Growing up in North Carolina, Ashnikko was raised in a family that viewed Halloween through a lens of skepticism, labeling it as satanic. Yet, defying those conventions, the alt-pop artist (who identifies with she/they pronouns) has established a remarkable tradition over the past six years: releasing a single each Halloween, celebrating the spirit of the season.
This year marks the culmination of that tradition with the release of the EP “Halloweenie I-VI,” a compilation of cheeky and audacious tracks now available on striking “oxblood red” vinyl. While the themes might not be suitable for a typical trick-or-treat evening with children, the collection embodies Ashnikko’s vision of Halloween as a playground for freedom and self-expression, steeped in the absurd and the grotesque.
“I feel very passionately about Halloween music,” Ashnikko shared, highlighting the holiday’s roots in the ancient Celtic harvest festival of Samhain and its historical significance within the L.G.B.T.Q. community. “It’s campy, it’s carnal, it’s macabre, and it’s downright silly. Halloween is the one occasion where all these elements can coexist harmoniously.”
The appeal of Halloween extends far beyond personal expression; it has evolved into a significant commercial phenomenon, generating an astounding $11.6 billion in revenue. Major figures in the music industry are increasingly tapping into this lucrative market. As of October 17, Ashnikko’s six “Halloweenie” songs have accumulated a remarkable 100.3 million on-demand streams in the United States, according to Luminate, a tracking service.
Beyond Ashnikko, other artists are also riding the wave of Halloween enthusiasm. The Weeknd has made headlines by hosting a haunted house at Universal Studios Hollywood, and has recently unveiled the “Nightmare Trilogy,” a maze featuring a soundtrack crafted by the artist himself, which debuted eight days earlier than it did in 2019.
Additionally, the classic Halloween hit “Monster Mash,” originally recorded by Bobby Pickett in 1962, has made a resurgence on the Billboard Hot 100 for the past three years leading up to Halloween. Billboard even estimated that this timeless anthem could rake in $1 million in annual revenue, further underscoring the holiday’s financial allure.
With the intersection of music and Halloween becoming ever more vibrant, artists like Ashnikko are redefining the cultural landscape, infusing the holiday with creativity and a sense of liberation.
