UlasanAnime.com – Otakon Music Fest 2012, a collaborative effort between Otakon and Lantis, marked a significant event for anime music enthusiasts. After months of anticipation, the festival finally took place, featuring prominent artists that ignited excitement among attendees.
Headlining the event was JAM Project, a globally recognized group known for their energetic anime song performances. The concert was held at Ram’s Head Live, a familiar venue for some locals in Baltimore’s inner harbor, though likely a new experience for many attending the festival.
Joining JAM Project were Faylan and Aso Natsuko, both emerging solo artists under Lantis. Their inclusion was particularly exciting as they are genuine solo anison artists with multiple albums, hinting at a potential for a larger, more comprehensive music festival in the future, perhaps reminiscent of events like Anisama.
The concept for Otakon Music Fest had been brewing for years, with its realization requiring a blend of hard work, luck, and dedication. Attendees, much like lucky fans, waited for three months following the announcement, paid for their tickets, and ultimately enjoyed the experience. There’s a shared hope that this event will evolve into the grand, all-star music festival that many fans envision.
Every significant endeavor begins with a single step, and the success of this “metaphorical baby” is crucial for its future growth. From a business perspective, the experiment needs to be successful and financially viable. While the initial promise was a concert featuring the three acts, a VIP package was also offered for an additional $60, which included autograph opportunities and mingle time post-show. Notably, the show commenced approximately on time, according to Japanese timing standards.
The setlist, while subject to minor inaccuracies, highlighted the performances. Faylan opened the concert, a point of some confusion throughout the afternoon regarding the performance order.
Faylan’s Setlist:
- WHITE Justice
- Realization
- Dead End
- Errand
- Mind as Judgment
Following Faylan was the charming Natsuko Aso, affectionately known as Natchan.
Natsuko Aso’s Setlist:
- More-more LOVERS!!
- Everyday Sunshine Line
- Eureka Baby
- Diamond Star
- Perfect-area complete
The main act, JAM Project, took the stage after a brief, Pocky-assisted break.
JAM Project’s Setlist:
- Crest of “Z’s”
- Vanguard
- Break Out
- Hagane No Resistance
- Garo ~SAVIOR IN THE DARK~
- Rinbu Revolution (Masami Okui)
- We Are! (Hiroshi Kitadani)
- Yuusha-ou Tanjou! (Masaaki Endoh)
- Cha-La Head-Cha-La (Hironobu Kageyama)
- King Gainer Over / Dynamite Explosion (Yoshiki Fukuyama)
- Transformers EVO.
- VICTORY
- GONG
- ROCKS
- Rescue Fire
- EC-1: KI-ZU-NA
- EC-2: SKILL
The sets for Faylan and Natsuko Aso were relatively short, approximately half the length of JAM Project’s performance, especially when considering the encore and the extended rendition of “SKILL.” The reviewer expressed a desire for each artist to perform a couple more songs, indicating a strong personal enthusiasm for their music.
The audience, though not massive, was highly energetic. The intensity and loudness of JAM Project’s East Coast fans were noted to be comparable to their South American counterparts, which is a significant observation for overseas anison fans. The atmosphere was lively even during JAM Project’s rehearsal, with the line outside erupting into spontaneous singing.
The reviewer also commented on the practice of lining up early for concerts in America, a custom more common for large arena shows where seating arrangements are a priority. For a venue like Ram’s Head Live, with a capacity of around 700-1000 people, the seating is generally close enough for an intimate experience. Despite this, lining up early secured a good spot on the floor, allowing for a closer view of the performances and better photo opportunities.
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Faylan’s stage presence was described as casual, which amplified her fiery performance style. Her direct approach, interspersed with moments of charmingly fumbled English during MC segments, added to her appeal. She even had a moment on stage reminiscent of LiSA’s energetic performances.
JAM Project appeared in excellent form. The aging of the members was subtly observed, with En-chan’s wrinkles becoming more pronounced, while Kageyama seemed to have defied time. Makkun, according to some, had gained weight, a potential explanation for her wearing a “crab bib” during the “SKILL” chorus.
The performance of “SKILL” was a standout moment, featuring extended improvisation. Dani brought out Crabby-chan plushies, and Makkun donned her bib. Kageyama then brought Faylan and Natchan on stage for the final “I CAN FLY” segment, creating a memorable, “mini Anisama” experience.
Following “SKILL,” attendees were directed to line up for VIP badges, which led to further queuing for autographs. The VIP experience primarily offered an autograph and a brief chat with the artists. While the reviewer’s group socialized at the bar, other attendees had more extended conversations. The Lantis staff were also observed engaging in their own activities.
Yoshiki Fukuyama of JAM Project was absent but was virtually present through a Skype call during his solo segment. Despite some technical difficulties, the segment was hilariously entertaining, fitting the mood of the audience and the artist.
The concert itself was highly enjoyable, with the primary drawback being the exceptionally slow merchandise line. This presented two issues: the necessity of purchasing merchandise like towels before they sold out, and the fact that the merchandise booth closed before autograph sessions concluded, leaving many unable to buy items.
The merchandise booth offered a variety of items, including albums from Faylan and Natsuko Aso, and several JAM Project CDs priced at around $40 each. Each artist had their own towel, with Faylan also selling a t-shirt and wristband, and Natsuko Aso offering a hopi and another unremembered item. JAM Project’s merchandise included chopsticks, a keychain/light combo, scrunchies, a “cutie kit,” playing cards, t-shirts, and more. Otakon also sold a charity festival shirt.
Beyond merchandise, attendees also purchased drinks, with a $3 rum and coke being a notable mention.
The reviewer’s appreciation for Natsuko Aso significantly increased after the event. Her natural cuteness and engaging stage presence, which are better appreciated in person, were highlighted. Her acting background and otaku appeal were also noted as distinguishing factors. Faylan’s straightforward demeanor and endearing moments of fumbling English further endeared her to the audience.
The return of JAM Project, and witnessing Makkun’s semi-grumpy demeanor, was a highlight. The hope is for this event to become an annual tradition, a sentiment echoed by the President of Lantis and Hironobu Kageyama, suggesting the possibility of a second Otakon Music Fest the following year.
PS. Photos from the event are available, albeit with the caveat of being “shoddy” but representing the best effort of the photographer.
PPS. The reviewer anticipates seeing many familiar faces from the show again soon.
PPPS. For those who enjoyed Natsuko Aso’s performance, she is scheduled for a live show at Shibuya O-East in Tokyo on December 27th. Further details can be found via the provided link.
