Ethel Cain

Ethel Cain

Ethel Cain is the musical project of American singer-songwriter, producer, and model Hayden Silas Anhedönia. Known for lyrics steeped in Southern Gothic themes and nostalgia, Cain's music blends ambient, indie rock, and contemporary folk influences. While Ethel Cain is her primary artistic outlet, Anhedönia has also released music under monikers such as ΛTLΛS, Miss Anhedönia, Tommy, White Silas, and אשמדאי.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born on March 24, 1998, in Tallahassee, Florida, and raised in Perry, Anhedönia grew up in a Southern Baptist household. Her early musical experiences were rooted in the church, where she sang in the choir from a young age and began classical piano studies at age 8, drawing inspiration from Christian music. She left the church at 16 and was homeschooled. Anhedönia began experimenting with music in 2017, creating "dreamy bedroom pop demos."

Career Trajectory and Critical Acclaim

Anhedönia officially launched the Ethel Cain project in mid-2019. Her first EP, Carpet Bed, was released in September 2019, followed by Golden Age in December. Following the release of Golden Age, artist Wicca Phase Springs Eternal praised her songwriting and melodic sensibility. In January 2020, Anhedönia was discovered by rapper Lil Aaron, leading to a publishing deal with Prescription Songs.

Under this new contract, Cain released her first single as Ethel Cain, "Michelle Pfeiffer," featuring Lil Aaron, in February 2021. Described by Billboard as a blend of alternative rock, folk, and country, the song was followed by "Crush" in March. Both tracks were included on her third EP, Inbred, released in April 2021. The EP, noted for its ambient-folk and slowcore sound, garnered attention from Pitchfork, which named it one of the most anticipated albums of Spring 2021.

Cain's debut studio album, Preacher's Daughter, was released on May 12, 2022, through her own label, Daughters of Cain. The concept album, centered around the character of Ethel Cain, received widespread critical acclaim and was recognized as one of the year's best albums. Singles preceding the album included "Gibson Girl," "Strangers," and "American Teenager." Following its release, Cain cultivated a significant online following. She supported the album with the Freezer Bride Tour (2022) and the Blood Stained Blonde Tour (2023), and opened for artists such as Florence and the Machine and Caroline Polachek.

In 2023, Cain performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and later experienced a health-related stage cancellation at the Sydney Opera House. She also performed at Reading Festival and Gunnersbury Park with Boygenius and Muna. In December 2023, she announced the Childish Behaviour Tour, scheduled for June 2024.

In 2024, Cain was featured on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for Music. She opened for Mitski's 2024 tour and released the song "من النهر" ("From the River") in February 2024, dedicated to Palestinians. In September 2024, she released a cover of "For Sure" by American Football, later performing the track live with the band.

Upcoming Releases and Projects

On October 14, 2024, Anhedönia announced her experimental drone project, Perverts, released on January 8, 2025, preceded by the single "Punish." The vinyl release of Preacher's Daughter in April 2025 led to its debut on the US Billboard 200 and atop the Top Album Sales chart. Anhedönia's second album, Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You, scheduled for release on August 8, 2025, serves as a prequel to Preacher's Daughter and will be accompanied by the Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour. The lead single from this album, "Nettles," was released on June 4, 2025.