Ethel Cain Becomes The First Openly Transgender Artist To Nab US Top 10 Album
The American singer has also entered the top 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart and topped the ARIA Vinyl Chart.
Ethel Cain (Credit: Matthew Tomasi)
American singer-songwriter Ethel Cain is the first openly transgender artist to score a top 10 album in the US.
Hayden Silas Anhedönia, who performs as Ethel Cain, achieved the feat following the long-awaited vinyl release of her 2022 debut album, Preacher’s Daughter. The album was released on vinyl on 4 April. In the US, the record moved 39,000 units in a week.
Released in May 2022 via her independent record label, Daughters Of Cain, Preacher’s Daughter is a concept album with a darkly fascinating narrative focused on fictional characters, exploring family trauma and sexual violence.
The album was inspired by Cain’s upbringing as the daughter of a deacon. Sonically, she channels genres such as Americana, dark ambient, indie pop, and rock. As a vocalist, the album finds her influenced by Lana Del Rey and Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine). Cain co-produced the album’s 13 tracks alongside Matthew Tomasi.
Preacher’s Daughter was preceded by the singles Gibson Girl, Strangers, and American Teenager.
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In the years since the album’s release, Preacher’s Daughter has amassed a devoted cult following, particularly online, with fans waiting until this month for the official vinyl release.
The album debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US, behind Elton John and Bad Bunny. In Australia, the album landed at #5 on the ARIA Albums Chart and #1 on the ARIA Vinyl Albums Chart.
Prior to the release of Preacher’s Daughter, Cain released her dark and dreamy breakthrough EPs Carpet Bed (2019), Golden Age (2019) and Inbred (2021).
In 2023, Cain made her Australian tour debut. She performed as part of Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House, Forum Upstairs as part of Melbourne’s RISING, Hobart’s Odeon Theatre as part of Dark Mofo, and at Brisbane’s QPAC Theatre. She performed multiple shows at each venue aside from the Hobart gig.
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