Ethel Cain

Born Hayden Silas Horner on 24 March 1998 in Tallahassee, Florida, Ethel Cain is an American alt-pop singer-songwriter and producer known for her hauntingly cinematic blend of alt-country, indie rock, and dark Americana. With a voice that ranges from ethereal to gut-wrenching, she creates deeply atmospheric, narrative-driven music that often explores themes of trauma, identity, spirituality, and the complexities of Southern life. Ethel Cain’s debut album, Preacher’s Daughter (2022), received critical acclaim for its lush, immersive sound and its raw, unflinching portrayal of grief, faith, and personal conflict. Drawing on influences from artists like Lana Del Rey, Phoebe Bridgers, and the sounds of classic country, Ethel Cain’s music is defined by its ability to evoke a sense of both vulnerability and strength. She has built a loyal fanbase and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary indie pop music, with her second studio album Perverts (2025)—an exercise in experimental drone rock—demonstrating the bold, shapeshifting nature of her artistry.