As soon as the nice weather hits, music fans of all kinds flock to outdoor festivals all over the country. These well- attended events often last a few days and tickets can be expensive. Musical acts play on multiple stages throughout the day and night, giving the audience many opportunities to move around the grounds and appreciate the carnival-like atmosphere.
In the New York area, two of the most popular festivals are the Electric Daisy Carnival and Governors Ball.
Over 100,000 ravers attended the Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC as it is commonly called, over Memorial Day weekend at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The overwhelming amount of attendees made this event one of the largest electronic music festivals in the world.
EDC has become a worldwide phenomenon. Las Vegas, Colorado, Puerto Rico, London, and Mexico are just a few places that hold this extravaganza. However, the New York and New Jersey area is the site that is most familiar to local ravers.
The event featured brightly lit carnival
rides on the blacktop around MetLife, as
well as a ten foot golden Buddha at its entrance. Along with the usual daisy themed art installations, people danced in front of a car decorated to look like an ‘80s boom box. The rest of the grounds featured merchants, food vendors, water stations, lockers, and, of course, plenty of Porta Potties.
Fashion is a huge part of what makes the carnival so unique. Ravers can usually be seen wearing beads, blinking plastic bracelets, and all shades of neon. Attire also varies from underwear and bathing suits, to zebra masks and tutus.
While fashion plays an important role, EDC is all about the DJs and the performances. Highlights of this years’ event includ DJ Snake, Flux Pavillion, Laidback Luke, Kaskade, Afrojack, Armin van Burren, Bassnectar, Flosstradamus and Yellowclaw.
As the huge crowds made it difficult for many viewers to see, some fans climbed the three- story scaffold of the “Live it up” deck to get a better view. Some even paid the added cost to be in the VIP areas.
“I really enjoyed the festival because everyone there is so loving and friendly, and they’re all about respect,” said sophomore Rachel Reisman. “The music and the atmosphere may have almost made it worth the $200 and up price of admission.”
Gov Ball, a newer festival that started in 2011 has a completely different vibe than EDC. In 2014, approximately 50,000 people made their way to Randall’s Island in New York City for each of the three days of the festival. Gov Ball is only held in New York City, and this year, it was from June 5-7.
Known for more Alternative and Indie headliners, Gov Ball offers more of a playful and relaxed atmosphere, as well as delicious and unique eating options. Food trucks can be found throughout the venue, and you can order exotic foods such as Ramen Burgers, vegan taquitos, and jalapeño corndogs. For many, eating is just a much a part of the festival as the music.
“The main reason I attended Gov Ball is for the food! Of course I was excited to listen to the music but the food was most definitely a highlight of the experience,” said junior Izzy Gold.
As most attendees are there for the music, the lineup of artists is what sets the festival apart from others. This year, the biggest headlining acts included Drake, Florence + The Machine, Deadmau5, and The Black Keys. The variety of music was apparent as there was everything from rap to alternative to indie rock. Other well-known performers included The Decemberists, St. Vincent, Charli XCX, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Marina and the Diamonds, Vance Joy, and Echosmith.
Similar to EDC, at Gov Ball, many discover artists that they had not previously known before. Chronixx and the Zincfence Redemption, Hermitude, Streets of Laredo, and Astr. are just a few of the up and coming artists featured at this year’s Gov Ball.
Along with the music and food, there is also an art installation, a photo booth, lawn games such as Corn Hole, and life- sized games of Connect Four. You will find most attendees wearing boho-chic flowy dresses, overalls, high waisted denim shorts, floral printed cropped
tops, or some combination of these free- spirited clothing trends.
“I love Gov Ball because I feel like I can go and have a great time listening to all of the music, but I can also sit and relax on a picnic blanket with my friends,” said senior Jennifer Bernstein.
Raving, flashing lights, and EDM are all aspects of EDC that make the festival so unique. For those who are looking for a way to relax, tan, and listen to chill music while trying funky foods, Gov Ball is where you are able to do that.