Jun 13

Jun 13 Gov Ball 2018 Recap

I’ve wanted to go to Gov Ball since moving to the tri-state area four years ago, but haven’t made it till this year. And what a weekend it was. I was fortunate enough to know someone working the festival and he was able to get the boyfriend and I wristbands allowing us access backstage and to the artist areas. Below are some extremely brief points on both performances and the artists themselves. This is a recap after all, ya girl doesn't have time for in-depth coverage right now!

Middle Kids’ vocalist had a stunning voice. Maggie Rogers bounced around with the energy of a new performer, but the skill of an experienced one. Galantis’ Christian and Linus clearly enjoy doing what they do. Their enthusiasm was infectious and being able to see it up close was a treat. I was able to catch every smile they threw each other throughout their set and it made their show that much more exciting. It was like Eminem never left his tour. Travis Scott was actually pretty good. I honestly didn’t even realize I knew as many songs as I did. But he ended about forty minutes early and apparently he’s notorious for doing so, which I think is kind of shitty, especially when you have the honor of being a headliner and a closer, but he wasn’t one of the people I was at the festival for so I digress. Belly was someone I'd never heard of, but I rolled up randomly and heard some of his set...he killed it. I was pretty into it. I was a little nervous about Khalid, since sometimes new artists who explode on to the scene like he did are not great live. He exceeded my expectations. However, he does bop around a lot so he had to let the prerecorded vocals take over at times. LANY and Halsey were both incredible. I’ve seen her before so I knew was to expect, but I love LANY so it was a fun surprise their live sound was just as good as on Spotify. I honestly didn’t understand why Jack White was a headliner, but after his set, I got it. CHVRCHES is always amazing. Post Malone was as good as expected, and hoped. Sir Sly? Loved. Same with Russ. Quinn XCII was on point with his performance. The Glitch Mob is a personal favorite. I’ll drool over them any day. Knox Fortune, Lophile, Alice Merton, The Spencer Lee Band, Tash Sultana, VHS Collection—all good. I think I should stop...this is getting repetitive. Basically I was pleasantly surprised because everyone either exceeded my expectations or put on a least a solid show, or I “discovered” awesome groups I hadn’t paid much attention to before.

I got to hang out with The Regrettes, who are precious, watched a Galantis show from backstage, found out Paul of LANY does not speak after playing a set (though I'm honestly not sure if he was rude or just exhausted, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt...), Halsey is just as gorgeous in person and Khalid is even more adorable. Middle Kids and Flight Facilities are both super friendly, Chris Rock (Yeah, that one. He was randomly there 🤷🏼‍♀️) is a chill dude who's up for fan photos and cracks knowingly lame jokes, Maggie Rogers loves a good jumpsuit, Belly is drained after a set, but still appreciative when you tell him how great it was, Post Malone can hold his liquor, Billie Eilish is way more quiet than I expected, Margo Price is a sweetheart and Pharell is big into the "namaste" gestures.

Already looking forward to Gov Ball 2019!