Hello, Governors
Can’t-miss rising stars at the Governors Ball Music Festival.
May 28, 2015
Clockwise from top left: Twin Shadow, MØ, DIIV, Clean Bandit & Astr
Governors Ball is back with three days of music from huge pop acts, but there are also tons of under-the-radar up-and-comers that you’ll love. Thankfully, we’re up to date on the lineup and have picked out the must-see rising stars at this year’s festival, based on the acts we know you already wanted to see.
IF YOU CAME TO SEE: BJÖRK
CHECK OUT: TWIN SHADOW
Satisfy your yearning for an emotional mash-up of live instrumentals and electronica, like you’ll hear in Björk’s set, with Twin Shadow’s beat-heavy neo-soul synthpop. Musician George Lewis Jr.’s tunes have also been described as “chill wave,” and they’ll definitely cool you down as the summer heats up.
Key Tracks: “Five Seconds”, “Turn Me Up”
IF YOU CAME TO SEE:FLORENCE + THE MACHINE
CHECK OUT: MØ
She may not be a ginger like Florence, but Danish singer MØ benefits from the famous Brit’s female alt-pop legacy. MØ is a little Lykke Li, a little Fever Ray, a smidge of Oh Land, and a whole lot of talent. She’s been featured on tracks with Diplo and Major Lazer, and her croon is perfectly paired with slick beats on her debut album, No Mythologies to Follow.
Key Tracks: “Pilgrim,” “Don’t Wanna Dance”
IF YOU CAME TO SEE: LANA DEL REY
CHECK OUT: DIIV
Del Rey is in many ways the heiress to the darkly romantic grunge made famous by Nirvana. Indulge your ’90s nostalgia with Diiv, a band of boys fronted by Zachary Cole Smith (better known in some circles as Mr. Skye Ferreira). Diiv’s brand of airy, post-Internet rock is moody, atmospheric, and edged with grit.
Key Tracks: “Five Seconds”, “Turn Me Up”
IF YOU CAME TO SEE: MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS
CHECK OUT: ASTR
This New York duo creates extremely sexy, dark pop tracks with a lush, East-meets-West Coast vibe. Their music is an escapist fantasy—dreamy, sensual, and hypnotic—much like the “cyber Sophia Loren” sound of Marina’s most recent album, Froot. And Astr vocalist Zoe Silverman is certainly stylish enough to keep up with Marina.
Key Tracks: “Blue Hawaii”, “Operate”
IF YOU CAME TO SEE: KIESZA
CHECK OUT: CLEAN BANDIT
You might not recognize this band’s name, but you’ve definitely heard their hit single “Rather Be,” all over the radio, in the club, and on your iPhone. The four-piece band mash up electronic sounds with live classical instruments like the cello and violin for a complex, joyful, and extremely danceable sound that’s very reminiscent of the neo-’90s house on “Hideaway” singer Kiesza’s debut album, Sound of a Woman.
Key Tracks: “Rather Be”, “Extraordinary”
Governors Ball on Randall’s Island, June 5–7; $260 three-day admission. Visit governorsballmusicfestival.com for more info.
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