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New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Gov Ball 2025: We heard Hozier's yell, "Heat Waves," and more
Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. For the Northern Hemisphere, summer officially starts on June 20. Yet, for myself and many fanatic New Yorkers (interns we love to hate and true lifers alike), the first breath of summer feels more like the day one of Queens' annual Gov Ball. Spirits are high, the air is thick, and crowds encircle three massive stages. Strangers dance till they forget that cocktails start at $25, waiting impatiently to hear headliners like Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, and Tyler, the Creator wail through hour-long sets under thunder and warm rain. Advertisement There's really someone for everyone at Gov Ball, and it's all just a quick subway ride away, depending on how many people are willing to smash into the 7. Contrary to its name, the fourteenth iteration of Governor's Ball took place in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, right beside the Unisphere — a site at which my European friend asked, 'Is this Universal Studios?' I'm no novice to New York's music scene, but I've only lived here a couple of years, and from that, I've gathered that the pop-indie-rock-rap festival can feel more like a good-natured family reunion than a multi-day music party. Were there quite a few twelve-year-olds? Yes. Was I too cool to be there? Definitely not. Ready to swap some head-banging for smoother swaying was no deal-breaker. We made our way to catch the final acts on Sunday: bedroom pop-girly Clairo, five-piece indie rock band Mt. Joy, Aussie-rockers Glass Animals, and of course, our new headliner that had the entire crowd hollering, Hozier. Advertisement Luckily for us, Flushing Meadows has no shortage of options for fueling up. Ticket holders have access to five food courts and freebies, too, if you know where to look. Dunkin' was handing out throwback merch and ice-cold lattes (caffeinating highly recommended), and some spirit brands had spin-to-win deals, too. My advice? Skip the longlines and stick to the basics. Festival food is festival food. Now, let's get to what matters: the music. Clairo Advertisement No map was needed to find our first stop. Clairo's voice finds you: soft, ethereal, layered, and breathy. The only heavy side of her set is the lyrics, but you may as well forget them when you're in front of her. If Indie Goth-Girl is in this summer, she's a blueprint, floating around in a black mesh dress, mic in one hand and wine in the other. I mean, she is the aesthetic. She made her Gov Ball debut more gracefully than others, sweeping both sides of the stage with lo-fi gems like 'Echo' and 'Bags.' The slow burn in 'Juna' offered a moment to make some sing-song intros to the band. And, still, nothing matched the dream-state of 'Sofia.' Her sets are true easy-listening, albeit more mellow than expected. Want to see her live? You can find Clairo's complete 2025 tour calendar here. Advertisement Mt . Joy For more energy, all we had to do was swap stages. One of the joys of a festival is the pace of it all. Most artists are allotted an hour, just enough time to deliver their greatest hits sandwiched between some new sounds. Sometimes though, there's room for leftovers. 'Leave it to a bunch of stoners to map out an hour's worth of time, and that's what you get!' to quote Mt. Joy's lead singer Matt Quinn. What we got was more music, and nobody was complaining. The folksy rock outfit just released their fourth studio album, 'Hope We Have Fun,' and offered a rare example of artists whose fresh music lands just as well with a crowd craving all the oldies-but-goodies. They sang those, too — belting 'Astrovan' and 'Julia' before finding some solace in 'Silver Lining.' Cheers erupted as Quinn welcomed Gigi Perez — who has quite a few 2025 shows lined up — for 'In the Middle.' This was a crossover meant to happen. The two duet together beautifully, building hazy vocals into a moody ballad that might make you want to text your ex, and blow up both of your lives a bit. Perez is someone to watch; the same vibrato that sent 'Sailor Song' viral was just as moving in real life. It's almost a Tracy Chapman-esque tone, deep, a bit androgynous, and intensely powerful. If she's not on the next lineup, I'll protest. Politely, but still. Mt. Joy's other items felt like a stripped-back reflection on life with a lens that lends beauty to all of it. 'Lucy' rang like an anthem amid a stream of existential questions like 'Dust to dust, what becomes of us?' — a track inspired by a friend of the band who is battling an illness. A light, loving escape came with 'Bathroom Light,' and those still craving gritty guitar riffs and rebellious Americana got a rousing cover of Wheatus' Millennial anthem 'Teenage Dirtbag.' A little musical poetry is what this band does best. Never seen the band live? Click here to see Mt. Joy's schedule to see if they're headed to your neck of the woods. Glass Animals Advertisement The only thing that made leaving Mt. Joy more bearable was the promise of Glass Animals. Don't get me wrong. Hozier was the headliner here, but I was just as hyped to hear 'Heat Waves' performed live, on a hot day in the middle of June. I mean, nothing was more thematically appropriate for this late spring/early summer extravaganza than these lyrics: 'Sometimes, all I think about is you/ Late nights in the middle of June/ Heat waves been fakin' me out.' It felt made for this stage, and while it did offer a satisfying climax to their jam-packed set, I found myself more impressed with their deeper cuts and Dave Bayley's dance moves. A standout moment came as he launched into mid-crowd for 'Gooey.' I watched Glass Animals perform the moody single a decade ago, and it still has that nostalgic quality that nips you when you least expect it. It feels a world apart from 'Tokyo Drifting' feat. Denzel Curry, which the band offers as an invitation to rave beside jolting lasers and bouncing EDM graphics. It was electric, eclectic, and a little bit sensual (I witnessed a parent cover her kids' ears.) The best of Bayley and Curry in a bit over three minutes. There's still a bit of Glass Animals' tour left. Snag tix to see the group now. Advertisement Hozier Hours passed, and we were properly primed for the main act. I caught Hozier at the laid-back Forest Hills Stadium last year, and he delivered with a force. But, closing out Gov Ball is higher stakes, and even more so for someone severely under the weather. He unnececarily apologized for his illness shortly after settling in (while still managing to look like a God), then belted like he'd never felt more alive, opening with 'Nobody's Soldier,' before carving out time in his set to deliver stone-cold classics 'Someone New,' 'Like Real People Do,' and 'De Selby (Part 2).' Of course, if anyone can perform while fighting a virus that feels 'like a shark with knees and legs,' it's the almost 7-foot Irishman who harnesses a voice my friend compares to 'Heaven's gates opening.' Like last time I saw him, his strongest moments were also the softest ones, especially when he wandered to the B-Stage for 'Unknown/Nth' and 'Cherry Wine'. For people who have speculated that he's not real, this was the proof. Raw talent requires nothing more than a mic and melting eyes. Advertisement Hozier, as a good headliner does, took a minute (several, actually) to speak on issues close to his heart. He called for an end to imperialism, expressed support for a 'Palestine that's free from occupation,' and encouraged unity over division. During 'Nina Cried Power,' graphics of unhoused people lit up the screen, juxtaposed with charts showing the surging stock prices of Lockheed Martin. Faces froze; it was an impact you felt as much as you saw. Just when it seemed that the only thing missing was 'Too Sweet' and the long-awaited closer 'Take Me To Church,' he gave us those, too. Breathless, but no less powerful, it was a testament to strength and solidarity, but also evidence that Governor's Ball belongs to the people, regardless of age, background, or taste. It's a fest anyone can enjoy — where music gives meaning and the stories are loud and clear. Hozier is on the road. To see him, smash this link now. Upcoming music festivals near NY Advertisement Missed out on Gov Ball and want to catch a fest or three in the Tri-State these next few months? You're in luck. Here are just five of our favorite options for can't-miss multi-day outdoor get-downs in NY, NJ and CT in summer 2025. 2025 music festivals The Capitol Groove June 28-29 at Bushnell Park in Hartford, CT Bleachers, Cake, Khruangbin, Thundercat, Thee Sacred Souls Borderland Music Festival Sept. 12-14 at Knox State Farm in East Aurora, NY Vampire Weekend, Mt. Joy, Khruangbin, Nathaniel Rateliff, Band of Horses Festival Sept. 13-14 at North Beach in Asbury Park, NJ Hozier, Blink-182, LCD Soundsystem, Alabama Shakes, Lenny Kravitz All Things Go Sept. 26-28 at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY Lucy Dacus, Doechii, Clairo, Gigi Perez, The Marías CBGB Festival Sept. 27 at Under The K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, NY Iggy Pop, Sex Pistols, Jack White, Johnny Marr, The Damned What else is coming up? Take a look at our comprehensive list of 2025 music festivals to find the one that makes the most sense for you.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Isabel LaRosa Snuck Backstage at GovBall and Got Kicked Out. Now, She Played the Festival's Main Stage (Exclusive)
Isabel LaRosa performed a set on the main stage at the 2025 Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City on Friday, June 6 In 2021, she and brother Thomas were kicked out of the festival's backstage area "I had dropped my first song like a day before sneaking in, and now I dropped an album," LaRosa tells PEOPLEPerforming at the 2025 Governors Ball Music Festival was an oddly full-circle moment for Isabel LaRosa. The "I'm Yours" singer, 20, performed on the GovBall main stage in New York City on Friday, June 6, and the milestone moment came after she was kicked out of the festival's backstage area in 2021. "I've been wanting to play GovBall for years," LaRosa tells PEOPLE after her set, where she performed alongside brother and collaborator Thomas LaRosa — who was also previously forced to leave the backstage area as well. "I was seeing Billie [Eilish], and Thomas and I were like, 'We think we can sneak backstage. There doesn't look like there's much security,'" recalled Isabel. At the time, they successfully got backstage. "We hang out for a while, we meet [singer] Claire Rosenkranz. It was so weird," she says. "Security was like, 'What are you doing?' And then they just removed us." "So, that was really fun, but now I guess we're here," says Isabel, whose debut album Raven came out in April. "I had dropped my first song like a day before sneaking in, and now I dropped an album. Life is so weird." Through it all, she's had Thomas (who writes and produces with her and plays guitar on stage) by her side. "It's the best. We don't really fight. Everyone always asks, like, 'Do you fight?' Not really. I mean, he's kind of a weirdo. But I love him." Isabel describes her brother as a "built-in support system" throughout her career — and naturally, they've received comparisons to Eilish and Finneas, but they're yet to meet the fellow sibling duo. "I've seen her [perform] a couple times now. I love her so much," she says of the "Happier Than Ever" singer. "I'd be a little nervous [to meet her]." However, she'd get over the nerves if the opportunity came about. "We need to meet them. Let's make it happen," exclaims Isabel. "Hit a girl up!" Read the original article on People
Cosmopolitan
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Behold, the Best Festival Outfits at NYC's 2025 Governors Ball
At this year's Governors Ball music festival in New York's Flushing Meadows Corona Park, artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, and Tyler, the Creator headlined its 15th anniversary and brought fans together in the name of live music. Folks from all walks of life trekked their way through the grounds to catch their favorite artists' sets, and a constant we picked up on all weekend was the intricacies of their attire. Because let's be real: fashion fiends and musicheads are the final bosses of festival season. Whether they were decked out in Doc Martens and sequinned hot shorts to pay homage to O-Rod or rocked Golf Le Fleur to awaken their inner CHROMAKOPIA, fans did not come to play with their looks this year. ICYMI, festival fashion has long evolved from the bohemian chic flower crown era. Attendees pulled out their favorite thrift finds and even put in the work to make their own looks. Some even centered their outfits around a singular beauty product, which made for a wildly impressive turnout. Naturally, we set up shop on Gov Ball's festival grounds and caught up with some of music's best-dressed superfans as we lensed them on Instax film. Spoiler alert: they did not disappoint, so scroll through and get ready to screenshot inspiration for your festival season moodboard. 'The whole group went with more 90s influences just to kind of match Tyler, the Creator's vibe. My sister's a nail artist and she did them for free. They're junk inspired.' 'Kind of a festival fairy vibe. Woodsy, festival, fairy, and black.' 'So, this tank is from the Goodwill bins. It was, like, 50 cents. Not even. The skirt is from when I was a teenager, I think it's old Forever 21, and my dad got me these sunglasses.' 'Tyla! I'm South African, like my heritage—my grandmother was born in Port Elizabeth. My cousin actually introduced me to Tyla, and so I've been literally in love with her ever since. Then she blew up, so one of the main reasons I came to Gov Ball was to see her, but there's so many other artists I love. I decided to base my outfit on her.' 'I wanted to be a mermaid. NYX came out with their beautiful butter highlighters, and I was like, You know what? I love this bluish green one. I brought it with me because I loved it that much. I was like, yep, that's gonna be my inspiration.' 'Tyler, the Creator and honestly, The Wasia Project. It was so good and I'm so dumb—I just realized that the pianist is one of the guys in Heartstopper. I lost my shit, bro.' 'Stevie Nicks, I love her. I just like this rebellious kind of look, and this dress is from a thrift in Brazil.' 'I know she's a new, breaking artist, and I loved her first song, 'Water.' After that, I'd always wanted to follow her, and this is my first concert seeing her.' 'Actually, all of it is thrifted, so I'm not exactly sure where it is all from. But, mostly thrift shops around Brooklyn.' 'Honestly, my inspiration was something airy, something comfortable, something that just represents me as a person. The cheetah print is something fun, but also still swaggy and chill.' 'I made my waist chains, but this entire outfit was planned literally two hours before I left because I don't like buying new clothes. So, I just pulled whatever I already had.' 'I couldn't really find a country outfit to go for Role Model, so I went out on a whim, found these overalls at Target, and it just worked. The hat's from my boyfriend's house, the belt's from Urban Outfitters, and the Converse are from... Converse!' Shot on Instax Film. Cameras and Film Provided by Fujifilm. Additional Reporting and production by Tamara Fuentes, Corinne Bickel, and Emily Adar. Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't catching a concert or live-tweeting awards shows, you can likely find her judging DJ sets at parties.
Cosmopolitan
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Olivia Rodrigo, Benson Boone, FEID, and More Brought the Best Performances to Gov Ball 2025
As the temps start rising into a blistering summer heat and our speakers turn up a few decibels, that can only mean one thing: festival season is officially upon us. Whether you hit the grounds to discover new artists, try some next-level bites, or pull up in your best outfits, music festivals are the best place to hang out and build a community. All of the above were accomplished at New York City's very own Governors Ball, as its return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park marked its 15th anniversary and gave us an extra reason to pull up and celebrate. The festival felt like a perfectly curated soundtrack to our summer—with headliners like Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier offering set after set of jaw-dropping energy. Even with weather delays smack in the middle of the festival, crowds formed for their fave artists, and every genre found its spotlight: T‑Pain brought on some Y2K nostalgia, Clairo serenaded festival goers in the soft rain, and indie's rising star stole the hearts of newfound fans. Whether you were vibing through Benson Boone's backflips or bouncing with The Beaches, the energy was seriously contagious. It's no wonder Gov Ball has been New York's must-see festival for 15 unstoppable years, and of course, some of Cosmo's editors were on the grounds to witness it all and gush about the best sets from Gov Ball's 2025 lineup.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eric Church Reflects on Being Dragged Into Taylor Swift's ‘Shake It Off' Lawsuit: ‘How Did This Even Happen?'
Eric Church looked back on his unexpected involvement in the lawsuit over Taylor Swift's hit single 'Shake It Off' in a new interview. Back in 2017, the superstar got hit with allegations of copyright infringement by Sean Hall and Nathan Butler, the songwriters behind 3LW's 2001 single 'Playas Gon' Play.' More from Billboard Taylor Swift's Five-Year Legal Battle Over 'Shake It Off,' Explained Olivia Rodrigo Brings Out David Byrne for Scorching 'Burning Down the House' (And Does Some of His Dance Moves) at Gov Ball Mariah the Scientist's Governors Ball Set Canceled Last Minute 'Due to Unforeseen Circumstances' 'In her deposition, when [talking about the line] 'players gonna play, haters gonna hate,' she says, 'The first time I heard that phrase was in Eric Church's song 'The Outsiders,'' the country singer explained in a sit-down with Rolling Stone published Friday (June 6). 'She was saying she never heard it on [the 3LW song], which is what they were suing her for. And two weeks later, I got served by the people that were suing her!' According to Church, getting slapped with his own legal papers prompted him to reach out to Swift via text. 'I was like, 'Hey, thanks. Next time, let's just skip that part?'' he said. 'And she sent me a text: 'I'm sorry. It's the truth, though. That's when I heard that phrase.'' 'It's since been settled,' Church added of his own involvement. However, the 'Hands of Time' singer concluded in the interview that the whole experience still had him wondering, ''How did this even happen?'' Since an agreement to drop the 'Shake It Off' lawsuit was reached between Swift, Hall and Butler in late 2022, Church has released his eighth studio album, 2025's Evangeline vs. the Machine, which he'll be promoting this fall with his upcoming Free the Machine Tour. More recently, Church also collaborated with Morgan Wallen on I'm the Problem album cut 'Number 3 and Number 7,' and in the same Rolling Stone interview, defended Bruce Springsteen after the namesake of his hit 2011 single 'Springsteen' criticized President Trump and his administration during a concert. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
