We are now a few weeks past the annual Governors Ball Festival in New York City, a three day multi-act concert in Flushing, Queens. The festival, which took place from June 6-8, featured acts like Olivia Rodrigo, Rolemodel, Tyla and more. Popviewers (I) was lucky enough to attend Gov Ball on Friday in honor of NUTRL Vodka Seltzers, and let me tell you – quite a day was had.
The excitement at Gov Ball was palpable as the crowds gathered. From the lineup to the ambiance, everything about Gov Ball was noteworthy. Gov Ball is always a whirlwind of excitement and discovery. Witnessing the performances at Gov Ball was a true highlight of my year.
The Festival Report: Gov Ball
In this new column: The festival report, I’ll be discussing everything festivals – from lineups to activations, guest performances to food options. You might be thinking – why is she qualified for this? I could tell you that it’s because I’ve been to a few of these festivals at this point, but honestly, it’s not about that. This column will be a journey into the music world. A first hand account from the POV of the fan – who is willing to brave the elements for the love of her favorite bands (and discovering some new bands along the way).
Normally, I’d be the first one in line at a festival, scoping out the grounds and keeping an eye out for my next favorite band. But this day was hot, and I needed to make sure I was good for Tyler, The Creator in the evening – so a late start it was. After getting my bearings on the grounds, I was immediately called upon, spiritually, by what appeared to be little samples of grilled cheese. Like a mouse cartoonishly flying toward a wafting aroma, I was drawn in for a sample. And then another sample.
If I had glasses and a wig, I might have gone back for a third sample but alas, we continue on toward mozzarella sticks (also phenomenal). At this point I remember we are at a music festival and not a food festival, and I decide it’s time to lock in. I wandered over to the Gov Ball NYC stage for the BigXthaPlug set. The 27-year-old Texas-based rapper is having a big moment right now – so seeing his energetic and fun New York set gave me that feeling where you know you’re in the coolest music space of the moment.
Tyla was next up on my schedule, taking over the Kiehl’s stage with a pop-star energy that many attempt, and few can actually land. The South-African singer has had huge hits of the last year, with songs like Water and Jump. It was honestly so cool to see a star on the rise like that – having already achieved so much and on the brink of a worldwide takeover. Her fans were locked in, and I’m sure she gained some brand new ones that day.
After, it was time for T-Pain. For me, T-Pain is one of those artists where you forget how many of his songs you know. Low, All I Do Is Win, Buy U a Drank. Each one of these songs is a true time portal, that can zap me back to the 2008 Bar Mitzvah circuit. Watching him run around the stage back and forth made me wonder – who had more fun? Me, or T-Pain. I danced, I sang, I drank my Orange NUTRL Vodka Seltzer (favorite flavor, no notes).
As with any T-Pain performance, I felt the need to make sure everyone knew: “HE WON SEASON ONE OF THE MASKED SINGER,” I yelled to my friends over his set. “T-PAIN IS ACTUALLY AN INCREDIBLE VOCALIST.” Of course nobody could miss the man that kept dancing in the audience – some of you readers might have seen him go viral on Tik Tok for his moves. I was mostly impressed that he kept the bit going. I think if it was me, i would have been like “enough,” by the third time they panned the camera to me.
After T-Pain, it was time to head to Role Model. Role Model is someone who I’ve known about, with his viral hit Sally (When The Wine Runs Out). Here’s the thing: Before his set, my mindset was “I like that song Sally, so I guess I’ll check it out. By the midpoint of his set, I was delusionally hoping that I would be pulled up on stage as the Sally of the show.
(Each show, he has a guest come dance with him. When I tell you the crowd lost their minds when Conan Gray popped out as Sally. There was so much love on stage with the two of them dancing. It was honestly hope-core in a deeply depressing time in the world.
As Role Model wrapped up, we walked back to watch Benson Boone. Ok here’s the thing. I feel bad for him for starting the flip thing. The whole time, I was waiting for the flip. And when he flipped i was like “ok, next flip.” But I was also acutely aware that flips are dangerous. I was nervous for him the whole time. I can only imagine how his friends and family feel.
The last act of the night was Tyler, The Creator. Here’s the thing. There is music, there is art, and then there is music you can see and art you can hear. His set was all of the above. Truly gorgeous, thought provoking and sonically sound, Tyler, The Creator’s set seemed to be a genius at work. Currently on tour, this music festival stop-over was anything but an afterthought. Tyler, The Creator’s performance was a fitting conclusion to the Gov Ball experience.
So now it’s nighttime, and I need to be horizontal. As per usual, leaving a music festival is like walking uphill in the snow, but much like our grandparents walking to school – I did it. Sitting in my uber home, I rewatched my videos of the day, tried to figure out when the next Role Model show in my area was, and strategically planned out my Instagram. A successful day.
