Ethel Cain
Ethel Cain is the stage name of Hayden Silas Anhedönia, an American singer-songwriter, musician, and visual artist. Born on March 24, 1998, in Tallahassee, Florida, she was raised in a deeply religious Southern Baptist household. Cain’s upbringing in the American South heavily influences her music, which frequently explores themes of religion, family, poverty, trauma, and the darker side of Americana. She began releasing music independently in the late 2010s, experimenting with ambient and choral sounds under the name White Silas before adopting the Ethel Cain persona. Her breakthrough came with the release of her 2021 EP *Inbred*, which caught the attention of the music press and established her as a rising voice in alternative pop. In May 2022, Cain released her debut full-length album *Preacher’s Daughter*. The record was met with critical acclaim and praised for its cinematic sound and storytelling. Blending elements of dream pop, slowcore, and gothic Americana, Cain crafts a haunting narrative arc that delves into personal and generational trauma delivered through a distinct Southern Gothic lens. Beyond her music, Ethel Cain has cultivated a powerful visual and conceptual identity, contributing to her standing as a compelling figure in the world of modern music. As a transgender woman, she is also recognized as an important voice in LGBTQ+ representation within the arts. Cain continues to build a devoted fanbase and is noted for her bold artistic vision and deeply immersive work.
