Cain Culto X FAULT Magazine

Necklace Nina Ricci | Thong by Hauszuk | Shorts stylists own | Boots, Cain’s own | Cape by Evan Clayton | Ball and chain by Local Pervert

Photography Gustavo Chams
Styling Leila Bani
Make up and Nail Artist Angela Wang at Lb Artists
Hair Styling Omar Alvizo
Photo Assistants: Jin Zhang, Marvin John Pon-an, Guilherme Babilonia
Styling assistant: Kristina Roper
Make up Assistant Marissa Magnusson
Photographed at Jomi Studio

Words: Miles Holder

Cain Culto thrives in FAULTless Chaos, the kind that turns sweat, spirituality, queerness and club culture into something confrontationally glamorous. With the release of Cain Culto ‘s new single “BIMBAMBAU”, the artist invites listeners deeper into his rapidly expanding world: one filled with abrasive percussion, devotional self-expression and a fearless rejection of traditional beauty standards.

Built around the ecstatic energy of a fleeting dancefloor connection and infused with nods to Latin music icons like Gloria Estefan, Shakira and Selena Quintanilla, “BIMBAMBAU” feels playful and FAULTLessly intentional. Speaking with FAULT Magazine before the single drops, Cain Culto reflects on spirituality, reinvention, beauty, and of course, his FAULTs.

Light: Cains own hat, grill l Rings by Pengyan Lou from Commune 237 l Dries Van Noten belt from Baccis l Archive Y-Project pants
Right: Boots, belt – Heritage l Skirt by 6397 from Baccis
l Top vintage, stylists ownl Vest/top by Sacai from Baccis

Can you tell us more about the inspirations behind your latest track?

“BIMBAMBAU” is about twerking at the club. I was inspired by a specific moment I had dancing with this fierce girl one night. There were no verbal exchanges or previous history between us, but somehow, through dance, there was this ecstatic exchange of energy that changed me. It’s also a celebration of the Latinas in music who have inspired my own artistry. I shout out Shakira, Selena Quintanilla, Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, Rosalía, and Kali Uchis.

Left: Jacket by Archive Comme des Garçons Homme Plus from Commune 237 | Hat, Cain’s own
Right: Evan Clayton bodysuit | Hauszuk jacket | Tecovas cowboy boots

What was the creative inspiration behind the “BIM BAM BAU” music video direction?

Auburn hair, unibrows, and sexy fiddle players on the beach.

We see a diverse range of models throughout the music video. How important was it for you to showcase different body types and challenge traditional ideas of representation through your artwork?

For me, it’s all about confidence. We were looking for models who exuded self-love. My note for casting was that all the models needed to be hot — and know they were hot! Personally, I try to challenge conventional beauty standards in the way I choose to present myself. There’s something really dope about finding power in things that other people deem wrong or shameful. My unibrow represents that rejection of traditional beauty standards.

Left: Necklace Nina Ricci | Thong by Hauszuk | Shorts stylists own | Boots, Cain’s own | Cape by Evan Clayton | Ball and chain by Local Pervert

Right: Jacket by Simone Rocha from Baccis

What would you say was the biggest challenge you faced while creating this release?

I wrote this song really quickly, actually. The lyrics and production flowed pretty easily. The visuals were a little more of a feat because of the challenges that come with working with a larger team. It was a long, exhausting shoot day, but also really creatively fulfilling.

Left: Sweater Dries Van Noten from Baccis | Heritage Hat, belt, skirt, and socks – Cain’s own | Shoes Browns

Right: Jacket by Archive Comme des Garçons Homme Plus from Commune 237 | Rick Owens skirt | Hat, Cain’s own | Vintage Glove New World Order from Commune 237 | Thong by Hauszuk

Was there anything that felt particularly new or different in the process of making this single compared to your previous work?

This is one of my first singles interpolating another artist. My work is often referential, but not in such an overt way. It was fun to flip Gloria Estefan’s global hit “Conga” into my own sonic world.

Right: Jacket Sara Armstrong | Hat Sara Armstrong | Cowboy Boots Tecovas | Camo underwear by Hauszuk

Last year marked a monumental moment for you and your music. Do you feel any added pressure to surpass the success of those releases?

Sometimes! Each song on my album coming out this year has such a different intention. A lot of the record is much more experimental than the songs I released last year, so I don’t expect them to perform on the algorithm in the same way. I want to be respected as a conceptual artist, not just a hitmaker.

Left: Jacket by Ann Demeulemeester from Baccis | Shell/leather choker, Cain’s own | Shorts – Y Project
Right: Adidas cleats | Adidas sport socks | Panty – Embroidered for this story by Gustavo Chams

Your work often feels spiritual without being tied to a single doctrine. What does spirituality look like for you today?

Spirituality is surrendering to the lessons life keeps presenting to me. It’s a commitment to self-realisation through ritual. I’m fascinated by the idea of consciousness and finding harmony with the material world.

Dries Van Noten shirt from Baccis | Necklace, Cain’s own | Black shorts from Y Project

You’ve spoken about creating Cain as a way to explore parts of your queerness that previously felt inaccessible. Are there still areas you find difficult to explore through music — and do you see yourself evolving beyond Cain in the future?

I intend to keep reinventing myself with every body of work. I like artists who allow themselves to radically change during different seasons of their lives. I don’t find it difficult, but I do want to create more ballads and tender lullabies. Right now, I’ve been in my rap bag — big, heavy percussion and shockingly abrasive lyrics. I’ll most likely flip that in the near future.

Tank embroidered for this story by Gustavo Chams
Evan Clayton Skirt

Your background in evangelical Christianity is deeply embedded in your story. How has your relationship with faith evolved since stepping away from that structure?

It’s been a long journey of unlearning the harmful aspects of that worldview. I’m highly sceptical of organised religion because of the tendency for powerful institutions to become corrupt. I’ve also tried to work through a lot of my religious trauma so I’m not as triggered by some of the practices and teachings that may still have useful aspects.

Are these current releases part of a greater body of work being released this year? And if so, what should fans expect to hear?

My debut album will be out in September!

Top stylists own | Earring – Heritage | Doctor Martens boots | Camo Pants HOMME+

What is your FAULT?

My phone addiction. I need to get my screen time significantly dow, it’s one of my biggest distractions.