*Full episode on Patreon*

This week we reflect on the recent significance of the musician Ethel Cain: as the leading musical animator of rural Southern Christian life, a Dark Prophet to rally around, and an idiosyncratic emblem of so many conversations that marked the past few years. We also examine the recent bloating of the “Southern Gothic” genre, analyze the longing to portray regional American identities, and propose Ethel as a cultural bridge between pandemic-era Christian poseurs and today’s girlygirl obsession with alternative spirituality.

We also hear directly from STARGIRL listener Alex (@daught3rmourn1ng_) who is originally from the Florida panhandle, was brought up in the Southern Baptist tradition, and now makes experimental drone music (like what?!). <3 So grateful for all that you shared!

Thanks also to Soraya Beheshti @sorayaofficial and Nim @nimityonline for your great ideas as well! 

Links:

• “Ethel Cain’s Guide to the Southern Gothic” The Face (2022)

• “Daughters of Cain, Sharp Objects & How the Recession Gave Rise to the Southern Gothic” Polyester Zine 

• “Ethel Cain Is Done Trying to Control the Narrative" W Mag (2022)

• “Ethel Cain: An All-American Girl” Paper Mag (2022)

• Ethel Cain on Popcast (2025)

• “my experiences with the paranormal, the otherworldly, and the generally bothersome” Ethel Cain’s Youtube

• Wikipedia list of “Southern Gothic” media

• “Nettles” explained

“American Teenager,” “Crush” music videos