Day 2 of Governors Ball was characterized by more bass heavy and EDM acts than the day before. Scottish electronic producer Rustie got the shaded Gotham Tent packed and raving early in the sunny day, playing a healthy medley of trap and hip-hop tunes. Canadian electronic dance diva Kiesza followed with her signature high-energy set, mid-song rafters climbs session on the sides of the stage, all the while breaking out some incredible dance moves without wavering even a little bit on the high notes.
Next up, and keeping that dancing energy going was Swedish electronic band Little Dragon, who rocked out on the main GovBallNYC stage while lead singer Yukimi Nagano bounced around in a bright yellow jacket as the reached it’s zenith int he sky. Drawing us back to the Gotham Tent was fan favourite Future Islands, who performed their unique brand of synth pop and metal-core growling, completed by lead vocalist Samuel T. Herring’s outrageous dance moves. You might expect Herring’s intensity or commitment to his crazy stage antics to have waiver by now, but he brought the energy ten fold yesterday at the festival like never before. He even shouted out that it was the biggest crowd they’ve played to yet. Well keep it up boys, we want to see you on the mainstage next year!
Donning his signature tribal mask, SBTRKT was like a conductor mixed with a mad scientist, controlling every aspect of his performance in the Gotham tent. Playing a non-stop selection of his special brand of melodic dance music, to the frenzied crowd. He brought out Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig for their track “New Dorp, New York” off his most recently released Wonder Where We Land LP.
Closing out day two on the Gov Ball Stage before the EDM kids flocked for headliner Deadmau5, was Björk the magical butterfly. Sporting a Nikoline Liv Andersen dress and James Merry mask and fluttering around the stage like the angelic musical nymph that she is. After watching her perform in front of her live orchestra, who were all dressed in white, it was quite clear that we were watching a genius at work. Not just a musician and singer, but a visual performer who choreographed everything about the performance. From the visuals on the screen to her outfit, even to her well timed out hand gestures.
The actual headliner of day 2 came in the form of fellow Canadian Deadmau5 who, despite having some technical difficulties with his set, did manage to get it going and keep the party on track, as the gathered crowd of 50,000+ people danced the night away in the middle of New York’s East River.
Take a look at our photo round up below.
Björk | Gov Ball NYC Stage
Photos by Santiago Felipe
Little Dragon | Gov Ball NYC Stage
SBTRKT | Gotham Stage
Future Islands | Gotham Tent
Kiesza | Gotham Tent
Rustie | Gotham Tent
