While taking in the incredible sights and sounds of New York City's Governors Ball Music Festival at its 2023 home in Flushing Meadows, Queens, Audacy's Emily West got a chance to talk backstage with some of the performers about the all-around atmosphere of the 60+ artist event and more.
Check out photos and listen below as we catch up with Tai Verdes, Lauv, and more
With an impressive lineup featuring acts such as Lizzo, Odesza, and Kendrick Lamar, immersive art installations, and a buzzing community of music enthusiasts, Governors Ball Festival 2023 was a weekend filled with unforgettable moments.
Night one headliner Lizzo had an awe-inspiring performance with a joyous and empowering celebration of self-love and inclusivity, featuring a powerful setlist including hits like "Ready to Be Loved," "Special," "Juice," and "Truth Hurts," along with an energetic ensemble of backup dancers and singers, a mesmerizing flute performance, and heartfelt messages promoting body positivity, happiness, pride, and advocating for indigenous rights, and environmental protection.
Odesza concluded night two with a mind-blowing performance -- a sensory explosion, featuring an array of pyrotechnics, lasers, lights, visuals, and fireworks, along with a dynamic drum line, captivating guest vocalists, and the duo's own impressive drumming skills, delivering an unforgettable and exhilarating set that left the crowd in awe.
Kendrick Lamar wrapped up the festival with a mesmerizing performance that showcased his lyrical brilliance and captivating stage presence, delivering a powerful mix of new and older hits, an intriguing intermission featuring unique performers, and heartfelt appreciation for his dedicated fans who have been with him from the beginning.
LISTEN NOW: Tai Verdes talks with Emily West at Gov Ball 2023
After taking the Gov Ball stage for the first time this year, "A-O-K" singer Tai Verdes says he was excited to be in front of an NYC audience again, admitting, "Crowds are different everywhere but I love New York because I think it's based off of that energy and diversity of spirit. I love that."
Tai's got something new in the works... Arriving soon on June 23, his next single, he says flat out, is "Dangerous." Warning sharply, "Don't listen to it, please... If you listen to it too much, I can't be [accountable] for what you do with that song. It's a lot. I spend a lot of time on my music, and I think that I just make sure that it's kicking on all cylinders. So, it's a little dangerous." Listen to the full clip above.
LISTEN NOW: Lauv talks with Emily West at Gov Ball 2023
"I Like Me Better" singer LAUV, always one of our favorite artists to talk with, was feeling a little nervous before settling into our chat, not so much because of the thousands of people he was about to perform in front of, but simply because of the prospect of sitting and talking. It's a homecoming of sorts as Lauv got his start writing his first songs in the Big Apple while attending NYU, but he's about to head overseas for his In Between Albums Tour. As the name suggests, he's still working on his next release, but has plans to drop a few new singles "soon."
LAUV also tells us his experience opening up for Ed Sheeran on his last tour taught him a little something about humility, "that it's OK to go into this thing and not try to be really cool... just be yourself." Listen for more above.
LISTEN NOW: Zolita talks with Emily West at Gov Ball 2023
"I do feel New York in my blood, for sure," "Explosion" singer Zolita, who also attended NYU and lived in the city for a number of years tells Emily. "I feel like it completely shaped everything I am as an artist. I think spending my formative years here -- like 17 to 24 -- made me much more bold, shameless. You have to be shameless in New York City, and also the hustle that you have... In L.A. you can't really get away with the same things. In New York it's just like, another day."
Zolita's latest, "Grave," is out now, as well as her new EP, Falling Out Falling In. Listen above for more.
LISTEN NOW: Maude Latour talks with Emily West at Gov Ball 2023
Hometown singer Maude Latour also had a special connection to this year's Gov Ball, with all of her friends in attendance. "It was a full-circle moment in my life and I'm just still riding that high. It was amazing." Maude had promised herself six years ago that she would be on the Gov Ball stage -- a manifestation she believes is absolutely real but somewhat complicated. "It had to be, so it had to be," she says.
Maude's latest EP, Twin Flame, just dropped on June 9. "I think they're all in the same world of 'summer crush love, crunchy, perfect, sparkling, pink everything, and it's a chapter in my life. I'm so glad that it's finally out, she says of the songs. "Everything is perfect right now." Maude also has new tour dates for 2023... "Go stream 'Twin Flame.' it's a bangin' EP," she promises.
Listen to each clip above, check out our chat with Gov Ball founder Tom Russell, and stay tuned for more conversations with your favorite artists right here on Audacy.
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