Alpha

Alpha is a space for redefining the meaning of a woman’s power. Power doesn’t have to be about fighting, standing up, or changing history. The power of these artists lies in their existence. From there flows truth, authenticity, vulnerability, nuanced representation. This week, gaze upon Ethel Cain’s “Fuck Me Eyes.” The hazy rock track is full of a “mix of awe and fascination and jealousy,” Cain says—with a surprising influence from Kim Carnes. “My favorite ’80s pop song of all time is ‘Bette Davis Eyes.’ I always thought that was the most beautiful song ever growing up,” the singer-songwriter tells Apple Music of the inspiration. “Then, when I became an adult, I was like, ‘Oh, she’s not being nice to this girl. She’s calling her a slut.’” And indeed, Cain puts her heroine on a pedestal: “She’s got her hair up to God, she’s gonna get what she wants/Her nails are heartbreak red ’cause she’s a bad m**********r.” Enter Alpha now and add it to your library to keep in touch with the women making music on their terms, uplifting one another and challenging notions through the simple matter of being. Now that’s real power.