Ashnikko smothers Phoenix with *Smoochies*

Ashnikko, the pickle connoisseur, once said in regard to her second studio album, Smoochies:
“Smoochies is the tiny door you find in the club bathroom that you crawl through on your hands and knees to a technicolor parallel dimension ruled by rat princesses.”  This, combined with Tamagotchis, trinkets, Harajuku, and viewing the world through a kaleidoscope, describes the perfect atmosphere for the Smoochies Tour.  

Following the release of her October 2025 album (and after touring Poland, Germany, France, and the UK), Ashnikko brought *Smoochies* to the U.S., giving Americans their first serving at The Van Buren in Phoenix, Arizona. Also debuting on this leg of the tour is New York’s finest, Princess Nokia — no stranger to Ashnikko fans, featured on her “Slumber Party” song.  

With two female icons on the same night, Phoenix fans had a brilliant night of fashion and fantasy.

Highlights of the night’s costuming included Hot Cheeto bags used as hats (without the dust, of course), ribbons placed anywhere on the body, boots wrapped in Christmas paper, pastel bows everywhere, chain jewelry, googly eyes placed all over the place, and, of course, trinkets. Fans understood the assignment and came drop-dead gorgeous for the exorcism and blessings by trinket queen, Ashnikko.  

Speaking of “Drop Dead Gorgeous”, Princess Nokia is the perfect pairing for the tour, with an album released in October 2025 titled Girls. Offering hard-hitting beats and unapologetic lyrics, it complements Ashnikko’s *Smoochies* era, which is described by album producer Slinger as “a coming-of-age Y2K wet dream, crafted with precision by the universe genius that is Ashnikko.”  

Ashnikko not only performed every song off her new album this night, with the mic fully on, but also hits from Demidevil and Weedkiller, including fan-favorites such as “Toxic” and “You Make Me Sick!”. The choreography features two of the sweetest and smoochiest dancers, while Ashnikko appeared happier, sexier, and healthier after each song, as fans shouted every lyric along the way. There’s nothing more validating than hearing a crowd scream your most unhinged lines, like “I’m getting finger fucked in the back of the club”.  

Phoenix not only marked the first night of the US leg of the *Smoochies* Tour, but also began the royal crowning of Smoochie Girls in the United States. Congratulations to Veronica from Alaska for not only being crowned Smoochie Girl of Arizona, but also being the first in the States! Many came dressed beautifully for the title, but there can only be one. The crowning included a walk onstage, an acceptance speech, a crowning by Ashnikko with a literal Smoochified crown, and everyone — including Ashnikko — bowing in recognition of Smoochie excellence.  

As the show reached its closing songs, Princess Nokia came back out to perform “Slumber Party” with Ashnikko — another first for fans! The two artists did not disappoint, delivering a sexy choreography together that does the song proud.  

As *Smoochie World* production came to its final chapter, there was only one song left — one that everyone knows by heart.

Ending with her hit single “Daisy”, Ashnikko reminded fans that she can never leave her Demidevil era — being absolutely crazy. Every fan at The Van Buren shared love for trinkets and pretty princess boys this night… and we couldn’t get enough of it. As the beauty queen left the stage, the beautiful people of Phoenix exchanged bracelets, keychains, and hugs one last time; an experience usually seen at raves, it was incredible to watch people coming together to share souvenirs commemorating *Smoochie World*. Thankfully, with this being the first night of the hottest tour (and a VERY hot day in Phoenix), Ashnikko is only beginning to share her Smoochie experience across the United States, taking her vision to another 25 sold-out shows throughout the country.

Photography by Omar Solis

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