Another summer, another festival kick-off. Located in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, NY, this year’s Governor’s Ball is stacked with artists to see – from POD favorites to some newcomers that are absolutely dominating the airwaves (streams?). We cannot wait for this weekend and as always, we’ll catch you outside.
LORDE – Night 1 of Gov Ball, Friday, 6/5 at 8:30p ET the Verizon Stage
Lorde is back and ready to go! So excited to see Lorde pop up on a few festival lineups this year as she returns to the stage in a highly anticipated comeback. Few artists have the tenacity to capture a festival crowd quite like Lorde. Her songs can feel super intimate on headphones, and somehow still manage to make them seem like powerful anthems when singing along with a crowd of thousands of people.
A$AP Rocky – Sunday, 6/7 at 8:45p ET at the Verizon Stage
Blurb: A$AP is known for his larger than life stage presence, and we expect no less during his headlining set this weekend. With an anticipated set list of big hits, cool swag, and electric crowd, Gov Ball is definitely planning to wrap the festival weekend with a bang.
Stray Kids – Saturday, 6/6 at 8:30p ET at the Verizon Stage
So listen, even if K-pop isn’t your usual lineup stop, Stray Kids are worth experiencing live. Their performances are built for the festival sized stages with intricate choreo, arena style productions, and enough energy to convert any curious first timers into fans. If you’re looking for a mind blowing spectacle of a performance in your day, Stray Kids is your stop.
Kali Uchis – Saturday, 6/6 at 7:30p ET at the Snapchat Stage
Blurb: Following a headlining set at Chicago’s Suenos Festival in Grant Park, Kali Uchis graces New York City with her presence in what we expect to be one of the more stylish and sonically lush sets at Gov Ball.
Jennie – Sunday, 6/7 at 7:45p ET at the Snapchat Stage
Jennie has been having a moment this summer with her latest remix of Tame Impala’s ‘Dracula’. After making massive waves with BLACKPINK, her solo rise has made her one of the most anticipated performers at this year’s Gov Ball Festival. She brings the global superstar appeal to the lineup and fans are sure to be given a performance to talk about days after the festival doors close for the weekend.
Baby Keem – Friday, 6/5 at 7:30p ET at the Snapchat Stage
Baby Keem remains one of the most inventive young rappers today. His live shows thrive on unpredictability, gnarly beat switches, and chaotic energy. Drawing a crowd with equally as much drive and enthusiasm, if you’re looking for a set with pure, raw kinetic energy, this is it.
Blood Orange – Saturday, 6/6 at 5:30p ET at the Snapchat Stage
Blurb: Blood Orange has always been that artist that just so effortlessly weaves the smooth grooves of R&B, funk, dreamy synth pop, and indie rock. This set is sure to kick off the late stage performances on a high note with their hypnotic sounds and we can’t wait to be fully immersed in this experience.
Japanese Breakfast – Sunday, 6/7 at 4:00p ET at the Snapchat Stage
POD is no stranger to Japanese Breakfast. Michelle Zauner consistently creates excellence and delivers some of the most emotional and engaging live sets in indie music today. Her gorgeous melodies are still echoing in my brain from the last time she sold out two nights at The Salt Shed in Chicago in 2023. I know I’m due for a visit to her world supporting her latest album For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women).
Clipse – Sunday, 6/7 at 5:45p ET at the Snapchat Stage
One of the most influential rap duos of the 2000s, returning to a major festival stage is a big deal. Clipse bring their legendary status, razor sharp lyricism and impressive catalog of hip-hop classics to Gov Ball on Sunday night.
Wet Leg – Saturday, 6/6 at 4:45 ET at the Verizon Stage
It’s hard to believe this group has only been around since 2019. Just off their second studio album ‘Moisturizer,’ this scuzzy, post-punk indie group is one I am personally excited to see live for the first time. Packed with gut-punching beats and cheeky songwriting, Wet Leg is definitely one of the weekend’s best daytime acts.
Geese
Blurb: This is definitely a band who earns you some bragging rights if you’re looking for that “I saw them before they became huge” pick of the day. You actually might be a little too late since this band has been the talk of the town recently, and you’d be remiss not to make a stop at their set. Don’t snooze on these guys!
POD Spotlight: previously featured ‘Getting Killed’ album review and 4×4 music highlight
When & Where to catch them: Sunday, 6/7 at 4:45 ET at the VERIZON Stage
The Beths – Friday, 6/5 at 6:00p ET at The Grove
Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, The Beths are a steadily growing indie rock band whose songs combine the soft vocal harmonies from all band members and a power pop energy that is earning them lineup slots at some of the biggest music festivals this summer. If you enjoy the likes of Beach Bunny, Alvvays, and Bully, this is a can’t miss act!
Honorable Mentions:
- Ravyn Lenae
- The Dare
- Slayyyter (previously featured on POD’s 4×4 music highlight)
- Pierce the Veil
- Amyl & The Sniffers (previously featured on POD’s 4×4 music highlights)
- Thee Sacred Souls
