ARTICLE BY BRITTNEY SCOTT
PHOTOS BY JASMINE SAFAEIAN
JULY 14 | HOLLYWOOD—Tonight the sign at The Fonda simply read “Goldenvoice Presents: Azealia Banks,” but if you looked at the line outside the venue, you’d see glittery mermaid princesses all waiting patiently for the Los Angeles version of the 2012 Mermaid Ball. The inspiration for this themed occasion was Banks’ 19-song Fantasea EP, which she released for free two days before the show. The vibe inside was definitely more of a party than just a normal concert. “Fantasea” was spelled out in large metallic balloons above the stage, the walls were decorated with green balloons and seaweed (much like a cheesy prom photo backdrop), and balloon sea creatures were scattered around the venue.
The ball was hosted by Brooke Candy (@BR00KECANDY), a rapper well-known for her bold style and Internet personality. She kept the energy up in between acts with ease. Gita (@GITASPEAXDAILY) opened the show, owning the stage in her pink boa. Maluca (@MALUCAMALA) came on shortly after with Zak-Matic (@zAKMATIC), whose fierce set and New York attitude captivated the crowd. Kingdom got everybody moving before Rye Rye came on. Rye Rye’s rhymes and choreography held their own, but when she announced a special guest and out walked pop sensation Robyn, the fans lost control. British newcomer Charli XCX closed out the seemingly never-ending list of powerful female opening acts with her high-energy electro-pop set.
Afterward, seven of the audience’s best mermaid outfits were brought on stage for the $1,000-prize costume contest. The winner was a girl in a stationary get-up who actually needed to be carried onto the stage because of her tail. The Little Mermaid herself couldn’t stand a chance next to these merfanatics.
Since most of the crowd were just under legal drinking age, the free cotton candy stand and popcorn machine were hotter spots than the bar. There was also a Red Bull lounge area on the roof, where Jeremy Scott and Kreayshawn were spotted mingling with the artists of the night in between sets.
Closing out the night with a set time earlier than expected, Azealia marched onstage with red locks flowing past her bottom and a zany see-through unitard (with metallic seashells in all the right places). Her energy was unstoppable as she performed most of her new EP tracks. Rapping her tongue-twisters, she demanded the audience’s attention—and no doubt, the entirety of the Fonda’s glittered eyes were hypnotized upon her. The venue’s energy levels perforated the walls as she ripped through “212”—the song that put her on the map. The show closed out with an explosion of balloons and confetti, truly fulfilling everyone’s Fantasea.
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