We are just two days away from the fourth annual Governors Ball, a (semi) new festival that’s held on NYC’s Randall’s Island. Are you headed to the fest? Do you wish you were? Keep an eye out all week because Allston Pudding will be providing previews, tips, and tricks for all things Gov Ball.
Check out our day-by-day preview of the fest, these are our picks of who you’d be an idiot to miss this weekend. We've also done all the research on the little names that are hidden musical gems so you don't have to. Listen up!
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
Also could be dubbed the soundtrack to HBO’s “Girls” day.
Little Names: Don’t Miss…
The Chain Gang of 1974
When: 12:15 - 12:40
Where: Gotham Tent
Simplified Genre: Indie / Electronica
Interesting Online Tidbit: This artist used to be a part of 30H!3. Now hear me out, remember how hard the drops that 30H!3 produced made you dance during your middle school glory? You’ve grown up since then - and so has Kamtin Mohager. But I promise the dancing will be of the same excited caliber, minus the braces and jelly bracelets.
Sounds Like: The 80s infused electronic dance interpretation of the first real week of summer weather after a far too long winter / that feeling of victory when buying a really sexy great new outfit, Chvrches, Small Pools, Empire Of The Sun
Selling Point: It’s one of the first act of the first day of this three day music festival that you’ve been planning and obsessing over for weeks. And you’re there at noon. You’re stoked like nobody else, and what better way to celebrate and kick off the weekend than dancing to this high energy set? The Chain Gang of 1974’s set is sure to be filled with synths, dramatic hooks, and hopefully the hair swishing.
Drowners
When: 12:45 - 1:30
Where: Big Apple Stage
Simplified Genre: Indie Rock
Interesting Online Tidbit: Evidently the lead singer moved to NYC originally to pursue a career in modeling so he’s beautiful and talented.
Sounds Like: If you took The Strokes circa 2001 and put a bit of a kick in their step, added The Kooks, and said, “run free!”
Selling Point: If I walk through the festival gates and hear the soft crooning voice of Matthew Hitt in the distance drawing me in closer and closer, I have no doubt that everything-in-it’s-right-place-feeling will waft over me. Drowners promise a mellow set perfect for cracking open that first cold beer. By the end of the set you’ll be making a mental note to add this band to your playlist. Take the critics complain that they are reinventing the wheel with a grain of salt. Drowners feels light, happy, and dudes are pulling off some tight little riffs in there if you’re paying attention. Sure, maybe what they’re doing isn’t groundbreaking, but they have their shit together.
Run the Jewels
When: 1:30 - 2:15
Where: Honda Stage
Simplified Genre: Hip-Hop
Interesting Online Tidbit: Back in the day, Killer Mike was signed to a major label in the more conventional hip-hop world. He just so happens to have made his debut on Outkasts’ Stankonia. What do we think? Will Andre 3000 invite his old pal Mike to join him when Outkast closes out this day?
Sounds Like: Two BFFs vibin’ off of one another amidst infections beats thinking, “damn, my buddy is so DOPE!” You’ll be checking your watch wondering how the heavy bassline is rattling your chest cavity so early in the afternoon, but you won’t be mad.
Selling Point: The two have been credited as a solid and rewarding alternative to the infamous Watch The Throne duo. Oh, also...you can buy a “Run the Jewels Herb Grinder” on their website. Really.
Big Names: Don’t Miss…
Washed Out
When: 3:45 - 4:45
Where: Gotham Tent
Simplified Genre: Chillwave, electronica
Interesting Online Tidbit: You totally recognize his single “Feel It All Around” from the opening sequence of Portlandia.
Sounds Like: A cross between Tycho and Beach House, sometimes described as “daytime psychedelia.”
Selling Point: I’ve never heard a bad thing about a Washed Out show. Ernest Green is a man who has mastered his sound and delivers consistently, it’s a win-win. Green’s music is layered and complex but the hands behind it all pull it off with notable ease. When topped with his ethereal vocals, Washed Out’s energy is so palpable, you can’t stop but breathe a little easier and smile a little more.
Grimes
When:8:15 - 9:15
Where: Gotham Tent
Simplified Genre: Electronic synthpop
Interesting Online Tidbit: Her Twitter is pretty damn funny. In 60 seconds of scrolling I learned that she is really into Game of Thrones, owls, and that she often feels that puppies are con-artists who know they are cute.
Sounds Like: A blend of Enya and Aphex Twin. No, I know, that sounds ridiculous but take a listen...IT MAKES SENSE. She (Claire Boucher) cites folks like Nine Inch Nails, How to Dress Well, and Swans as large influences.
Selling Point: Hey, this girl won a Juno Award for electronic album of the year. Have you ever seen the set she did at KEXP? Boucher would grow a third arm if she could because this girl manipulates all of her pedals, dials, and keys solo. I’ve always found solo artists like her absolutely fascinating to watch as they put the sonic puzzle together right before your eyes.
Damon Albarn
When:9:15 - 10:30
Where: Honda Stage
Simplified Genre: Britpop, alt rock, electronic, alt hip-hop, etc.
Interesting Online Tidbit: Albarn has taken strong anti-war stances in the past and present. He’s actively used his voice to speak out about injustices including during his acceptance speech at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2001 shortly after the September 11 attacks.
Sounds Like: A friggen genius of our era.
Selling Point: I heard the title track off of Albarn’s Everyday Robots on NPR’s All Songs Considered a few months back and experienced that rare moment where you rewind the podcast just to listen to the same segment three times. He’s the frontman of Blur. He’s the principal songwriter of Gorillaz. You must go. I know Outkast is on at the same time, you miss the beginning of the set for this guy, he is worth it!
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
The Day Where The Schedule Is Actually The List of Collaborators on Jack White’s Next Album
Little Names: Don’t Miss...
Classix
When: 3:00 - 3:45
Where: Honda Stage
Simplified Genre: Electronic
Interesting Online Tidbit: This is where the duo loses points. Not too many hilarious anecdotes. It’s almost like they’re professionals or something.
Though, it’s worth noting that this is the first website that comes up when you google them. http://theclassixband.com/
Wedding, anyone?
Sounds Like: Your standard DFA outfit, with considerably more 70s.
Selling Point: I saw these guys very briefly, from a considerable distance at FYF 2013, and I remember specifically being mad that I couldn’t make my way to the middle. They were really, really fun. Hopefully we can all get a little bit closer together. (That’s not weird, right?)
The Internet
When: 12:45 - 1:30
Where: Gotham Tent
Simplified Genre: R & B, rap
Interesting Online Tidbit: According to interviews, Syd Tha Kid was/is down with the stupid stuff that Odd Future pulled lyric-wise earlier in their career. This is notable because she, unlike everyone else, was correct. Goddamn, she’s cool. Is it hard for the coolest OF member to keep challengers to her coolness title at bay? I want to know.
Sounds Like: Making out on the beach, but like, the fake version. Not the actual version where there’s way too much sand, and nobody told you about that guy who keeps trying to sell water bottles against all visual evidence that you’re not to be bothered right now.
Selling Point: In contrast with almost every other member of the Odd Future collective, The Internet can be safely played at a brunch without anyone getting uncomfortable. Sweet, sultry singing from Syd Tha Kid getting matched up with smooth backing stuff from anyone is going to be great. Get ready to showcase your best immobile dancing skills.
Papa
When: 1:30 - 2:15
Where: GovBall NYC Stage
Simplified Genre: Indie pop
Interesting Online Tidbit: Just read their bio (http://www.papatheband.com/bio/) and tell me that isn’t one of the more pretentious things you’ve read before lunch today. Mind you, it’s a great read. But still.
Sounds Like: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr, ABADABAD
Selling Point: Really, really, really catchy stuff. Dangerously catchy. Padded walls-level catchy. Go see them if you want several new ringtones, and a fair share of indie rock goodness.
Big Names, Don’t Miss...
Deafheaven
When: 2:15 - 3:00
Where: Gotham Stage
Simplified Genre: Black metal
Interesting Online Tidbit: Via Wikipedia, on tour mates Russian Circle:
“The three rules of any successful band are to write good tunes, be excellent live, and to not be an asshole while doing that.”
D...Dad?
Sounds Like: One of my best friends said something along the lines of, “like the surface of the sun” but it was in a positive way, I swear. So I’m going with that.
Selling Point: Uhhh, the fact that this is the only black metal act in recent memory to sweep the critical hearts of every music publication in America? Is that a good enough reason? (Seriously, so many people sucked these guys’ dicks after Sunbather dropped last year that it’s a wonder The Source didn’t get in on the action and give it five mics. To be clear, that dick-sucking was warranted, it’s an incredible album.)
Diarrhea Planet
When: 12:45 - 1:30
Where: Big Apple Stage
Simplified Genre: The closest thing we’re ever going to get to good hair metal
Interesting Online Tidbit: Oh hey, did you know that Allston Pudding is hosting Diarrhea Planet in Boston, at the Great Scott, on Thursday June 5? Wow! That’s so interesting! Hot dang!
Sounds Like: Everyone high-fiving each other at once, a cataclysmic event that upends the very continental plates themselves, somehow giving everyone identical haircuts that resemble Jordan Smith’s illustrious mane. Yeah, that. It sounds like that.
Selling Point: R ead the above paragraph, because I’m not exaggerating. These guys are some of the happiest men I’ve ever seen take the stage anywhere, and their anthems rival Fang Island’s best work in terms of “sheer-joy rock” and “potential LARP-ing soundtrack material.” Can’t reccommend enough.
Sleigh Bells
When: 8:15 - 9:30
Where: Gotham Stage
Simplified Genre: Noise pop (whatever that means)
Interesting Online Tidbit: Via Wikipedia, Alexis Krauss on bandmate Derek Miller:
“Krauss was pursuing a Rhodes Scholarship at the time, but decided to join forces with Miller instead”
DUDE. I mean, she made the right choice, but DUDE.
Sounds Like: The sound of your neck shattering.
Selling Point: If you’re worried that you haven’t gotten your fill of testosterone by this point, then have no fear, because you’ll be saturated with so many Y-chromosomes by the end of Sleigh Bells’ set that your toes will have six-packs. By all accounts, this is going to be some extremely loud, extremely awesome shit.
Chance The Rapper
When: 3:45 - 4:45
Where: Gotham Tent
Simplified Genre: Rap
Interesting Online Tidbit: Take your pick of zines and articles about how his first mixtape was made during his ten days of school suspension (hence, “10 Day”). I’ll wait.
Sounds Like: If an obscenely young, amped up Andre 3000 had sweet babies with James Brown and they were all raised by Ab-Soul. That.
Selling Point: Chance is indisputably one of the best performers in the festival circuit right now. He’s got an insane rap game, dance moves up the wazoo, an incredible backing band (featuring underrated trumpet extraordinaire Nico Segal) and enough pent-up energy to keep you grooving till the next afterparty. He’s gonna bring it.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
‘Let’s just pray the massive hip hop line up on this day doesn’t encourage Interpol to whip out the hip hop mixtape catastrophe of 2013 that is ‘Everybody on My Dick Like They Supposed to Be’
Little Names: Don’t Miss...
Wild Belle
When: 2:15-3:00
Where: Big Apple Stage
Simplified Genre: ‘Psychedelic Rock Tinged Indie Pop’ -- Spotify
Interesting Online Tidbit: The band consists of a brother sister duo, Elliott and Natalie Bergman
Sounds Like: Bohemian Girl’s Love Songs, stoned Natasha Bedingfield
Selling Point: Natalie Bergman’s sultry and strong voice paired with smooth jazz saxophone provides for refreshingly sweet summer love ballads. While Bergman sings about being scorned repeatedly by a lover and unrequited love, her voice doesn’t falter like other female vocalists trying to hammer out heartache via song. She remains strong and powerful throughout, and is also topped with swirling jazz saxophone, piano and snare drum, just adding vigor to her messages. This band has a seriously impressive amount of flair.
Skaters
When: 1:30-2:15
Where: Honda Stage
Simplified Genre: Indie Rock with a Raspy Throat, East Coast and Don’t You Forget It
Interesting Online Tidbit: Drummer Noah Rubin lived in Allston and is from Newton, Massachusetts
Sounds Like: Being Young in NYC (which coincidentally is almost the name of one of their songs)
Selling Point: In attempting to narrow down the google searches when searching for the band called Skaters, you attach ‘Skaters NYC’ to the end of their name and boom - you find them. The band doesn’t hail from the city itself, but seems to be obsessed with it - their debut album ‘Manhattan’ consists of a collection of indie rock ballads dedicated to the big apple itself. It’s really no brainer that their set on Sunday is going to be something special to look out for -- or at least a time to be drunk and in New York City and sing about it, because honestly what’s more fun in New York than talking about being in New York?
AlunaGeorge
When: 3:45-4:45
Where: Gotham Tent
Simplified Genre: Electronic Pop with an R&B twist
Interesting Online Tidbit: Francis Noon, now known as Aluna Francis, first began singing in an electronic music act called ‘My Toys Like Me.’
Sounds Like: Female Pop Of The Future, She kinda sounds like a child but I’m turned on?
Selling Point: We first heard Aluna’s voice on ‘White Noise’ by Disclosure, and then AlunaGeorge debuted the ever so sexy ‘Body Music.’ Hailing from London, the duo represents with fresh over the pond electronic beats, with influences from reggae, R&B and dubstep. They’re sure to put on an alluring, bumpin, but most of all unique electronic set.
Big Names: Don’t Miss...
J.Cole
When: 4:45-5:45
Where: Honda Stage
Simplified Genre :R&B / Feel Good / Panty Dropper
Interesting Online Tidbit: J.Cole first started rapping at the age of 12. When he became more serious in his rapping career, he went under the stage name of ‘Therapist.’ Seems about right - you really gonna tell me this croner’s smooth voice isn’t straight therapeutic?
Sounds Like: R.Kelly meets Kendrick Lamar. Get down to ‘Work Out’ and ‘Crooked Smile’ with the same enthusiasm that you do for ‘Ignition’ and get none of the street cred damage of jamming to the music of an artist who peed on a girl.
Selling Point: J.Cole’s honeyed vocals and sharply spoken raps are brought to whole new heights in his live performance. I saw him at Rock The Bells ‘12 and can testify that he is a true performer - J.Cole stayed on beat, on key, and even brought out a piano and vocal solo. Don’t miss out on this fun, sexy and talented performer - even if rap music isn’t your thing, I’m sure J.Cole’s charismatic songs and smooth as silk style is bound to get a booty shake out of you.
Earl Sweatshirt / Tyler, The Creator
When: Earl: 3:00 - 3:45 | Tyler: 3:45-4:45
Where:Earl: Honda Stage | Tyler: Big Apple Stage
Simplified Genre: Punk ass Little Shit Rap, Satan’s First Hip Hop Mixtape
Interesting Online Tidbit: Uh….just google them if you really want to know.
Sounds Like: Catchy, stylistic hip hop production with hand over eyes vulgar rap lyrics over it, Trouble
Selling Point: Tyler and Earl were the two members of Odd Future that lured me into the upside down crossed on the foreheads of kitten cult of Odd Future. Despite how I disagree with their lyrics and antics, as artists these two are definitely unique, skilled rappers, and their sound embodies the swagged out bloody knuckled Supreme wearing New York Skate Scene. We at Allston Pudding know that Earl Sweatshirt puts on a goddamn show, and that was just given the small space of The Middle East. What will this young rap star do with a festival ground setting? I’ve never seen Tyler but hey, he was arrested for instigating a riot during his performance at SXSW. If you are prepared to unleash some animalistic mischief in the pit (be warned that Odd Future fans are really a breed of their own in there) and that’s your definition of fun (no judging, it’s mine) then you must get your butt there. And look at those set times. Could a badass live collaboration occur? Seems pretty likely…
The Bloody Beetroots (LIVE)
When: 5:45-6:45
Where: Gotham Tent
Simplified Genre: Old School Actually Good Electronic Music
Interesting Online Tidbit: The leader of the band goes by Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo. Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo actually began his musical roots as a classically trained musician. His actual identity remains anonymous, and the only hint we’ve been given to it thus far is the ‘1977’ he has tattooed across his chest, which is the year of his birth and the year that punk rock was born.
Sounds Like: Dark rousing and exciting electronica that’s not dubstep, The soundtrack to a Skins party, Untz untz untz
Selling Point: The Bloody Beetroots are popularly known for their collaboration with Steve Aoki on the song Warp 1.9, which is one of the songs that undoubtedly got me interested in electronic music. I saw them May 2013 at Paradise and The Bloody Beetroots had the crowd jumping <i> the entire time </i> and still asking for more. And ladies and gents, that was just their dj set. This is the live, in the sparkly venom masks, real deal, and it’s going to be crazy.
Interpol
When: 8:00-9:15
Where: Big Apple Stage
Simplified Genre: Alternative Rock Gold, New York Black Ties on White Button Downs Royalty
Interesting Online Tidbit: Interpol took a wee hiatus from 2010 - 2011, after their 2010 tour with U2 encountered several complications and bassist Carlos Dengler left the band. Now they’re back, with a new album in the works. (If you think this is a lame tidbit, please refrain to the above headline pertaining to Interpol’s hip hop mixtape. You can stream it here if you’re adventurous and have unconditional love for Interpol like me, in all other cases please don’t. I mean there is a track with Talib Kweli but it’s really not worth it and that’s saying something.)
Sounds Like: Drinking rum in a black leather jacket at 4am on an autumn night in Brooklyn overlooking the skyline, Music that makes you cry over your ex and view your relationship with a film noir lens
Selling Point: Interpol is fantastic and the epitome of cool. Seriously, if the bass plucking intro of ‘Obstacle 1’ doesn’t give you goosebumps with it’s mysteriousness, there’s something wrong with you. Or maybe not you, but your mystery radar is all off. These alt-rock gods are touring for the first time since 2010 and kicking off their tour with Gov Ball. And finally, they are New York natives and lovers themselves themselves, known for booking shows humbly referred to as “their own backyard” New York, so you know they’re gonna do it up right. They’re the soundtrack to every ridiculously and inexplicably cool New York moment you’ve had. They’re that faded black vintage leather jacket in Soho, the cigarette dangling from disheveled hipsters lips in Brooklyn, they’re all the cool that Manhattan wishes to be. SEE THEM.
Stay tuned to Allston Pudding for more Governors Ball 2014 coverage.