Written and photographed by Aysia Marotta
[WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 10TH, 2014]
[BROOKLYN NIGHT BAZAAR — BROOKLYN, NEW YORK]
There isn’t much that can get me to stand in line in 28-degree weather while being physically harassed by snow, but when Tumblr invites you to their legendary Year In Review party, no nor’easter is going to stop you from attending. As I waited in line, overhearing others talk about how incredible last year’s event was, I felt my adrenaline kick in — which was awesome considering my whole body went numb after only fifteen minutes of being outside.
I can honestly say that I didn’t really know what to expect of the party, but knowing that Reggie Watts and The 1975 were performing, I knew there was no way I would be disappointed. After what seemed like a lifetime in the frozen tundra (but was really only twenty minutes), a man — or an angel in a parka — emerged from the warehouse and allowed us entry inside.
Upon entering the venue, I was greeted by space heaters and a super friendly event staff member who placed a golden VIP bracelet upon my wrist. #Blessed. This almighty bracelet ensured that I drink free all night long. Tumblr really knows how to treat their VIPs.
Within my first steps inside the party, I locked eyes upon Lady GaGa talking to Kimye and Drake (who I named ‘Frake’, as they were all uncanny celebrity impersonators). It’s as if the event planner hacked my brain and made a party based on everything that I love.
In addition to impersonators of some of my favorite celebrities, there were carnival games, free pizza, tacos and pretzels, and a mini golf course decorated with life-size cardboard cutouts of Harry Styles and Robert Pattinson. But most importantly, there was an adult-sized ball pit. Yes, like the ones you’d frequent at your local McDonald’s as a child but five times the size. You’d think this party was on Stefon’s list of NYC’s hottest nightclubs.
After a frequent back and forth between the .gif booths and the open bar, I went and watched Reggie Watts perform spoken word poetry about the ongoing gentrification in Williamsburg. His chants of “J. Crew, J. Crew, J. Crew, Starbucks, Starbucks, Starbucks, Pieces of Shit, Pieces of Shit, Pieces of Shit” really resonated with the crowd.
‘The Daily Show’s’ Jessica Williams was the MC for the evening, dishing out jokes about obsessive fan blogs and polling the crowd on whether or not she should refer to Benedict Cumberbatch fans as ‘Cumberbitches’. Williams then brought to the stage the most reblogged band on Tumblr in 2014, The 1975.
Yes, this was the second time I’ve seen The 1975 in a week. And while on the outside I looked 23 and composed, the 16 year old fan girl inside of me, triggered by the frequent visits to the open bar, was raging full force. It’s not often you get to see one of your favorite bands play in a warehouse for a crowd of 200 some odd people. The hour-long set was high energy, super intimate, and unforgettable. This was by far one of the best experiences I’ve had in New York since moving back four years ago.
And as the clock struck midnight, the crowd was herded back into the winter cold, with many vocalizing their raves about the evening they just had. Tumblr managed to create a pop culture paradise out of a warehouse in Brooklyn, making it one of, if not the best, party I’ve ever attended.
Aysia Marotta is a photographer, aspiring film maker, and writer based in Brooklyn, New York. She is a full-time student, majoring in Documentary Film Production with a minor in Marketing. Currently, Aysia is also a freelance production assistant and camera assistant for films and commercials, with a goal of one day becoming a Director of Photography. When she’s not on set, she can be found (with camera in hand, of course) traveling, at live music events, or at the park with her dogs! Be sure to check out her work here: www.aysiaandhercamera.com
