Mothermary

Larena and Elyse Winn were raised in Missoula, Montana, in a strict Mormon household. They attended Brigham Young University–Idaho. Larena Winn studied theater, while Elyse Winn left for Salt Lake City and joined the musical scene there. After leaving their religious community, the sisters moved to New York City. Elyse Winn founded Mothermary as a solo act before her sister joined.^[2][3]

Drawing on their shared upbringing and experiences leaving organized religion, the duo began writing music that incorporated religious symbolism alongside themes of empowerment, sexuality, and self-definition.^[2] The group collaborated with Chris McLaughlin of Cigar Cigarette to record a number of early releases, gaining attention within independent electronic and synth-pop circles. Their work came to the attention of Italians Do It Better, an independent label known for its retro-influenced electronic acts. The duo subsequently signed to the label.^[3][4]

Mothermary’s music has been described as electro pop, synth-pop, and darkwave, with stylistic influences from 1980s electronic music. Their recordings feature layered synthesizers, drum machines, and tightly blended and layered ethereal vocal performances.^[1]

In both lyrics and performance, the duo frequently engages with themes of faith, religious symbolism, power dynamics, sexuality, and identity.^[5]

In December 2025, film studio A24 released a trailer for a film named Mother Mary featuring a fictional musician by that name played by Anne Hathaway.^[6] Despite passing visual similarities, Elyse and Larena Winn have no relationship to the project or the character. The Mothermary Instagram account released short form videos mocking both the trailer and A24's legal correspondence.^[7][8]