Photos via Gov Ball
Bust out the sunscreen and break in your fishnets, everyone, New York's supposed and self-proclaimed biggest party of the summer is almost two months away. As anyone who's anyone is well aware, The Governors Ball 2024 returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this June 7-9, with a freshly baked three stage, 60 artist set list that everyone's talking about. Coming hot off an extremely successful and obsessed over 2023 edition, which was stockpiled with some of the hottest bands and artists of our generation, the festival is hoping to completely blow last year out of the water with another action-packed lineup.
Gov Ball 2024 unveiled their updated three day lineup back in January, and it was clear they'd settled on an indie-pop-rock focus when building their schedule. Compared to last year's focus on hip-hop and R&B, featuring headliners Kendrick Lamar and Lizzo, supported by hot topic up-and-comers like Ice Spice, Omar Apollo, and Giveon, the festival has instead opted for an indie-nostalgia, top-of-the-pops, three day dance rock extravaganza. Gov Ball 2024 will most notably be hosting powerhouse headliners Post Malone, SZA and 21 Savage, alongside hit makers Peso Pluma and Rauw Alejandro.
But the headliners aren't the only reason to get excited for this years festivities. Alongside a smattering of gold standard vendors and eats, this year's lineup boasts some of the past year's most sought after and conversation worthy acts in the business today. Each day of the festival is well balanced with just the right chemical mixture of veteran and emerging artists, allowing for three days of throwbacks, charting hits and all your next favorites.
Obviously, we're excited about SZA, and of course we're going to see The Killers and plug our ears during "Mr. Brightside," but it's the supporting bands that are going to steal the show this summer. We here at Tonitruale are especially excited for Tonitruale natives, Alex G and Beach Fossils, to take the stage on Friday and Sunday, but we've also picked out a few favorites we'll be fighting to the front of the barricades to see.
Its closeted indie sleeze heaven across all three days of the getdown, with Ryan Beatty and Kevin Abstract slated for days one and three respectively. Between Beatty's delightfully sweet Calico and scream-till-you-go-hoarse back catalog, even the most conservative indie pop enjoyer will find themselves unable to rip their focus away from his set, especially if he busts out "God in Jeans" or "Powerslide."
With Abstract slated for Sunday, June 9, he has the opportunity to do the best thing ever and bring Beatty out on stage for any accompanying verse or chorus in his entire catalog. Beatty is featured on a great deal of unreleased BROCKHAMPTON tracks, and is featured on "Baby Boy" from Abstract's 2019 record, ARIZONA BABY, among others. Abstract's most recent release, Blanket, also makes for the perfect summertime festival setlist material, showcasing a wide range of soft rock inspired ballads and experimental pop rock jams like "Madonna," "Voyager," and the titular track, "Blanket." All of that will be for naught if he doesn't play anything off American Boyfriend; 16 year-old me needs that.
It's going to be hot, sticky, sweaty all weekend regardless of weather, with Victoria Monét, Tyla and Reneé Rapp all on the lineup. Monét's JAGUAR II was home to a number of hits and summertime classics, between the immensely successful ear worm "On My Mama," and the album's diamond encrusted features on "Smoke" and "Hollywood." Tyla's Saturday slot also promises a good time for anyone with a special someone in the crowd, or even a not-so-special someone. Her self-titled smash debut album, largely responsible for bringing afro beats and good music to white frat parties across the US, is packed from front to back with undeniably catchy hit after hit, deserving of every bit of hype and every accolade that's sure to head her way. Hometown hero Reneé Rapp promises to keep it sexy and mean to close out Day 3, bringing the it girl archetype a dazzling reinvention on 2023's Snow Angel.
Gov Ball 2024 stands to rival it's 2023 predecessor in sheer repost value alone, if not in objective quality alone. But even if none of these bands and artists are your jam, there's still plenty of variety stacked against each other across the weekend. You're sure to find a new favorite and a recognizable sound no matter where you land.
Rob Lucchesi
