rock that will start the day off wonderfully. I’m definitely getting to Governors early to catch the act.
Other noteworthy acts: Modest Mouse (of course), Cults, Phantogram and Built to Spill.
If that’s not enough Governors Ball for you, there will be after-parties at Brooklyn Bowl. Saturday will be hosted by Red Bull Music Academy and will feature Nobody Beats the Drum, Cubic Zirconia, XXXchange and Brenmar. Get your tickets here. Sunday’s official after party at Brooklyn Bowl will feature Penguin Prison and Art Vs. Science and you can buy tickets here. If you show your Governors Ball ticket stub each show will be $5 at the door.
So that wraps up our preview. Which day are you most excited for? Which act is a must-see for you?
