Ethel Cain has officially announced the release of her highly anticipated second studio album, Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, which is set to drop in August 2025. This announcement comes shortly after the release of her experimental project, Perverts, earlier this year. The new album is described as a prequel to her critically acclaimed debut, Preacher’s Daughter, released in 2022, and it promises to delve deeper into themes of love, loss, and memory.
Fans of Ethel Cain, the stage name of singer-songwriter Hayden Anhedonia, will recognize the name Willoughby Tucker from her previous work, particularly the song “A House in Nebraska” from Preacher’s Daughter. This relationship, which Cain has explored in her music, serves as a poignant backdrop for the upcoming album. In her announcement, Cain expressed, “Before everything, there was you. 1986, the year everything changed forever,” highlighting the personal significance of the album’s themes.
In addition to the album, Cain has also revealed plans for an extensive North American and European tour titled the Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour. The tour will kick off with two nights at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle on August 12 and 13, 2025, before making its way through major cities such as Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto, and ultimately crossing the Atlantic for performances in London, Paris, and more.
Tickets for the tour will go on sale to the general public on March 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. local time, with an artist presale beginning on March 26, 2025. In a show of support for the trans community, Cain has partnered with the Ally Coalition, pledging to donate $1 from each ticket sold to organizations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Ethel Cain’s upbringing in a Southern Baptist household has deeply influenced her music and advocacy work. Coming out as gay at the age of 12 and later as a trans woman on her 20th birthday, Cain has navigated the complexities of her identity while embracing her true self. “As I got older, I found out there were other options,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and acceptance.
Throughout her career, Cain has woven her experiences of feeling like an outsider into her art, addressing themes of identity, faith, and resilience. Her debut album, Preacher’s Daughter, tackled issues such as religious trauma and young love, and her upcoming album is expected to continue this exploration.
The excitement surrounding Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You and the accompanying tour has sparked anticipation among fans eager to witness Cain’s artistic evolution. The singer’s unique voice and storytelling ability have established her as a significant figure in contemporary music, and this new chapter in her career is poised to further solidify her impact.
As fans prepare for the album and tour, it’s clear that Ethel Cain is not only an artist but also an advocate for change, using her platform to uplift marginalized communities. With her commitment to donating a portion of ticket sales to trans advocacy, Cain is setting an example of how artists can contribute positively to society.
For those eager to experience Ethel Cain’s upcoming music and live performances, the Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour promises to be a memorable journey through her artistic narrative. Keep an eye out for more updates and additional tour dates as they are announced in the coming months.
