Photos and writing by Dillon Reesor
Ashnikko brought a packed house to The Fillmore Charlotte on May 8 for the Smoochies Tour, with support from Googly Eyes and Royal & the Serpent. Before doors even opened, the line wrapped around the block, setting the tone for the night. Fans showed up in full force dressed in bright colors, glitter, and elaborate outfits that matched the chaotic, playful energy surrounding Ashnikko’s world. Even before the music started, it already felt more like an event than just another stop on tour.
Googly Eyes kicked things off while the venue was still filling in, but managed to settle into the room quickly. Her set started a little understated before her vocals really began to shine through. What stood out most was just how strong of a singer she was live, effortlessly cutting through the early-show chatter as more people filtered into the floor.
Royal & the Serpent delivered one of the more memorable entrances of the night, slowly rotating onto the stage atop a roomba-like platform surrounded by a ring of lights. From there, the energy steadily climbed. Their set balanced attitude and theatrics well without feeling forced, and by the end of it the crowd was fully engaged and ready for the headliner.
When Ashnikko finally hit the stage, the room exploded. The performance itself felt incredibly polished from top to bottom, with both Ashnikko and her dancers staying locked in throughout the night. The stage production added a lot to the experience as well, from the set decorations to the lighting cues and transitions handled by the crew. Despite the larger-than-life presentation, the show never felt distant. Ashnikko has a natural ability to connect with her audience, constantly feeding off the crowd’s energy while making the room feel personal at the same time. Between the visuals, choreography, and nonstop fan interaction, it was the kind of performance that justified the anticipation that had been building outside the venue hours before doors opened.
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