ASHNIKKO’s Weedkiller Tour Shakes up Chicago

It’s a warm September night as I’m preparing to see the one and only ASHNIKKO at Chicago’s very own Aragon Ballroom and to say that her presence is just minimal, is an understatement. A long line drags nearly two blocks down the venue with people dressed up to the nines in their best makeup and fits all to see the bright blue-haired artist. After passing security and securing myself near the front of the stage in the tightly packed venue, I see the decorated blue tentacle blow up on the stage. Suddenly, the crowd cheers as a few see ASHNIKKO herself, and looks down at the crowd from the upper balcony. Instantly, I knew this concert was going to be a long yet interesting night.

Ashton Nicole Casey, professionally known as ASHNIKKO, labels herself as a singer/rapper. With her debut mixtape, DEMIDEVIL to her recent debut album, WEEDKILLER, ASHNIKKO is definitely a creative blob of a person. Experimenting with heavy elements of rock and incorporating rap and more, ASHNIKKO knows no limits to making instant hits. With famous singles like “Daisy,” and “Slumber Party feat. Princess Nokia,” and many more, it’s no secret that her bad bitch aura is one to be reckoned with.

As mentioned previously, WEEDKILLER is her latest album with nearly 13 songs, all including different themes of ASHNIKKO’s transformation as the songs go by. Some personal favorites of mine were, “Worms,” “Cheerleader,” “Moonlight Magic,” and “Dying Star feat. Ethel Cain.” But, while the album itself was pretty good as her previous mixtape, I’ve more to talk about regarding the concert.

The concert starts off with dramatic suspense as the booming starts as two backup dancers and ASHNIKKO herself march to the stage. In an instant, “STUPID,” blares out as the opening song as the crowd goes wild and bops along to the heavy bass beat. Soon after, she greets the crowd and makes sure that everyone is properly hydrated as she continues down the setlist performing other songs off the album like, “Don’t Look at It,” “Moonlight Magic,” “Worms,” “Cheerleader,” “Dying Star feat. Ethel Cain,""Working Bitch,” and harking back to previous singles like, “Tantrum,” and more. These listed were my favorite as the hype from the sweaty yet enthusiastic crowd made for an enjoyable time. Likewise, ASHNIKKO’s stage dancers also stole the show as they brilliantly moved and danced in sync.

Finally, the DEMIDEVIL star ended the show with one of her banger singles that made her gain popularity, “Daisy”. Crazy is an understatement to how the crowd engagement became: It was a madhouse of yelling, screaming, and passionate dedication to match the energy present. Overall, the concert was such a combination of many positive feelings and I hope to definitely be back to hear her live once more and highly recommend giving WEEDKILLER a listen.

---