“ I wanna release a body of work that feels so authentically me that really no one else could release this music because it's my sound.”
That’s Cain Culto’s mission, and proof that he’s fulfilling it can be found in songs like “KFC Santeria” and “Kali Maa,” two tracks that exploded across social media. It’s through his art that he confronts the world around us — from addressing the anti-immigrant rhetoric being shared in today’s climate to celebrating authentic living, all done through a bluegrass fiddle and a booming rap bar.
I sat across from Andrew Escovedo Padilla (aka Cain Culto) via Zoom on a brisk Wednesday morning, not long after they released the single “Chismosa” with Jarina De Marco. I was looking to understand what Kentucky Art Latin Pop is, and how authenticity looks and feels as a queer artist coming from a Christian fundamentalist background.
Cain Culto is an extension of Padilla that basks in expression and moves through the stage with fervor akin to a ceremony. We unpacked the character and how they live in this world more fearlessly, where inspiration comes from, strained familial relationships and how community will save us all.
