Smoochies for Ashnikko
I attended Ashnikko’s Smoochie-lando (Orlando tour stop) the other night, and all I can say is my life has been altered. As a long-time fan of Ashnikko’s music and overall aesthetic, the Smoochies tour was everything I could have hoped for and more.
Right off the bat, the vibes were immaculate, with fans lined up outside the iconic Hard Rock Live, waiting to be let in. Everyone was dressed to the nines! Per Miss Nikko’s suggestion, many attendees followed the unofficial Smoochies dress code, which included many pastels, polka dots, ruffles, lyrical references, and trinkets, SO MANY TRINKETS! Check out how incredible some of these outfits are!
Upon entering the venue and finding a spot to stand, you could feel the energy building as the first opener, Googly Eyes, took the stage. Googly delivered an impressive performance, with ethereal vocals and a whimsical, fairy-like stage presence. She fully captivated the audience with her beautifully written tracks and enchanting appearance. With many audience members stating they had found a new artist to obsess over, you can include me in the mix.
Next up, we had the lovely Royal and The Serpents, with an edgy and dominating sound. She absolutely grabbed everyone’s attention from the moment she took the stage and held it for the duration of her set. Accompanied by an energetic and intense choreography, she was an absolutely perfect opener for Ashnikko. With her powerful and captivating voice, she is definitely one I will be catching live again.
Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for had arrived, breath held, and phones at the ready, the crowd watched as the queen herself crawled through the tiny door on stage. She blessed us with a well-rounded collection of tracks from both her most recent album, “Smoochies,” as well as many songs from her previous albums, “WEEDKILLER” and “DEMIDEVIL”. Interacting with her fans multiple times throughout the evening and performing her carefully crafted choreography, Ashnikko put on an elaborate and energy-filled performance. Her background dancers were incredibly expressive, and their moves were on point and complementary to Ash’s every step, really adding to the vibes of the performance.
At the end of the night, she named a stunningly dressed attendee “Best Smooch In Town” and invited her onstage to be crowned and praised for her impressive handmade wardrobe choices. She also gave out awards for the best hats worn in the crowd.
There was nothing quite like spending the evening surrounded by beautifully dressed, Ashnikko-loving humans. With everyone belting out the lyrics we all know and love, it was truly such a surreal and special experience. I can’t tell you how many times I teared up and saw attendees doing the same. You could feel the excitement and joy of the fans expressing their love for Ashnikko and her music. If you’re an Ash fan, don’t miss out on this tour. She will truly knock your polka-dot socks off.
