UPDATE: Ethel Cain has just released the highly anticipated first single, “Nettles,” from her new concept album, Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, launched on August 8. In a revealing interview with Genius, Cain, whose real name is Hayden Anhedönia, explores the profound narrative and emotional depth behind the track, captivating fans with its personal backstory.
The song marks a pivotal moment in the evolving love story between Ethel Cain and her muse, Willoughby Tucker. With fans already buzzing about the single’s release, Anhedönia’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the song’s emotional landscape. The visuals accompanying “Nettles” offer a stark contrast to her typical grainy videos, showcasing a polished perspective on her artistic journey.
In her conversation, Anhedönia outlined Ethel Cain’s character as a young woman feeling “weird and on the fringe” of her small town. She reflects on a fleeting childhood encounter with Willoughby, which profoundly shapes her life. “When he returns to her life, she becomes consumed by the idea of loving him and being loved in return,” Anhedönia explained.
The track’s title, “Nettles,” symbolizes the struggle of feeling difficult to love while still yearning for affection. Anhedönia shared that the concept first emerged during her time in Alabama, where a painful encounter with a plant inspired the metaphor. “This kind of spiky painful plant is beneficial but also causes pain,” she described, emphasizing the duality of love’s beauty and challenges.
In the song’s opening verse, Anhedönia references a gas plant explosion that disrupts Ethel and Willoughby’s relationship, drawing from a real-life childhood memory. “This is about the innocence of first love, but then the real world seeps in,” she said. The poignant lyrics encapsulate the fear of loss, stating that just because love is obtained, it does not guarantee its permanence.
As fans delve into “Nettles,” they are not just listening to a song; they are experiencing Ethel Cain’s journey through love, pain, and the harsh realities of life. This latest release is more than music; it’s an emotional narrative that resonates deeply with listeners.
Stay tuned for more insights as Ethel Cain continues to unveil the layers of her artistic narrative in the coming weeks. With the music industry buzzing about this new chapter, “Nettles” is poised to be a defining moment in her evolving story.