Have you ever wanted to attend a concert but had trouble deciding on which musician to see? The question arises of whether you want to see one musician or the other live, because each person performs differently and also creates different concert ambiances depending on what music they make. Rap artists tend to have more energetic and lively crowds, for instance, while indie bands have a more peaceful vibe. Well, that’s why Governors Ball exists. Ranging from underground artists to well known rap musicians, indie bands, and pop artists, you can experience it all at this festival. Having been there two years in a row myself, I have assessed and experienced what the crowds are like for different genres, and know what to expect if you plan on attending the festival this upcoming year.
Starting with rap, many well known artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Don Toliver, Childish Gambino, Tyler the Creator, and more have played at Gov Ball. From my experience of being in Kendrick Lamar’s and Don Toliver’s crowd, they both lived up to every expectation I had. The sound systems have basses that quite literally beat your heart for you, and despite the thousands of people around you that may obscure your view, they have screens which can be seen from miles away displaying the singers. Kendrick and Don Toliver specifically had great sets because while Kendrick was a headliner for the festival (meaning he was the last and only show people could attend at 10 PM), they both generally have great stage presences and know how to keep the crowd engaged.
The music itself was certainly amazing, but how was the crowd? The only word to describe it is purely energetic. Everyone is constantly moving around, whether they’re jumping to the song, or being pushed around in a mosh pit. Although this adds to the excitement and hype of the performance, it can definitely become an uncomfortable experience at times. Every portion of the festival is general admission, so especially in the rap musicians’ crowds, you can find yourself in a position where you have little to no space to move around. People will be pushing you, jumping around you, and especially during hit songs, screaming in your ear. Despite how anxiety-inducing it may sound, though, being in such a high energy crowd creates the most memorable experiences (as long as you’re aware of your surroundings, of course).
After the rush of chaotic crowds, it’s always good to have a calmer space to retreat to for a break. Gov Ball accounts for these moments where you would rather be sitting on the grass listening to the music, rather than in a mosh pit. Lower energy musicians such as Faye Webster, TV Girl, Pink Pantheresss, SZA, Alex G, and more have played at Gov Ball, whose music allows for a relaxed space like that.
From my experiences of watching all the musicians above at Gov Ball, they did not disappoint either. Although these types of artists may play at one of the smaller stages due to their smaller fanbase, the sound systems stay loud and crisp, and the large screens are at every stage regardless. The crowds are much calmer than those of rap artists, making such performances a pleasant break in between the more intense experience of the rap stages which can become exhausting very quickly. I, for one, migrated to the Faye Webster set when I got too tired in the Don Toliver mosh pit, and it elevated my overall experience, allowing me to enjoy the performance and rejuvenate energy for the next musician. Sometimes, it’s necessary to attend one of the smaller and more mellow shows to balance out your day. Despite these differences between various genres, the lively vibes carry out throughout the entire day at the festival, whether it’s being expressed through intense movement or loud singing from a crowd.
With the festival taking place every year in June at Corona park in Queens, thousands of people from around the world attend to see their favorite artists play. Every type of crowd, genre of music, and musician is always represented at Governors Ball, so it’s the perfect way to not only expose yourself to new music, but also to simply celebrate the start of a new summer season. There’s nothing better than getting a head start on the fun, so why not come and check out Governors Ball next summer?
