For some, Halloween is just another holiday, but for Ashnikko, Halloween is a lifestyle. Every person in the venue, from the concert goers to security guards, were decked out in Halloween apparel at the Hollywood Palladium on Halloween night this year. Before the show began, her team put together ‘Ashnikko’s Moss Kingdom’, an immersive Halloween experience to thank her dedicated fanbase for spending the evening with them. Described by Ashnikko herself, “Revelry! Moss! Spells! Enchanted trees! Will-o-wisps! Step into the moss king’s court!”, this was a must-see for all WEEDKILLER fans.

With Ashnikko, no detail of this production was left untouched. Whether it’s the intricate costume designs, trailing behind her as she paces the crowd, or the stage decor that towers above the crowd, it’s clear that every detail of her world was a purposeful decision. In honor of the holiday, she appeared as her character ‘Moss King’, in reference to her recent release ‘Halloweenie V: The Moss King’, part of Ashnikko’s ‘Halloweenie’ collection of songs.

Beginning in 2018, each year, fans can expect a Halloween themed track release, and this year’s release went above and beyond exceeded fan’s expectations. The crowd gasped as she marched on stage, fully decked out in green facial prosthetics, accompanied with scraps of leaves and moss, making the perfect character reveal for the special day.

Ashnikko has perfected the art of capturing listener’s attention by reeling them in using shocking design choices, but truly getting them hooked once they realize what an incredibly inclusive community she has built. Throughout the entirety of the evening, Ashnikko made it clear that she truly cares and adores the fanbase she has accumulated over the years, specifically focusing on the nature of the queer community deserving more. She reiterated her range with the song ‘Dying Star’, originally featuring Ethel Cain, stating, “I’m tired of the dirt and grit, I want something soft.”

This was accompanied by a monologue stating that queer individuals deserve softness, too, and congratulating the audience on their ability to build such a supportive community. When you think of Ashnikko, her curated aesthetic for alternative club-hits sticks out, but it’s impossible to deny the depth of the themes she explores, and her focus on truly making people feel seen, heard, and represented.

Review & Photos by: Jenna Houchin

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