Headstash

Headstash's GOVERNORS BALL 2012 Preview Guide

June 23-24 – Randall's Island – New York City, NY
Two-Day Pass: $195.00, Single Day Ticket: $105.00
2nd year – Last year's attendance: 20,000 – Camping: No

2012 Lineup:

Saturday, June 23: Passion Pit, Chromeo, Kid Kudi, Major Lazer, Special Disco Version (with James Murphy and Pat Mahoney of LCD Soundsystem), Atmosphere, Santigold, Big Gigantic, Duck Sauce, Penguin Prison, Walk The Moon, Art vs. Science, K. Flay, Nobody Beats The Drum

Sunday, June 24: Beck, Modest Mouse, Explosions in the Sky, Fiona Apple, Devandra Banhart, Cage The Elephant, Built To Spill, Cults, Phantogram, Freelance Whales, Alberta Cross, The Jezabels, Turf War

2011 Coverage: Comprehensive review and pictures

 

Festival Website: http://governorsballmusicfestival.com

 

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History 

Randall’s Island is also easier to access, which will cut down on travel times. Last year, the lineup included indie rock, electronic and hip-hop acts, while this year the first day is all dance-heavy artists with a splash of hip-hop and the second day is more about the indie rock.

Best Things

No overlapping sets. Last year, the stages were a short walk apart, but on the way you could grab water, beer or food or even stop at the bathrooms. You didn't have to miss the beginning or end of your favorite artists to make it to the next show since they didn’t start immediately. You also had a better chance of camping out and getting a good spot for your favorite artists.

The lineup. Nearly every act could headline their own show in New York City, but Governors Ball pulled them all together for a huge two days of music. This year is going to be no different and it'll be hard to pull yourself away to get food or take a bathroom break. Luckily, they've split the festival into two very different days by genre so that you can get your fill of each type of music. Saturday is a rager with Chromeo and Big Gigantic while Sunday is more rock oriented with Beck and Modest Mouse.

Good eats. Although it can be pricey (it’s the Big Apple after all), the quality was top-notch and way better than your average burrito stand. The variety was also impressive. This year’s event will have food trucks from around the city to satisfy your hunger pains as you dance the night away.

Worst Thing

The hustle and bustle.On a good day with little to no traffic, it would have taken me 30 to 40 minutes to get to the ferry, but the traffic in the city added made the drive a solid hour. There’s public transportation abound in NYC, but it can sometimes be a hassle with delays and crowds. Plan to leave early and account for unexpected delays.

Atmosphere

In 2011, the festival grounds were a long strip on the side of Governors Island, which had stages placed at either end. This year, the set-up will be different because of the change in location.

Nonetheless, there will be some nice areas to sit and plenty of room to stand close by the stages. The people at the festival were a nice mix of rough-edged New Yorkers and Brooklyn socialites. There weren't too many overly rowdy people or "bros,” nor were there too many hipsters.  It seemed like everyone was there because they truly appreciated the music.

Who To Check Out . . .

If you like mildly funky music with some great bass and vocals, you’ll love BECK.

His short, upbeat song structure is reminiscent of The Talking Heads and he’s an incredibly talented musician. He plays multiple instruments, beat-boxes and sings during his set that will span genres from folk to alternative rock.

If you like Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros or The Flaming Lips, you’ll love MODEST MOUSE.

This group of indie and experimental rockers play songs with jerky, fun rhythms and deep lyrics. They definitely have their own sound and command the stage during their performance.

If you like the soaring peaks of LOTUS’ lighter fare, you’ll love EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY.

This Texas post-rock group will slowly but surely build to an extreme peak with each song. They aren't as meandering as some jam bands when the song crescendos, but it’s just as effective and uplifting. They travel through their songs like they were lullabies until they come to a crashing, heavy rock explosion.

If you wish 80s synth music would make a comeback, you’ll love CHROMEO.

It’s electro-funk with an updated feel. You’ll have no choice but to move around during this fun show.

If you feel like there’s a dash of soulful brass missing from the electronic music scene, you’ll love BIG GIGANTIC.

Combining dirty beats with a saxophone to create an entirely unique sound, Dom Lalli and Jeremy Salken always throw a few wrinkles into their show – whether it be improv or some crowd hyping – and end up being a highlight by the end of the festival.

Final Thoughts

As an event, Governor's Ball is extremely well run and they will definitely be even more prepared for the crowd in year two.  I'm expecting the food and drink to be abundant and varied.

With each day, having a different genre of music, Saturday and Sunday will most likely have completely different atmospheres. On Saturday, the party animals should be out in full force whereas Sunday, the wide-rimmed glasses and flannel shirts should be popular dress.

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Who's excited for Governors Ball? Let us know in the comments below . . .