“Was that Taurus and Libra?” Cain Culto sits up, eyes following a pair of tarot cards fluttering to the couch cushion. The couch was in the lobby of his Toronto Hotel, and the tarot cards were being shuffled by the practiced hands of Mya, the Handmaiden of Tarot.
Because when you interview an artist like Cain Culto, it just makes sense to have a tarot card reader join you.
“That’s crazy” Cain’s eyes were sparkling with excitement. “Those are my two main signs”.
It should come as no surprise that Cain Culto, renowned for his singular blend of Latin influences, pop experimentation, and spiritual iconography, would be familiar with tarot. It was, however, very exciting that he agreed to a hybrid interview and tarot card reading, giving us an intimate look into his music, his artistry, and himself.
“It’s all throughout my work” Cain says of the occult and spirituality. “Specifically, tarot. I got into when I moved to LA.” He fixed his gaze on me. “Do you know Alejandro Jodorowsky?” Embarrassingly, I did not, reluctantly admitting my ignorance.
“He’s a Chilean film director. His films are gorgeous, so surreal. The styling, the costuming is insane, very technicolored. I guess he has many different occult practices, but one of them is Tarot. His Film The Holy Mountain focused on tarot. It’s blurring the lines of performance art and shamanism, his own concoction of all these things. I would say Alejandro Jodoreski has been one of the main influences for the occult for me.”
The films and imagery that Cain Culto finds himself so at home with now are a far, far cry from the place he called home earlier in his life. Raised in a Colombian-Nicaraguan household, he grew up between Florida and Kentucky, absorbing salsa, bluegrass, and evangelical culture. Cain spent time as a worship pastor in the Evangelical Church, and was a founding member of a Christian band called Ecclesia. In the process of embracing his queer identity, he left the church behind, seeking new knowledge, embracing new experiences and growing into his truest self. Today, Cain has evolved into a fearless DIY maverick, crafting provocative music and visuals that challenge faith, politics, and capitalism, fusing protest, satire, and undeniable pop magic. All under the moniker Cain Culto, an amalgamation of the Biblical figure of Cain and the Spanish translation of the word worship.
We were sitting down with the queer art-pop auteur ahead of his recent Toronto tour stop at the legendary Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Cain was performing at various pride festivals across North America in anticipation of the release of his new EP occulto 002.
“occulto 002 is a sampler of what’s to come on my debut album, CULTO. It’s genre chaos – bluegrass, Latin folk, and dark club music colliding into sounds and textures that pop hasn’t fully explored,” Cain stated. “Every subtle detail and hidden layer came from a deep passion to create something fresh and truly innovative. It feels like my most authentic work yet.” This album, and Cain’s whole body of work, feels like the essence of a Pride celebration, in all its sensuality, vulnerability and rebellion. The significance of playing Toronto Pride was not lost on him, and I asked what it felt like to become an icon for the queer community.
“I’m just honored. I’m creating work that feels really true to this season of my life,” Cain spoke humbly. “There has been so much shame surrounding my queerness for so long. And I repressed that in my work, in my life, in every aspect. I’ve just been so intentional with this body of work, and it’s just authentic. It’s where I’m at. There’s something freeing about being so explicitly and overtly, you know, sensual, in a way that I think I was so afraid to be for so many years of my life. And that’s in the music. I think it makes sense for Pride. I think people are connecting to it in that way.”
Tarot cards at the ready, Mya asked Cain if he had any questions, anything answer he may be seeking. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I feel so good. I’m so excited to get my music out, everything feels aligned. I feel good.”
And with that, Mya the handmaiden delved into her reading, letting the cards leap out as she shuffled, clamouring to convey their messages. Once satisfied with the spirit’s selection, she artfully placing the cards in front of her, a spread of her own devising. Gathering herself with grace and poise, Myra was ready to share what she saw before her. And while his gift it is to create art that people take in with their ears, it was now Cain Culto’s turn to sit back and listen.
The Cards and their meanings
Eight of Swords, reversed. A way out of feeling trapped. Something that held you back in your own head is loosening.
Five of Cups, reversed. Healing after a letdown. You are looking at what is still in front of you, not what is gone.
Four of Swords, upright. Rest is part of the plan. You do your best work when you let yourself recover.
Aries, upright. Strong drive and a bold push to start. One of your biggest engines right now.
Two of Staves, upright. Planning and looking ahead. You are thinking about where this can go.
Seven of Staves, upright. Standing behind your work. Keep claiming your spot and do not back down from it.
Love, upright. Real passion and devotion. You love what you are doing, and that is the heart of this reading.
Water, upright. Your feelings and creativity are flowing well. The well you create from is full.
Six of Coins, upright. Giving and receiving. People are willing to support you. Let yourself take the help.
Justice, upright. A fair outcome. You will get what you have truly earned, judged on merit.
The reading began with a sense of forward motion. Not the kind that arrives overnight, but the realization that old disappointments and limiting beliefs are finally losing their grip. The Eight of Swords reversed and the Five of Cups reversed suggest a chapter of feeling stuck is ending, while the Four of Swords serves as a reminder that rest isn’t separate from the work. Recovery is part of the creative process, not a distraction from it.
Aries energy charges through the spread with confidence and drive, proving there’s no shortage of ambition, while the Two of Staves points toward someone already focused on what’s next. The Seven of Staves reinforces a willingness to stand proud in a crowded, competitive space, refusing to compromise a creative vision. Running through the middle of it all is Love, suggesting that genuine passion for the work remains the driving force behind every decision.
Creatively flows freely, according to the cards. The Water card appears upright, pointing to strong intuition and an emotional current that’s flowing freely. If there’s any uncertainty in the reading, it is not about talent or inspiration.
Instead, the biggest obstacle appears to be timing. A heavy run of Coin cards shifts the focus from creativity to the realities of building a career. The Ace of Coins and Six of Coins point toward new opportunities and meaningful support, while the Knight of Coins reversed and Nine of Coins reversed suggest progress and financial rewards have yet to catch up to effort and output. Even the Sun reversed hints that success is already taking shape and will continue to grow. The message is clear: any delay is not about ability. It’s about patience.
“If you find yourself overthinking about something, like maybe I should have done it this way. Maybe the song should have been written that way. You can just stop asking.” Cain spoke up here, as if what Mya said had struck a chord. “I think I just feel so confident in the work,” he said. “And it even allows me to open my hand on expectations on how it’s received. It’s like, I did the labor of diving into myself to pull this out and I feel really proud of it. I haven’t felt like that in previous releases,” he said. “Beyond that, it’s out of my hands. It’s not my business how people receive it.”
As if in response to that statement, the cards clearly show that the work is connecting with people on a genuine level, even if that reach has yet to fully expand. The potential is there, and the wider breakthrough is still unfolding, with the spread pointing to momentum that’s building steadily beneath the surface.
The strongest advice in the reading is not to force what’s meant to grow naturally. “Just keep making those choices that keep you aligned with your authentic path,” Mya advised. “Allow the fruits of your labour to unfold all around you.”
That message is echoed throughout the spread. Lasting success comes from consistency, trusted relationships, and staying connected to the reason the work began in the first place, not from chasing outside validation.
The reading closes on an inspiring note. “You’re going into a really interesting period of public success,” Mya said. “You’re no longer moving as slow as you had previously. You’re coming into a period of success and wealth and notoriety. Stay true to yourself.”
Rather than predicting an overnight breakthrough, the cards point toward something more enduring: recognition that’s earned through persistence, authenticity, and a commitment to the craft.
“Just keep choosing those choices that keep you aligned with your authentic path,” Mya advised. “Allow the fruits of your labour to unfold all around you.” With her unique combination of insight, intuition and divination, Mya had put into words what the cards wanted her to share. “So for tonight, take a deep breath, go out on that stage, look at everybody there, and know that everyone there is there for you. You’ve hit your stride and now you can just trust, and fall, and people will be there to catch you. Just think, this is my gift, and this is what I’m going to share. Very straightforward, very simple.” And so concluded Cain Culto’s tarot card reading.
“I really wish I had something really juicy to tell you” Mya opined. Cain disagreed in his quiet, charming way. “This feels great,” he smiled. “I think this is, this where I’m at. So, it’s what I needed. I feel clear, great. I’m so excited to go jump on stage.”
After the reading, we made our way to Church Street, the neighbourhood bustling for Toronto’s annual pride celebration, to attend Cain’s performance. He graced the stage alone, with only some props as his costars. With every song, Cain projected his magical and sensual musical persona. The audience was enthralled with him, hanging on his every word and move. With every note he sang, every violin string he plucked and every full body gyration and contortion coming from the stage, Cain Culto showed the power of creativity and ingenuity. I can only imagine, and hope to one day see the possibilities of what he can achieve with a budget, a team, and the support that can change the trajectory of an independent artist’s career. And if his tarot reading is to be believed (which, of course it is), then all that is coming. Cain Culto’s star is rising, and we can’t wait to watch the climb.
Occulto 002 is out now wherever you get your music. Along with the EP, Cain has released the video for “a plague, a pestilence”. Rooted in the sounds of his Kentucky upbringing, the track folds Southern influences into his kaleidoscopic approach, creating one of the EP’s most expansive and ambitious moments. The accompanying video mirrors the tension between tradition and transformation, reimagining Americana through Cain Culto’s vividly maximalist aesthetic. Check it out below, and Stream occulto 002 here.
Cain Culto has also just announced his North American tour. Be sure to support one of his shows when he passes through your city. Dates below!
CAIN CULTO NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2026
July 17 – San Diego, CA – Urban MO’s Bar & Grill
Aug 8 – Chicago, IL – Northalsted Market Days
Sept 5 – Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot Music Festival
Sept 24 – West Hollywood, CA – The Roxy Theatre
Sept 25 – San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop
Sept 27 – Portland, OR – The Get Down
Sept 28 – Denver, CO – Lost Lake
Sept 30 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
Oct 1 – Chicago, IL – Sleeping Village
Oct 2 – Lexington, KY – The Burl
Oct 3 – Adams, TN – Kinda Spoopy Music Festival
Oct 6 – Brooklyn, NY – Baby’s All Right
Oct 8 – Washington, DC – The Black Cat
Oct 9 – Miami, FL – ZeyZey
Oct 10 – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Pride Festival
https://www.instagram.com/cainculto/
Nadia Elkharadly