Ashnikko and Ethel Cain have created a truly magical collaboration on the track ‘Dying Star’. The two singers joined forces to wrap up the debut album ‘WEEDKILLER’, a project based on a short story by Ashnikko about an AI race that destroys a fae forest.
In an exclusive interview, Ashnikko revealed the process of creating ‘Dying Star’, saying, “I wrote the first verse in a session, and I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I played it to Ethel and it all came together – it was quite magical working with her.”
The singer also discussed the decision to place the song at the end of the LP, to bring a glimmer of optimism to the tumultuous narrative. “My lead character has been through a lot, and is incredibly violent on a path towards vengeance,” they said. “I wanted to end the record with a dying star and the last line, ‘I want something soft’ – it’s about coming back to a place of hope, and realising that all you want is your home back, kindness, and softness.”
The artist also shared their decision to adopt the Ashnikko stage persona, which they say is “protective”. “When people attack Ashnikko I try not to take it personally. It’s not who I am deep within myself,” they explained.
To celebrate their NME cover story, Ashnikko has also released a special playlist for fans to enjoy. They said: “I would like you to listen to these songs and imagine yourself shrinking down to insect size and being awestruck by the enormity of the flower forest and the earth that it is on.”
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