In this music column series, we ask Leila Okuhama, a music and film personality active as an MC at festivals and music shows around the world, about artists to watch this month. With the proliferation of streaming services, we now live in an age where we can keep up with music trends both domestically and internationally in real time. Which artists are currently trending on Spotify's top charts (most played songs) and viral charts (popular songs on social media)? Leila Okuhama's Music Recommendations Vol. 2 __________________________________ >
New York enters its lush summer mode starting in June. While precautions are needed to deal with sudden weather changes and temperature swings of up to 10 degrees on some days, the entire city is filled with a festive and lively atmosphere as people enjoy lunch on the grass and barbecues on sunny days.
The Governors Ball Music Festival kicks off New York's summer festival season in June. Held since 2011 on Randall's Island, adjacent to Manhattan, it's a relatively new festival, but it's quickly become a hit among culture- and trend-conscious New Yorkers.
Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images
This year's festival took place over three days, from June 1st to 3rd. While it was a relatively compact festival with only four stages, the unique performances of the artists who performed there generated buzz and excitement around the world. This was my second time attending, following my first in 2016, and I feel like I've gotten a better understanding of how to enjoy the festival, so I'd like to share the charms of this festival with some of the artists who made a particularly strong impression on me!
The first day was sunny and the temperature rose rapidly.
Tyler, the Creator, who took over as headliner for the first time, replacing Kanye West, who had canceled, appeared in a neon yellow suit and blonde mushroom hairstyle. He looked stylish and cool.
His new album, "IGOR," was released on May 17th, reaching number one in the US and receiving rave reviews, so the emotional exchange between the explosively excited audience and Tyler, who realized this, was very memorable.
Afterwards, he posted a video of himself performing on social media and commented, "I look so cool," which is very much like him.
The attendees at Governors Ball were all stylishly dressed, a testament to the New York vibe. This year, the boys were especially excited, with some fans dressed in suits and messy hairstyles, mimicking Tyler. There were also a few audience members wearing genderless attire and rainbow colors.
June is LGBTQ Pride Month in New York, and as you walk around the city, you'll see rainbow colors, a symbol of LGBTQ pride, displayed even at fast fashion stores and chain hamburger joints. Parades take place all over the weekend (the biggest parade this year is on June 30th). The second day of the festival was on June 1st, the start of Pride Month. The audience agreed with the artists' messages of support for the LGBTQ community and their statements such as, "Respecting each other's human rights, regardless of gender, will create a more mature and better world," which helped create the atmosphere throughout the festival.
Texas-born Kacey Musgraves, who won multiple awards at this year's Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, has previously spoken out in support of these communities and has even incorporated them into her songs, so it seemed especially meaningful to her to be able to perform in New York on this day.
Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images
I was also touched by the positive expressions on the audience's faces after dancing and singing along to the final song, "High Horse."
Also on the second day, The 1975, a band from Manchester, England, thrilled the audience.
I was watching this performance right in the middle of the girls' shrill, almost screaming voices, so I got to experience firsthand just how huge their popularity and influence are in New York.
Vocalist Matthew Healy, an inspiration to the younger generation as a musician and a respected opinion leader, was also impressive when he jumped into the audience, seemingly overcome with emotion.
Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Governors Ball
Without exaggeration, every song was sung along in unison, resulting in a rapturous 75 minutes. They're scheduled to perform at Summer Sonic in Japan in August, so I'm even more excited to see this amazing performance in Japan! Studying the lyrics to "TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME" before the show will surely enhance the sense of unity, so be sure to check it out!
Since it's held in the cultural capital of New York, there's plenty to do outside of the festival, too. It's also an urban festival accessible from Manhattan by subway or ferry, making it easy to get to and perfectly located! Governors Ball is a recommended choice for your overseas festival debut.
Unfortunately, the second half of the third day's performance was canceled this year due to thunderstorms, but I think it's a festival that's incredibly enjoyable if you prepare to a certain extent. Why not add this to your travel plans for next year?
The Viral Chart lets you find out the hottest songs on social media around the world, updated daily! Be sure to check it out.
New York enters its lush summer mode starting in June. While precautions are needed to deal with sudden weather changes and temperature swings of up to 10 degrees on some days, the entire city is filled with a festive and lively atmosphere as people enjoy lunch on the grass and barbecues on sunny days.
The Governors Ball Music Festival kicks off New York's summer festival season in June. Held since 2011 on Randall's Island, adjacent to Manhattan, it's a relatively new festival, but it's quickly become a hit among culture- and trend-conscious New Yorkers.
Photo by Noam Galai/Getty ImagesThis year's festival took place over three days, from June 1st to 3rd. While it was a relatively compact festival with only four stages, the unique performances of the artists who performed there generated buzz and excitement around the world. This was my second time attending, following my first in 2016, and I feel like I've gotten a better understanding of how to enjoy the festival, so I'd like to share the charms of this festival with some of the artists who made a particularly strong impression on me!
The first day was sunny and the temperature rose rapidly.
Tyler, the Creator, who took over as headliner for the first time, replacing Kanye West, who had canceled, appeared in a neon yellow suit and blonde mushroom hairstyle. He looked stylish and cool.
His new album, "IGOR," was released on May 17th, reaching number one in the US and receiving rave reviews, so the emotional exchange between the explosively excited audience and Tyler, who realized this, was very memorable.
Afterwards, he posted a video of himself performing on social media and commented, "I look so cool," which is very much like him.
View this post on Instagram
The attendees at Governors Ball were all stylishly dressed, a testament to the New York vibe. This year, the boys were especially excited, with some fans dressed in suits and messy hairstyles, mimicking Tyler. There were also a few audience members wearing genderless attire and rainbow colors.
June is LGBTQ Pride Month in New York, and as you walk around the city, you'll see rainbow colors, a symbol of LGBTQ pride, displayed even at fast fashion stores and chain hamburger joints. Parades take place all over the weekend (the biggest parade this year is on June 30th). The second day of the festival was on June 1st, the start of Pride Month. The audience agreed with the artists' messages of support for the LGBTQ community and their statements such as, "Respecting each other's human rights, regardless of gender, will create a more mature and better world," which helped create the atmosphere throughout the festival.
Texas-born Kacey Musgraves, who won multiple awards at this year's Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, has previously spoken out in support of these communities and has even incorporated them into her songs, so it seemed especially meaningful to her to be able to perform in New York on this day.
Photo by Noam Galai/Getty ImagesI was also touched by the positive expressions on the audience's faces after dancing and singing along to the final song, "High Horse."
Also on the second day, The 1975, a band from Manchester, England, thrilled the audience.
I was watching this performance right in the middle of the girls' shrill, almost screaming voices, so I got to experience firsthand just how huge their popularity and influence are in New York.
View this post on Instagram
Vocalist Matthew Healy, an inspiration to the younger generation as a musician and a respected opinion leader, was also impressive when he jumped into the audience, seemingly overcome with emotion.
Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Governors BallWithout exaggeration, every song was sung along in unison, resulting in a rapturous 75 minutes. They're scheduled to perform at Summer Sonic in Japan in August, so I'm even more excited to see this amazing performance in Japan! Studying the lyrics to "TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME" before the show will surely enhance the sense of unity, so be sure to check it out!
Since it's held in the cultural capital of New York, there's plenty to do outside of the festival, too. It's also an urban festival accessible from Manhattan by subway or ferry, making it easy to get to and perfectly located! Governors Ball is a recommended choice for your overseas festival debut.
Unfortunately, the second half of the third day's performance was canceled this year due to thunderstorms, but I think it's a festival that's incredibly enjoyable if you prepare to a certain extent. Why not add this to your travel plans for next year?
【Profile】
Leila Okuhama
Music and movie personality. Active as a stage greeter for movies and MC for music programs. Currently writing for the new releases column in the women's magazine "GINZA." Her hobby is attending music festivals overseas, and she plans to attend Lollapalooza in Chicago this August.
【Inquiries】
www.spotify.com
Leila Okuhama
Music and movie personality. Active as a stage greeter for movies and MC for music programs. Currently writing for the new releases column in the women's magazine "GINZA." Her hobby is attending music festivals overseas, and she plans to attend Lollapalooza in Chicago this August.
【Inquiries】
www.spotify.com
