12 Acts to See at Governors Ball 2024

Alex Chapman, 12:30-1pm, gopuff stage
RIYL: Charli XCX, Kim Petras, Slayyter

If you haven’t yet discovered Alex Chapman, you might be missing out on one of the most exciting new talents in the music scene. Alex Chapman is a rising star making significant waves with his infectious pop mashups and electrifying DJ sets. Known for his collaborations with renowned pop artist Kim Petras and his viral presence on TikTok, Chapman is rapidly becoming a household name in the music industry.

Alex Chapman’s set at Governors Ball is an absolute must-see. His remarkable ability to blend infectious beats with pop favorites ensures a high-energy, feel-good atmosphere that will set the perfect tone for the rest of the day. – Jesse

Donna Missal, 1-1:30pm, IHG Stage
RIYL: Fletcher, King Princess, WET

I have a small, but mighty list of artists that I’d love to see live if I had the chance, and Donna Missal is absolutely included in that list. Missal released two full-length albums in 2018 and 2020 before she was dropped from her record label, Harvest Records, in 2022. Last year, she released her most critically-acclaimed body of work, Revel, and will be wrapping up her North American headline tour with her performance at Governors Ball.

Missal is a powerhouse vocalist: her range is impressive, and her emotions shine through every word she sings. If you’re a fan of pop music with deep lyricism and “bedroom-meet-electronic pop music,” I definitely suggest getting to the first day of the festival bright and early for this performance. – Kristin

Underscores, 1:40-2:20pm, IHG Stage
RIYL: 100 Gecs, Hemlock Springs, Porter Robinson

Underscores is the moniker of April Harper Grey, one of the newest voices in pop punk. Known for her high-energy performances, she’s opened for 100 gecs, which gives you an idea of the intensity she brings to the stage. Initially releasing dubstep tracks on SoundCloud, she began dropping EPs in 2018. Last year, she released her album Wallsocket, accompanied by an alternate reality game (ARG) featuring the fictional town of Wallsocket, Michigan. The album received acclaim for its character-driven narrative and eclectic mix of genres.

Grey recently kicked off the European leg of her Hometown Tour on November 30. Her live shows are a blend of raw energy and musical versatility, making her a must-see artist with an unforgettable blend of pop punk and innovative storytelling.
– Jesse

Ryan Beatty, 3:15-4pm, Verizon Stage
RIYL: Dijon, Dreamer Boy, Kevin Abstract

If you’re wondering why the name ‘Ryan Beatty’ sounds familiar, it’s probably because he got his start posting covers on his YouTube channel back in 2011. His 2023 album Calico certainly put his name on the map, but so did his numerous collaborations with BROCKHAMPTON over the years and more recently, his impressive mark on Beyoncé’s groundbreaking Cowboy Carter: including not one, but four different writing credits (“Protector,” “Bodyguard,” “Just For Fun,” and “II Hands II Heaven”).

Currently on tour supporting Noah Kahan and opening up for Maggie Rogers later this fall, on top of a handful of festival performances sprinkled throughout the summer, it’s bound to be Ryan Beatty’s year. – Kristin

The Thing, 12:30-1pm, gopuff Stage
RIYL: Catfish & The Bottlemen, Arctic Monkeys, Sam Fender

Is it just me, or are we in dire need of a new rock band to take over? While everybody and their mother knows that I am a die-hard pop girly, I love a good rock band to dig my claws into: after all, I was one of those millennial girlies who obsessed over The Arctic Monkeys’ AM album during my freshman year of college.

With that being said, I find that The Thing, comprised of three high school friends who bonded over their love for rock ‘n roll, are certainly on their way to becoming rock’s next best thing. Thanks to their dedicated fanbase they’ve created after performing up and down the East Coast over the past couple years, the band decided to quit their day jobs to pursue their music career full time. If that’s not rock ‘n roll, I don’t know what is. – Kristin

Claire Rosinkranz, 2:40-3:20pm, IHG Stage
RIYL: Role Model, Remi Wolf, BENEE

Claire Rosinkranz, a California native, first caught the public’s eye when her song “Backyard Boy” went viral on TikTok in 2020. The catchy track showcased her bouncy vocals and summery vibe, quickly becoming a favorite among listeners. Since then, Claire has continued to grow her musical repertoire, releasing her debut album, Just Because in 2023: an album that demonstrated her ability to craft infectious pop melodies with a laid-back, California cool.

Rosinkranz’s music is characterized by its upbeat and breezy sound, making it the perfect accompaniment to warm, sunny days. Her tracks exude a carefree energy that is ideal for kicking off the festival season. Claire’s live performances are known for their vibrant and uplifting atmosphere, promising to get the crowd moving and singing along. – Jesse

d4vd, 5-5:45pm, IHG Stage
RIYL: Steve Lacy, Laufey, Mac DeMarco

Singer-songwriter David Burke, who first gained notoriety on the internet for his montage videos of the video game Fortnite, is headed back to New York for Governors Ball as a hometown hero: he was born in Queens before his family moved him to Houston as a pre-teen.

d4vd, who’s only 19-years-old, has become a staple for Gen-Z music fans, hitting nearly 28 million monthly listeners on Spotify and is currently sitting at the 181st most streamed artist in the world. d4vd just kicked off his My House Is Not A Home tour on May 25 and will also be making his debut at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza later this summer. – Kristin

Hippo Campus, 6:15-7pm, IHG Stage
RIYL: Coin, Peach Pit, Briston Maroney

Minnesota natives Hippo Campus, otherwise known as a band that has probably never put out a bad song, seems to be teasing new music this year. They dropped a single back in April, which happens to be their most recent release since 2022.

It’s been years since I’ve seen Hippo Campus live, mainly because I just really haven’t had the chance to. But since it seems like they’re teasing a new album and are playing a handful of festivals this summer, I’d expect to see a lot of them the rest of this year and into 2025. – Kristin

Baby Queen, 1:30-2pm, gopuff Stage
RIYL: Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray, beabadoobee

One of our longtime faves, Baby Queen, is back in the US this summer with slots performing at Governors Ball and Bonnaroo. These sets come after Bella Latham’s debut album, Quarter Life Criss, dropped this past November, paired with two sold-out shows in NYC and Los Angeles.

Like we mentioned above, Baby Queen has been on our radar ever since her debut single, “Internet Religion,” dropped back in 2020. Since then, Latham has found major success across the world, in part due to the relatability that oozes from her music: equal parts self-deprecating, tongue-in-cheek, and hesitant optimism. It also helps that she opened up for Olivia Rodrigo back in 2022. – Kristin

Elyanna, 2-2:40pm, Verizon Stage
RIYL: Saint Levant, Nemahsis, SOLOMAN

Fresh off the release of her debut album Woledto back in April, which was praised for its “blends of Arab pop, R&B, EDM, and jazz” that formulates a “new sound with deep respect for tradition,” Palestinian-Chilean pop superstar Elyanna has been making waves across North America following her already established career and dedicated fanbase in Lebanon.

Elyanna was also the first performer in the history of Coachella to sing in Arabic back when she made her debut in 2023, something I’m assuming she will also achieve with her performance at Governors Ball. If you’re looking for an iconic multicultural moment, Elyanna’s set is one not to miss. – Kristin

Beach Fossils, 3:45-4:30pm, IHG Stage
RIYL: Wallows, Alvvays, Deerhunter

As New York natives, Beach Fossils’ presence brings a local flair to the festival, making their performance special for NYC attendees. Known for their summery, chill vibe, Beach Fossils’ music is the perfect soundtrack to usher in the summer season in the city that never sleeps.

Their 2023 album Bunny stands as a testament to their evolution and mastery of the dream pop genre. The album features lush melodies, ethereal vocals, and introspective lyrics that create an immersive listening experience. Tracks like “Dare Me” and “Sleeping on My Own” highlight the band’s ability to blend nostalgia with modern sounds, crafting a record that’s both timeless and contemporary.

Live, Beach Fossils are known for their captivating performances, effortlessly blending their laid-back sound with engaging stage presence. Their set at Governors Ball promises to be a memorable experience, providing festival-goers with a serene yet invigorating escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. – Jesse

Chappell Roan, 4:45-5:30pm, Verizon Stage
RIYL: Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, MUNA

Surprising to no one, we absolutely recommend checking out Chappell Roan’s set on the final evening of Governors Ball. Considering Chappell has had an astronomically fast rise in popularity over the last few months, thanks in part to her slot opening up for Olivia Rodrigo on the GUTS tour as well as the virality of her most recent single, “Good Luck, Babe,” it’s clear that Roan is one of the artists on major US festivals this year that’s getting the biggest pull when it comes to crowds.

Just this past weekend, Roan made her debut at Boston Calling, and word on the street (aka TikTok), she attracted a bigger crowd than a couple of the headliners. Need I say more? – Kristin