Cain Culto Is Not Interested in Making Things Easy to Categorize on His Debut Album, CULTO

Cain Culto is an artist who goes beyond categorization, both in his music and identity. Born Andrew Padilla, he chose "Cain Culto" as an alter ego to explore suppressed aspects of himself, particularly his queerness. His upbringing as a worship pastor and his cultural background from Colombia, Nicaragua, and Kentucky heavily influence his music, which blends various genres, including pop, rap, electronic, Colombian folk traditions, bluegrass, and gospel.

His goal is to defy easy classification and allow room for intersectionality and cross-cultural sounds. The result is a record that moves fluidly between styles, with tracks like "Chiquilinda" and "A Plague, A Pestilence" showcasing his ability to blend genres seamlessly. Cain Culto's performances are equally diverse, with a visually striking stage presence that incorporates theatrical elements.

While he enjoys creating in the studio, he has recently started performing more, which has become more natural as he gains confidence. His background in worship led him to understand how to guide an audience through a transcendent experience, and this skill now translates to his live shows. As he continues to evolve as an artist, he remains committed to resisting easy categorization and pushing the boundaries of what his music can achieve.