Smoochies

Smoochies is Ashnikko’s second studio album, released on October 17, 2025, through Parlophone and Warner Records. It expands their hyperpop-influenced pop with bold, autobiographical storytelling and includes singles such as “Itty Bitty” and “Trinkets.” ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoochies_%28album%29))

Recording History

- Recording studios and locations: the project was worked on across multiple studios including House Mouse (Stockholm), Lotus Lounge (Stockholm), The Sanctuary (London), Studio23 (Los Angeles), Sleeper Sounds (UK), and Studio Dune 54 (The Hague). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoochies_%28album%29))
- Producers and engineers: primary producers listed are Slinger, Joep Le Blanc, Micah Jasper, Lotus IV, and Oscar Scheller. Slinger handled engineering on all tracks; Nathan Boddy contributed mixing on select tracks, with additional mixing credits and personnel appearing in the liner notes. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoochies_%28album%29))
- Recording dates and sessions: exact dates have not been publicly disclosed; credits indicate a cross-continental recording process typical of a modern, collaborative pop project. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoochies_%28album%29))
- Notable recording details: the liner notes and credits portray a dense, synth-driven production with extensive use of bass and guitar textures across tracks, reflecting Ashnikko’s maximalist approach. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoochies_%28album%29))

Chart Performance & Recognition

- Chart positions: US Billboard 200 peak around position 158; UK Albums Chart peak at 32 (with an earlier Official Albums Chart Update peak of 14). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoochies_%28album%29))
- Singles and promotion: lead singles included “Itty Bitty” (Mar 31, 2025), “Trinkets” (Aug 12, 2025), “Sticky Fingers” (Aug 29, 2025), “Smoochie Girl” (Sept 19, 2025), and “Wet Like” (Oct 3, 2025). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoochies_%28album%29))
- Critical reception: early coverage framed Smoochies as a bold, playful, and personal entry in Ashnikko’s catalog, with outlets highlighting its fearless, theater-like production and lyrical openness. ([papermag.com](https://www.papermag.com/ashnikko-smoochies))

Cultural Impact & Legacy

- Influence and reception: reviewers emphasized the album’s joyful yet provocative reinvention of Ashnikko’s persona, blending glam, maximalist pop, and industrial textures to push the boundaries of contemporary hyperpop. ([papermag.com](https://www.papermag.com/ashnikko-smoochies))
- Notable covers or samples: the track “Sticky Fingers” contains a sample from “Kakhuri” by Trio Mandili, illustrating the album’s intertextual approach. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoochies_%28album%29))
- Today’s view: contemporary coverage portrays Smoochies as a defining, personal era that solidifies Ashnikko’s place in pop’s risk-taking fringe, reinforced by live tour plans and multi-region promotion. ([papermag.com](https://www.papermag.com/ashnikko-smoochies))