Gov. Ball 2023: The Rookies, The Must-Sees, and The All-Stars
Gov Ball is back this year with a HOT, must-see lineup. Consisting of up-and-coming and well-established acts, we’ve listed some of our favorites that make it worth a trip to New York City this summer.
THE ROOKIES
Ice Spice
If you’ve spent any time whatsoever on any social media app, you’ve probably heard or at least seen a photo of rap’s Strawberry Shortcake doppelganger, Ice Spice. Between the catchiest collab of the year with other social media superstar PinkPantheress “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” and new tune with self-proclaimed queen of rap Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice is sure to have quite the set. She takes the stage on Friday, June 9th.
Sarah Kinsley
The TikTok sensation is set to take the stage on Saturday, June 10th, sure to perform hits from her three previous EPs. The multi-talented instrumentalist and singer-songwriter brings a new meaning to the genre of bedroom-pop, her works rivaling those of well-seasoned musicians and composers alike. Her repertoire speaks for itself, a few tracks of hers amassing millions of streams.
Ella Jane
A daughter of Taylor Swift and Lorde, Ella Jane is taking the music industry by storm. Though it may appear she enjoyed quick success, it clearly wasn’t without hard work – she’s released over ten projects since her streaming debut in 2020. Taking notes from Jack Antonoff’s production on Lorde’s critically acclaimed Melodrama and songwriting tips from Swift’s folklore, you’re sure to be dancing like you’re in a coming-of-age film when you see her take the stage Sunday, June 11th.
MICHELLE
Born-and-bred New Yorker, MICHELLE has been at it for about five years in creating some of underground-pop’s biggest earworms. Composed of six members, each tune utilizes shimmery synths or impressive harmonies to craft songs you can’t help but sway your hips to, hands above head à la Scarlett Johannson in Marriage Story. Be sure to catch them on Friday, June 9th.
The Amazons
British indie rock group, The Amazons, are set to hit the stage Saturday, June 10th, sure to perform anthemic hits like “Black Magic”. Though the band has enjoyed immense success in the UK – and it’s easy to see why – they’re ready to make their name known in American households with hard-hitting psychedelic rock.
MUST SEES
Rina Sawayama
Coming off a world tour and enjoying critical acclaim for her performance in John Wick: Chapter 4, Sawayama is a bonafide popstar, and the title is nothing if not well deserved. Her genre-spanning catalog is on its way to iconicism and it’s clear to see why with tunes like the Christina Aguilera inspired “XS” and grungy “STFU!” as well as newer hits like “Frankenstein” and the earworm “This Hell”. Catch her on stage Saturday, June 10th.
Suki Waterhouse
Suki Waterhouse is Gen Z royalty, and it’s easy to see why; her effortless cool factor and performance in the wildly popular Daisy Jones & the Six aside, the multi-faceted talent maintains an incredibly intimate and vulnerable relationship with her listeners, her uber-personal tunes allowing an audience to easily connect with her. Combine that with a rockstar-persona, and you’ve got the magical pull of Suki Waterhouse. Find her on stage Saturday, June 10th.
Snail Mail
All hail the reigning supreme of indie-rock! Snail Mail in all her “Glory” (pun intended) can be found taking the stage Saturday, June 10th, the guitarist and singer-songwriter sure to perform hits that first put her on the map, such as “Heat Waves” and the anthemic “Pristine” as well as newer hits from her most recent album, the sophomoric Valentine. Snail Mail has been credited, and rightly so, for giving indie-rock the badass kick it once had – emphasis on the rock. Trust us, you won’t wanna miss the shredding.
PinkPantheress
PinkPantheress is a pop princess in her own right. After her song “Just A Waste” gained immense traction on TikTok, she essentially became a superstar overnight, though she was able to enjoy life away from the spotlight for quite a bit before garnering the prestigious award of BBC’s Sound of 2022 and collaborating with Lil Uzi Vert and Beabadoobee. Now a hyperpop and bedroom-pop budding superstar, you can find her on stage Sunday, June 11th.
THE ALL-STARS
Lizzo
Lizzo’s name alone speaks for herself. The powerhouse singer and rapper first emerged onto the scene over ten years ago, garnering four-star reviews and praise from publications such as The Guardian and Star Tribune before collaborating with late musical icon Prince and appearing as the musical guest on the Late Show with David Letterman, though it wasn’t until 2019 and 2020 that the megastar really had her breakthrough. I mean, let’s be real here – it was virtually impossible to walk three blocks without hearing “Truth Hurts”, and who can complain? Catch the icon on stage Friday, June 9th.
Kendrick Lamar
One of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation, Kendrick Lamar’s musical genius – and subsequently, critical acclaim – seem to know no bounds. Between countless numbers of collaborations under his belt, along with 17 Grammy awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and other accolades, Kendrick Lamar needs no introduction. His socially conscious tracks are a testament to his talent as well as his social agency and power and they’ve stood the test of time, with songs from his sophomore studio album good kid, m.A.A.d city still making the rounds. Find him headline Sunday, June 11th.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X is truly a one-of-a-kind artist. Breaking records with his massive hit “Old Town Road” – he broke Drake’s record for most streams in a week, garnering 143 million while Drake’s “In My Feelings” reached 116.2 million – and remaining an important part of the cultural conversation around both hip-hop and country as a Black queer man, Lil Nas X is not only a superstar, but a visionary. His controversial music video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” is, simply put, art. Lil Nas X’s talent has earned him numerous spots in the Billboard Hot 100, and he’s sure to be a hit on stage as well. He performs Sunday, June 11th.