Ethel Cain, the artistic persona of Hayden Silas Anhedönia, has announced that her upcoming album, “Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You,” will signify the end of her journey as the Ethel Cain character. The second studio album, set for release on August 8, will conclude a narrative that began with her debut album, “Preacher’s Daughter,” in 2022.
In a recent interview with Popcast, Anhedönia shared her intention to move away from the Ethel Cain identity to explore new creative avenues. Since her emergence in 2019, she has cultivated a rich backstory for this character, focusing on her upbringing and personal struggles. While “Preacher’s Daughter” addressed her experiences with religion and personal trauma, “Willoughby Tucker” will delve into themes of love, insecurities, and emotional challenges.
Anhedönia expressed her readiness to close the Ethel Cain chapter, stating, “I built Ethel Cain, the granddaughter’s character, now based off of 27 years of life. I have to go back out now and live and get more experience.” This transition comes in light of some past controversies, including resurfaced social media posts that have drawn criticism and led her to apologize for the content.
Following the album’s release, Anhedönia will embark on a tour, her most extensive yet, featuring performances at iconic venues like London’s Eventim Apollo, Paris’ L’Olympia, and New York’s Radio City Music Hall, among others. The U.S. tour will kick off in August, followed by UK dates in October.
This evolution in Anhedönia’s career highlights her commitment to growth and exploration as an artist, indicating that fans can look forward to new, personal narratives in her future work. The hope is that this transformation will allow her to connect more deeply with her audience and explore new artistic horizons.