Ones To Catch: Governors Ball 2026
Governors Ball announced their 2026 lineup, and with acts spanning across genres and even generations, this year truly has something for everyone. Included are some legends, like Lorde and A$AP Rocky, rising stars, such as Katseye and Geese, as well as many previous OnesToWatch featured artists, like Audrey Hobert, Del Water Gap, and 2hollis. But what about those names you haven’t heard of? Here’s a list of some of the OnesToWatch that we think should be on your festival itinerary.
The Backfires
Despite a rained-out set last year, indie-rock band The Backfires are back to prove themselves. Last year, the New York City-based transatlantic four-piece not only released their debut album, This Is Not An Exit, but also Costume Party, a four-track EP. With this fresh catalogue of music, The Backfires are sure to turn Gov Ball into their own backyard rager.
WHATMORE
We were lucky to interview WHATMORE following the release of their debut album at the end of last year, and we are sure they’ll bring their all to Gov Ball. The five friends, who were recently crowned as members of Ones to Watch’s class of 2026, blend rap and hip-hop with jazz and alternative, creating their own sound that, much like the group, refuses to be constrained. Bonus: the collective is born and raised in NYC, which will undoubtedly add a fun touch of hometown pride to their set.
Absolutely
Another member of our class of 2026, South London-based singer-songwriter Absolutely has a vision that suggests stardom, but it's her dynamic, distinct voice that is guaranteed to draw a crowd. With a history in producing and songwriting, Absolutely isn’t new to her craft, but as a solo artist, she combines R&B, pop, and EDM with stunning art direction. Absolutely also recently supported Renee Rapp at a few stops on the BITE ME Tour, proving herself as a must-see act.
flowerovlove
flowerovlove had nothing other than an amazing 2025. The 20-year-old from London released five new singles, performed at festivals like ACL and Lollapalooza, earned over 20M streams on “breaking news,” and truly broke out as a must-watch pop girl. This will be flowerovlove’s first Gov Ball and second time ever performing in NYC, so you can’t miss it!
Jane Remover
Jane Remover actually earned a spot on our favorite albums of 2025 list with Revengeseekerz. Jane Remover is the type of artist who thrives most when they’re actively pushing themselves toward complete reinvention, meaning, despite their tour date in Brooklyn last year, their Gov Ball set is bound to be something entirely unseen. Plus, they’re equipped with an entirely new EP, ♡.
Wisp
Wisp, who you may already know from her debut song, “Your face,” is an experimental, shoegaze folk, rock and nu-metal pop artist whose accolades include opening for Slowdive, Deftones, and System of a Down. Last year, she went on a world tour after the release of her debut album, If Not Winter, meaning the face of “nu gaze” has the experience to make her Gov Ball set unforgettable.
Villanelle
Villanelle, an act we’ve never covered before, is a UK-based grunge rock band, known for their 90s-inspired sound. Despite having toured all over England with almost entirely unreleased music, as of now, Gov Ball will be their first time ever performing in the United States. Also, surprise, the three-piece group is fronted by Gene Gallagher, the son of Oasis’ Liam Gallagher, so if you’ve ever felt like you were truly meant to live out the 90s in London, this might be the next best thing.
Lexa Gates
Okay, we know we can’t shut up about Lexa Gates, but we feel obligated to repeat ourselves, sue us! A master of all genres, Lexa Gates takes influence from hip-hop, jazz, soul, pop, electronic, and R&B to create her own dreamy style of music. Gov Ball will not only be a hometown show for the Queens native, but Lexa will have a fresh setlist thanks to the January release of her newest album, I Am.
Spacey Jane
Spacey Jane is one of the most successful Australian indie rock bands out there right now. Last year, the four-piece released their third album, If That Makes Sense, but mostly took a step back from touring. They’re only doing a few shows before they join Rainbow Kitten Surprise on their North American tour this summer, so make sure to catch them while it’s fresh.
Hannah Jadagu
Warm guitar, dreamy synths, and sweet vocals drive the world of Hannah Jagadu. The indie artist’s second album, Describe, came out last year and immediately redefined her sound, setting the tone for the shows to come. This year, she’s opening for Del Water Gap on his national run of the Chasing the Chimera Tour, but Gov Ball will be her first headline show in 2026.
Can’t wait? Us either. Pass the time quickly by listening to our curated playlist including songs from the entire lineup:
