The Governors Ball Music Festival is returning as New York City’s hottest summer festival in just over one week, June 7th-9th at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, NY. The festival features a stacked lineup, including headliners Post Malone, The Killers, and SZA. Here are some of the other acts you won’t want to miss!
FRIDAY
#1: Donna Missal
When and Where They’re Playing: 1:00 at the IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage
Similar Artists: King Princess, The Aces, MUNA
Listen To: “Hurt By You”, “Keep Lying”, “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby”
Donna Missal, an L.A.-based singer/songwriter, blends bedroom-pop and her rock background into a delicate yet powerful style of music. Her debut album, This Time, showcases a blend of soulful intensity, rock influences, and experimental intimacy. Known for her powerful, dynamic voice, Missal brings raw passion to the stage, drawing from her New Jersey rock band roots. Produced by Tim Anderson, This Time merges soul, hip-hop, and rock elements, creating a fresh yet timeless sound. Songs like “Transformer” and “Driving” highlight themes of self-empowerment and social commentary, with Missal’s live shows amplifying the emotional depth and energy of her recordings.
#2: Arcy Drive
When and Where They’re Playing: 1:30 at the gopuff Stage
Similar Artists: flipturn, Briston Maroney, The Backseat Lovers
Listen To: “Time Shrinks”, “Roll My Stone”
Long-Island’s own Arcy Drive delivers electrifying live performances characterized by their unique “attic rock” sound. Formed by four friends—Nick Mateyunas (vocals/guitar), Austin Jones (lead guitar), Brooke Tuozzo (drums), and Patrick Helrigel (bass)—the band started jamming in an attic and quickly gained a local following. Their energetic live shows, featuring tracks from their Beach Plum EP and debut album Attic Sessions, showcase their scratchy yet passionate sound.
SATURDAY
#3: Telescreens
When and Where They’re Playing: 1:00 at GOVBALLNYC Stage
Similar Artists: Pan Arcadia, The Thing, Big Dumb Baby
Listen To: “Phone Booth”, “Games”
Telescreens, a New York City rock band formed in 2016 by Austin Brenner, Josiah Valerius, and Jackson Hamm, gained traction with high-energy live shows before the pandemic. During the lockdown, they refined their sound, embracing the aggressive, euphoria-driven spirit of rock and roll. After adding Oliver Graf in 2019 and recording their second album 7, they resumed live performances, selling out Mercury Lounge monthly and playing unique DIY venues across the city. By summer 2023, they achieved a milestone with a sold-out headline show at Bowery Ballroom, solidifying their status as a must-see live act.
#4: Claire Rosinkranz
When and Where They’re Playing: 2:40 at IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage
Similar Artists: Lizzy McAlpine, Maude Latour, mxmtoon
Listen To: “Backyard Boy”, “don’t miss me”, “Hotel”
Claire Rosinkranz, an American singer and songwriter from California, gained fame with her viral 2020 hit “Backyard Boy” at the age of 16. Signed to Republic Records, she released her debut EP BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd the same year, followed by 6 Of A Billion in 2021. Known for her breezy alternative pop anthems, Rosinkranz captures the essence of teenage summers and young love in her music. Her debut album, Just Because, released on October 6, 2023, continues to showcase her unique blend of gleeful guitars, lo-fi production, and chantable choruses. Rosinkranz has also collaborated with notable artists and toured with Alec Benjamin and Dermot Kennedy.
SUNDAY
#5: G Flip
When and Where They’re Playing: 1:45 at IHG Hotels & Resorts Stage
Similar Artists: Holly Humberstone, Inhaler, Renee Rapp
Listen To: “The Worst Person Alive”, “GAY 4 ME”, “Be Your Man”
G Flip, an Australian musician from Melbourne, has risen to fame with their emotive pop anthems since signing with Future Classic in 2018. Known for their multi-instrumental talents, G Flip’s debut single “About You” and subsequent album About Us garnered significant acclaim, leading to several ARIA Award nominations. They continued their success with their 2023 album Drummer. G Flip blends personal storytelling with their music, exploring themes from rebellion to love. Their energetic performances and relatable lyrics have earned them a devoted following worldwide.
#6: Malcolm Todd
When and Where They’re Playing: 3:20 at GOVBALLNYC Stage
Similar Artists: Omar Apollo, Steve Lacy, Dominic Fike
Listen To: “Roommates”, “Art House”, “Sweet Boy”
Malcolm Todd is a Los Angeles-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends soul, R&B, and punk with biting lyrics. Known for tracks like “Out of Bounds,” “Roommates,” and “Art House,” Malcolm has amassed a significant following on TikTok. His raw commentary on post-high school life and relationships is delivered over breezy beats and lithe guitar work, creating a distinctive DIY alternative R&B sound. Influenced by a diverse range of artists from James Taylor to Steve Lacy, Malcolm’s honest and direct lyrics resonate deeply with his audience. His debut album, Sweet Boy, released just last month, showcases his knack for catchy grooves and relatable themes, promising a bright future ahead.
Limited tickets are still available for this year’s Governors Ball Music Festival here.
