6 Must-See Bands at Governors Ball 2014

Disclosure

Saturday // 4:45 PM

So it’s going to be a little hard to get in the mood for the UK duos’ electronic-dance set at 4:45, but you better believe we’re dropping everything to see this. With the newfound US success of “Latch,” the group epitomizes the new wave of house music and is quickly becoming a summer banger around the US.

Song to Download Now: “White Noise”

(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Grimes

Friday // 8:15 PM Let your freak flag fly doesn’t even begin to describe Claire Boucher. A festival favorite, this Canadian indie queen is known for her trance-inducing electronic jams and stellar live shows. Ms. Boucher’s most recent album, Visions, brings her experimental sound and synth-infused vocals to a mature, purposeful level. Grimes, it’s safe to say, found its voice. Song to Download Now: “Oblivion” (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images for Coachella)

Chance the Rapper

Saturday // 3:45 PM

This high energy, wunderkind rapper from Chicago is on his way to the top. With two independent EPs, including 2013’s acclaimed Acid Rap, Chance has a following that craves his bass-heavy tracks and clever rhymes. But take note: You won’t find this rising star on iTunes. Catch up on Chance’s repertoire by downloading his music from his SoundCloud.

Song to Download Now: “Favorite Song”

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)

Sleigh Bells

Saturday // 8:15 PM

Loud. That’s about all you need to know about this Brooklyn noise pop group. Described as having the “cataclysmic cool of a cheerleader who's just hijacked a monster truck,” Sleigh Bells is a heavy mix that cannot be labeled by any hyphen-heavy association with other bands. They’re loud and proud.

Song to Download Now: “Riot Rhythm”

(Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Coachella)

The Head & The Heart

Sunday // 4:45 PM

This folk sextet clings on the coattails of indie giants Fleet Foxes and the Avett Brothers, but their calming sounds are never unwelcome. Their newest album, Let’s Be Still, introduces a punchier sound, while staying true to their folksy roots. Break up your synth and bass-heavy weekend with a little spiritually infectious acoustic guitar.

Song to Download Now: “Rivers and Roads”

(Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

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It’s that time of year again, when bass-heavy sounds echo over the Hudson and Randall’s Island comes alive. Governors Ball 2014 is here.

What started as a one-day lineup filled with DJs and rappers has turned into a three-day festival with big name headliners ranging from OutKast and Skrillex to Vampire Weekend.

The cross-genre fest is officially sold out (though StubHub still has plenty of tickets), and understandably so. This year, the festival’s got something for every music lover, and it won’t be hard to fill your schedule with well known or up-and-coming acts.

A lineup this packed may seem daunting, but we’ve combed through and chosen the essentials. Check out the stellar bands we’re dying to see (and the ones you should be, too).

6 Must-See Acts at Governors Ball 2014

These bands are set to make a splash at NYC's island festival

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