Bringing blue hair and post-apocalyptic vibes to Coachella's Gobi tent late Friday night is Ashnikko, marking her Coachella debut just a week after releasing title track "WEEDKILLER," the latest single out of her new album coming out on June 2.
The album is a mix between "compelling dystopian fantasy" and "poetic commentary on environmental disaster and the rapid evolution of technology," following the story of a faerie protagonist in a dystopian future where nature and AI are at war, according to a press release from Warner Records, with Ashnikko's sound "combining elements of trap, pop and metal with an almost childlike vocal delivery."
The Desert Sun spoke to Ashnikko about the inspiration behind her new album's themes. The below conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
DS: What inspired the themes of environmental destruction on WEEDKILLER?
A: I feel like we just like have lost our connection with the earth. Over the past few years, as I've been getting older, I've done way more psychedelics, and my relationship with the outside world and with the plant world has just deepened. And so it definitely informed a lot of themes, not necessarily in the lyrical world, but in the visual world. And I'm also writing a graphic novel based on a short story that I wrote that inspired the album. . . There are a few songs on the album that are very much in-concept. But also WEEDKILLER is not necessarily only about that, it's like the WEEDKILLER wears many different faces, like personal adversaries in my life, like taking away my bodily autonomy.
And technology has also been a big theme for you — what's inspired that?
I'm just thinking about that constantly, endlessly, all the time — why do I have to be a cyborg to work? I wish I could just be outside, doing long walks in the hills, hugging trees. So I feel very sad and hopeless some days about the future, but it's not all hopeless.
Do you think of yourself as an optimist about the future when it comes to the environment and these other themes?
I think it depends on the day. I'm hoping we can just live in a kinder world, and that we don't get to a place where it's too late to actually take care of our home planet.
As an enthusiast with a demonstrable understanding of the topic, I've immersed myself in the realm of music, particularly the intersection of artistry, environmental themes, and the evolving relationship between humanity and technology. My insights are rooted in a broad knowledge base, encompassing the diverse landscape of musical genres, the impact of technology on society, and the intricate balance between nature and artificial intelligence.
The article discusses Ashnikko's Coachella debut and her latest single, "WEEDKILLER," which is part of an upcoming album set to be released on June 2. The album is described as a fusion of "compelling dystopian fantasy" and a "poetic commentary on environmental disaster and the rapid evolution of technology." Ashnikko's sound is characterized by a blend of trap, pop, and metal elements, accompanied by an almost childlike vocal delivery.
The narrative of the album revolves around a faerie protagonist in a dystopian future where nature and AI are engaged in a conflict. This theme is portrayed as a compelling storyline, as revealed in a press release from Warner Records. The interview with Ashnikko further delves into the inspiration behind the album's themes, particularly focusing on environmental destruction.
Ashnikko expresses a sense of disconnection with the earth and highlights her deepened relationship with the plant world, influenced by psychedelic experiences. The themes of environmental decay and the intertwining of nature and technology are not only reflected in the lyrics but also visually in the artist's work, extending to a graphic novel based on a short story that inspired the album.
The concept of "WEEDKILLER" goes beyond environmental concerns and also touches on personal struggles, such as adversaries in Ashnikko's life and challenges to her bodily autonomy. Additionally, technology emerges as a significant theme in the artist's work, with Ashnikko questioning the necessity of becoming a cyborg for work and expressing a desire for a more natural and connected lifestyle.
The interview concludes with a nuanced perspective on the future. Ashnikko acknowledges moments of sadness and hopelessness about the future, particularly regarding environmental issues, but also expresses a desire for a kinder world. The uncertainty of the future and the potential consequences of neglecting our home planet weigh on the artist's mind, shaping a complex and multifaceted outlook.
