Governors Ball Day 1 Hits Heavy With Flo, Labrinth, Post Malone & More
The Governors Ball (Gov Ball) is New York’s hallmark music festival, giving NYC’s dense city population their own sprawling music experience. Ushering in the start of summer, Gov Ball is a destination for the hottest — and soon-to-be hottest — music acts.
The festival’s first day saw rising artists like FLO and Teezo Touchdown share stages with heavy hitters like Post Malone and Labrinth. Keep on reading for a recap of EnVi’s favorite sets from Friday.
UNDERSCORES
Underscores, the acclaimed musical project of April Harper Grey, is notorious for genre-bending. Her wide range of musical inspirations, from Skrillex and PinkPantheress to Beck and Madonna, are all evident in a seamless, six-song set. She opened with “cops and robbers” from her latest, Michigan-set concept album Wallsocket, a pop punk inspired rage on mundanity. Throughout, underscores is the image of cool, staying collected despite sound issues and somehow not breaking a sweat in a long flannel shirt despite the hot summer sun. It’s hard to tell if the demeanor is a persona based around the characters of Wallsocket, or if it’s Grey’s natural charisma, but either way it creates a strong, infallible presence to support the musical experimentation being performed. With half an hour at her disposal, Underscores took fans through dubstep, pop rock, emo, indie pop, and hyperpop, something for everyone without conforming to a single genre.
FLO
United Kingdom-based R&B girl group made their Gov Ball debut after an exciting year of performances, at prolific festivals like Coachella, and a robust US Tour. Most known for songs like their 2020 hit, “Cardboard Box,” and follow-up single, “Immature,” the group is reminiscent of R&B groups of the ‘80s and ‘90s. FLO mix seamless vocals with exciting dance to each of their performances. Donning army green-strapped dresses and two-piece sets, the members invoked Destiny’s Child “Survivor”-era imagery throughout their set. But that’s not where the homage ended. The trio treated fans to their renditions of Destiny’s Child’s “Bootylicious,” En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go,” and Busta Rhymes’ “What’s It Gonna Be?” Despite the handful of covers, FLO are unique to themselves, taking fans through a melodic mix of layered vocal arrangements and confident choreo with songs like “Fly Girl” and “Walk Like This.”
TEEZO TOUCHDOWN
Teezo Touchdown is a rockstar breathing new life into alternative music. As fans eagerly waited for his set at the IHG stage, he softly sang to soundcheck. With noticeable issues for his in-ears, he continued to work through the sound issues. Making his way to the stage, he sported long, wet, and wavy hair, with a black mesh top. Carrying on tradition, he held his mic in a bouquet of flowers. A set that’s a mix of crowd-pleasing energy with a sense of open emotion, Teezo is cementing himself as a key player in a new era of soft alternative.
LABRINTH
Known for his music on HBO’s hit television series Euphoria, Labrinth is the genre-bending musical sensation everyone should add to their playlist. Drawing a sizable crowd for his set, fans waited in anticipation as they watched crew members set up. The set dressing was elaborate, with a multileveled gray platform. Despite his 40-minute delay, his performance was well worth the wait. Background vocalists and a drummer were the first to make their way to the stage, donning an all-black ensemble. Shortly after, the United Kingdom-born singer and rapper entered the stage hurriedly. Making his way to the top of the platform, fans hollered and cheered. Performing tracks like his 2019 hit “Formula,” he began to contort his body through electric dancing.
FARRUKO
Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin pop artist Farruko brought the fire to Gov Ball, with an explosive performance only made more so by the intense pyrotechnic display. With fireworks and thumping EDM bass, Farruko’s set was a party-starter. Though his set was one of the first longer sets of the day, it certainly didn’t feel like it. Every minute was packed with high energy — fans jumping to tracks like “El Incomprendido” and viral smash-hit “Pepas.”
RAUW ALEJANDRO
Following Farruko, Rauw Alejandro brought the capital P to the party on the GoPuff stage. A charismatic frontman, dubbed “The King of Modern Reggaeton,” he was bright and energetic throughout the entire set. Hailing from Puerto Rico, it seemed the entire diaspora population of New York City turned out in support, waving Puerto Rican flags and singing in tandem to hits like “Espectacular” and “Desesperados.” Alejandro also gave some love to fellow Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny with his take on “Party.” Donning a bright orange suit and an equally bright, infectious grin, Alejandro was the image of a star in his element.
For more summer festival coverage, see our most memorable moments from 88rising’s Head in the Clouds NYC here.
