The Governors Ball Music Festival is returning as New York City’s hottest summer festival next weekend, June 9th-11th at new venue Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, NY. The festival features a stacked lineup, including headliners Lizzo, ODESZA, and Kendrick Lamar. Here are some of the other acts you won’t want to miss!
FRIDAY:
#1: KAYCYY
When and Where They’re Playing: 12:45-1:15pm on the GOVBALLNYC Stage
Similar Artists: Lancey Foux, Sean Leon, Joony
Listen To: “THE SUN”, “ROLL THE DICE”, “TIMELESS”
KayCyy is a Kenyan-American rapper, singer and songwriter. A frequent collaborator of many of rap’s biggest names, KayCyy has worked as a songwriter and credited vocalist alongside several major artists, including Kanye West, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott. Most notably, KayCyy had a large contribution towards the production of West’s Grammy award winning tenth studio album Donda, writing and recording for a multitude of tracks.
#2: 070 SHAKE
When and Where They’re Playing: 4:00-4:45pm on the BACARDI stage
Similar Artists: Kodie Shane, Toro y Moi, BROCKHAMPTON
Listen To: “Escapism,” “Swervin,” “Stay”
New Jersey artist 070 Shake has been making waves since she was first featured in the outro of Kanye West’s “Ghost Town” in 2018. Born Danielle Balbuena, Shake brings piercing lyrics and sentimental vocals to her powerful rap tracks inspired by her time growing up in New Jersey, Colorado, and the Dominican Republic. A creative powerhouse, Shake wrote over 100 songs in the two years between her debut album and her latest release You Can’t Kill Me. 070Shake is truly an artist who’s hooks will catch you and who’s lyrics will keep you.
SATURDAY:
#3: SARAH KINSLEY
When and Where They’re Playing: 1:15-1:45pm on the GOPUFF stage
Similar Artists: Lorde, Boyish, Indigo De Souza
Listen To: “The King”, “The Giver”, “Karma”
Sarah Kinsley is an alt-pop songwriter and singer who found viral fame on TikTok in 2021 with her self-produced single, “The King”. She credits her passion for producing her own music with the fact that only 2% of producers identify as women and she wants to be a part of that change. Kinsley’s music has a dreamlike quality to it that delves into both the intimate and the expansive, the introspective and the cinematic.
#4: KENNYHOOPLA
When and Where They’re Playing: 2:30-3:30pm on the GOPUFF Stage
Similar Artists: YUNGBLUD, JXDN, Poorstacy
Listen To: “DIRTY WHITE VANS//,“ “YOU NEEDED A HIT//,” “estella//“
KennyHoopla is a pop-punk artist who stands out for his insane energy during performances and is known to climb any structure in sight. His tracks are emotional and honest, but he does not take anything too seriously. In fact, his moniker is borrowed from a Spongebob Squarepants character. Kenny also has a big year ahead of him, from opening up for blink-182 on their North American tour this summer to playing multiple festivals while releasing new music. Check out KennyHoopla’s set as he is bound to put on an insane performance.
SUNDAY:
#5: CHARLIE BURG
When and Where They’re Playing: 1:00-1:30pm on the GOVBALLNYC Stage
Similar Artists: Frank Ocean, The Walters, Clairo
Listen To: “Channel Orange In Your Living Room”, “Lancaster Nights”, “Infinitely Tall”
Charlie Burg is an R&B and indie rock singer-songwriter. The Detroit-born and now New York-based musician has cultivated somewhat of a cult-like fanbase thanks to his lo-fi, R&B-adjacent bedroom-pop-esque sound, with a hefty discography dating back to his debut work in 2016. His ability to tell a story and reflect on his life through skillful lyricism and rich imagery makes him a musician you can turn to for whatever emotion you’re trying to unearth.
#6: MAUDE LATOUR
When and Where They’re Playing: 2:30-3:15pm on the BACARDI stage
Similar Artists: Chloe Lilac, The Aces, Ashe
Listen To: “Lunch,” “I am not the sun,” “Heaven”
New York City native Maude Latour will notably be giving her first Gov Ball performance, and on the same weekend as the release of her new EP Twin Flame out June 9th. An artist who has never forgotten her fanbase, Maude has responded to every DM and comment she’s ever received; and even had Instagram Lives during the height of the pandemic where she was the one asking her fans questions. It is rare to find an artist these days who cares so much about their fanbase – so jump on the Maude LaTour train and don’t miss what is sure to be an unforgettable performance.
Tickets are still available for this year’s Governors Ball Music Festival here.
