Behind Ethel Cain’s Cover of Drive-By Truckers’ ‘Angels and Fuselage’ for Like A Version (Interview)
Why It Matters
By delivering a faithful yet emotionally charged rendition on a globally watched platform, Cain bridges indie folk with Southern rock, expanding her reach and reinforcing the commercial value of cross‑genre collaborations.
Key Takeaways
- •Ethel Cain chose “Angels and Fuselage” for its personal resonance.
- •She discovered the song during a memorable Indiana‑to‑Chicago road trip.
- •Cain insisted on a faithful rendition, preserving original guitar licks.
- •The Like‑a‑Version performance marks a prestigious milestone for her.
- •Touring in Australia feels like home, deepening her fan connections.
Summary
Emerging singer‑songwriter Ethel Cain announced she will perform a cover of Drive‑By Truckers’ “Angels and Fuselage” on Triple J’s iconic “Like a Version” segment, a platform known for high‑profile reinterpretations.
Cain explained the song’s selection stems from a formative road‑trip memory: a detour from Indiana to Chicago led her to an antique store where she first heard the 19‑track Southern‑rock opera, listening to the final track as the sun set. She described the moment as “one of those moments in time” that cemented the track as a personal anthem.
During rehearsals she demanded fidelity to the original, down to “the little guitar licks and bends,” insisting the band capture the record’s perfection. She also referenced fellow artists—Gracie’s “American Teenager” cover and her own debut album “Preacher’s Daughter”—to illustrate a broader narrative of artistic homage and collaboration.
The appearance elevates Cain’s profile, aligning her ethereal aesthetic with Southern rock heritage and exposing her to a wider, international audience. The performance underscores the growing trend of genre‑crossing covers that deepen fan engagement and reinforce the cultural cachet of the “Like a Version” stage.
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