The Rise and Fall of Bikini Contest

Photo © Anne Senstad

Three years ago, in March of '96, I was introduced to each member of the controversial band, Bikini Contest. The five of us met at Euphoria Studios, not even knowing how to play our instruments, but willing to give the group a try. I volunteered to be the singer. I had dated a guy who was the singer of a punk band in LA, and we frequented Karaoke bars, but I didn't have a clue as to how to write a song. I found a piece of crumpled up paper on the floor of the studio and decided to write a riot-grrrl type of melody, highlighting the woes of Premenstrual Syndrome.

Within one month, we were asked to open for a popular local New York band called Hevy Flo (ironically enough). Word spread around town about five girls wearing bikinis and rockin' out. It didn't matter if the band knew how to play. The first Bikini Contest gig at Cafe-a-Go-Go packed the club with 250 people. A few months later, we were asked to play in the "chill" tent at Lollapalooza. We walked around the beer and hotdog stands promoting our debut, only to learn that the soundman in the "chill" tent decided to leave us without a microphone and sound system because he wanted to see Soundgarden play on the "bigger" stage. I immediately demanded one song, and eventually tried to play three, until the soundman came up and unplugged the guitar. A group of high school boys began screaming, "We want more! We want more!" Later, we signed a few autographs, and were asked to play at the boys' summer pool party.

Lotus Blossom (drums), Ginger Marianne (bass), Miss Adena (vocals), Star-on-guitar, Blondie (keys)

Club promoters began calling like crazy. Girls would show up at our gigs in brand-new bikinis hoping to win some sort of prize – any prize. They would later find out the contest was "fixed," and run home crying in tears. Journalists got hold of this information and began interviewing us. In 1998, Bikini Contest was voted the best local AND female band by the New York Press readers poll. In addition, former Max's Kansas City legend, Peter Crowley requested the band open up for the legendary Jayne County at CBGB.

Bikini Contest was becoming a campy punk-rock phenomenon. The producer (and cartoonist) of the public access show "Rools like Ozzy" loves crazy, out-spoken women, so he quickly requested taping us. The R.L.O. ratings went through the roof. Three of the band members soon became regulars on the show.

Unfortunately, as Bikini Contest's popularity began growing, so did the tension. We were self-managed with no leader. Each member was responsible for a given task. As a rebellious move, a few of the girls would not show up for rehearsals or sound checks. I was personally hurt by the lack of interest in the group, and was given the name "Bossy!" by the other members of the band. Days would go by without us speaking. One recent evening, at a band meeting, I made the decision to leave the group because I felt that the direction of the band was slipping, along with the enthusiasm. Strangely enough, our CD is due out this summer. I have no idea what's going to happen next. Stay tuned for more adventures. With love, Miss Adena