The vibrant and provocative alt-pop artist Ashnikko launched into her highly anticipated "Smoochies" world tour with a electrifying performance at Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on Friday, March 20, delivering a nearly two-hour spectacle that celebrated both her latest work and her enduring connection with her devoted fanbase. This marked a significant return to the Los Angeles stage for the 30-year-old musician, her first headline show in the city since opening for Billie Eilish on the "Hit Me Hard and Soft" tour in 2024. The evening was a masterclass in fan engagement, artistic expression, and the infectious energy that has become synonymous with Ashnikko’s brand.
A "Smoochie Girl" is Crowned Amidst a Sea of Fans
The atmosphere inside the Shrine Auditorium was electric long before Ashnikko took the stage, with a significant portion of the audience embracing her signature "trinket girl" aesthetic. Fans arrived in meticulously curated outfits featuring short skirts, thigh-high boots, vibrant blue wigs, and an abundance of accessories, embodying the playful and rebellious spirit of the artist. This dedication was palpable, with some attendees going the extra mile by painting their faces white and adorning their bodies with lip prints, a visual homage to Ashnikko’s aesthetic.
The dedication of one fan, drag queen Kacey Starz, was particularly rewarded. Ashnikko singled out Starz from the crowd, acknowledging their commitment with a bow and bestowing upon them the coveted title of L.A.’s "Smoochie Girl." This honorary title, complete with a sash and crown, signifies a deep connection between the artist and her most dedicated supporters, offering bragging rights and a memorable moment within the concert experience. This ritual underscores Ashnikko’s unique approach to connecting with her audience, transforming a concert into an interactive celebration of shared identity.
A Setlist That Spans Eras and Ignites the Crowd
Ashnikko commanded the stage from the opening notes of "Working B*ch," immediately setting a tone of relentless energy and commitment for the duration of the show. The nearly two-hour setlist was a carefully crafted blend of new material from her second studio album, 2025’s Smoochies*, and beloved tracks from her previous releases. This approach ensured that both longtime devotees and newer fans found something to connect with throughout the performance.
The artist explicitly engaged the audience, asking if any attendees had been following her career since her 2021 EP Demidevil or even earlier. The enthusiastic response from a large segment of the crowd confirmed the enduring appeal of her earlier work. The 23-song setlist was evenly divided, with half of the songs originating from Smoochies and the other half a compelling mix from her debut album Weedkiller, previous EPs, and standalone singles.
Lead singles from Smoochies, such as "Trinkets" and "Itty Bitty," proved to be massive crowd-pleasers, inciting energetic jumping and collective movement among concertgoers. In contrast, the deep cut ballad "It Girl" offered a poignant moment of introspection and emotional resonance, fostering a palpable connection between Ashnikko and her audience. This duality in her performance highlights her versatility as an artist, capable of delivering both high-octane anthems and heartfelt ballads.
The "Slumber Party" Anthem and Fan Favorites Reign Supreme
The strategic inclusion of older tracks proved to be a masterstroke, as the audience’s loudest cheers and singalongs were reserved for fan-favorite anthems. Tracks like "Manners" from her 2019 EP Hi, It’s Me and the lead single "You Make Me Sick" from Weedkiller resonated deeply with the crowd, showcasing the longevity of her discography. These songs have become anthems for a generation, solidifying Ashnikko’s place in the alt-pop landscape.
A particularly electrifying moment occurred when Princess Nokia, one of the evening’s openers, returned to the stage to perform her iconic verse on Ashnikko’s viral hit "Slumber Party." The collaboration brought the house down, amplifying the energy in the room and serving as a powerful reminder of the track’s widespread impact and cultural significance. The chemistry between the two artists was undeniable, creating a peak moment in the concert that fans will undoubtedly remember.
The "Smoochies" World Tour: A Deeper Dive into Ashnikko’s Artistry
The "Smoochies" World Tour represents a pivotal moment in Ashnikko’s career, building on the momentum generated by her previous successful releases and extensive touring. The tour’s name itself, Smoochies, hints at a more intimate and perhaps even more playful iteration of her established persona. Her second studio album, released in 2025, serves as the thematic core of this global trek, offering fans a comprehensive experience of her latest artistic vision.
Ashnikko’s distinctive sound, a fusion of hyperpop, hip-hop, and punk influences, has garnered her a significant following. Her music often explores themes of empowerment, sexuality, and defiance, delivered with a unique blend of humor and raw emotion. This tour provides a platform to showcase these elements on a grand scale, further cementing her status as a boundary-pushing artist.
The decision to embark on a world tour signifies Ashnikko’s growing global reach and her commitment to connecting with fans across different continents. The success of her previous tours, including her opening slot for Billie Eilish, has paved the way for this extensive run, allowing her to reach a broader audience and share her innovative music with new listeners.
Contextualizing Ashnikko’s Rise and Impact
Ashnikko’s emergence onto the music scene has been characterized by her bold aesthetic and unapologetic attitude. Her early EPs, such as Demidevil, quickly established her as a distinctive voice, resonating with a generation seeking authenticity and self-expression. The viral success of songs like "Slumber Party" catapulted her into mainstream consciousness, demonstrating the power of digital platforms in shaping musical trends and artist careers.
Her music often challenges conventional norms and embraces individuality, making her a role model for many of her fans. The "trinket girl" persona, with its emphasis on DIY culture and maximalist fashion, has inspired a dedicated subculture, visible in the enthusiastic fan turnout at her concerts. This level of audience engagement is a testament to her ability to cultivate a strong community around her art.
The "Smoochies" World Tour, therefore, is not just a series of concerts; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It represents the culmination of years of artistic development and the solidification of Ashnikko’s unique position in the contemporary music landscape. Her ability to blend commercial appeal with artistic integrity continues to captivate audiences and critics alike, promising an exciting future for the artist.
Full Setlist from Ashnikko’s "Smoochies" World Tour (Los Angeles – March 20, 2026)
- Working B**ch
- Malibu
- Panic Attacks!!!
- Stroker
- Slumber Party (with Princess Nokia)
- You Make Me Sick
- Deal With A B**ch
- Daisy
- No Brains
- L8r
- Weedkiller
- Girls of My Dreams
- Six Feet Under
- Get My B**ch Up
- Manners
- Good for U
- Toxik
- Slumber Party (solo)
- Trinkets
- Itty Bitty
- One of a Kind
- It Girl
- Stupid
The "Smoochies" World Tour continues to captivate audiences, with Ashnikko’s Los Angeles stop serving as a powerful testament to her artistry, fan connection, and enduring impact on the alt-pop scene. Her ability to weave together personal narrative with universally resonant themes ensures that her music continues to strike a chord with listeners worldwide.
