Anime Diet

The first ever Otakon Music Festival was held on November 3, 2012 at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore.

There were easily a hundred people in line already by the time I arrived minutes before doors opened. The fan at the front told me he started waiting at noon! Staff from Lantis roamed the waiting area taking photographs and videos of those near the front of the line where some were making last minute posters. At one point, a group broke out in song. Many wore their badges from this year’s Otakon and a few even cosplayed. Unfortunately, I was distracted from seeking out Animemiz and Moritheil to take any photos. I did find Chris who made the trip from Canada! As it turns out, there were many others who came afar such as California. In fact, Jam Project had us shout our cities during their set but Animemiz will get to that later.

I had another concert to attend later that night so a deep bow to Otakon for adhering to the schedule with unheard of discipline. After a brief introduction by Otakon, Faylan took the stage promptly at seven after six. I didn’t realize it at the time but she shares the same band with Jam Project so I should not have found it hilariously amusing that they were playing from sheet music on stage.

Faylan seduced me within the first minute. The way she undulated her hips in a two beat motion had me singing her accolades without regard to her voice. That’s not to say that her vocal talents are lacking. She danced about the stage like a rock star, which almost fooled me in disguising the rehearsed movements typical of pop singers. She spoke good English when she remarked that it’s hot on stage and held out her mic when she inquired if it was any different down in the pit.

My, and likely the crowd’s, favorite moment came before her last song. She started to speak in English again but barely made out a string of syllables before she revealed that she in fact does not speak the language. She tried again and got out an incomprehensible word or two before she stuttered back into silence. By this time, the crowd is cheering with encouragement and her smile in response glowed brighter than all the lights overheard. She tried yet again and stumbled around before she cried what I believe was “nyan” in frustration. Absolutely adorable. She finally gave up amidst the cheers and simply shouted “let’s go!” serving as a reminder that words are unnecessary when notes speak just fine.

For an inside look into those who had VIP access, look no further than Chris’ experience.

Stick around for Moritheil’s and Animemiz’s impressions of Na-chan and headliner Jam Project…

Setlist

1. WHITE Justice
2. Realization
3. Dead END
4. Errand
5. Mind as Judgment