Gretel is the project of London-based singer-songwriter Maddy Haenlein. Raised in West London, she began writing songs at a young age, drawing inspiration from gothic storytelling, early indie rock, and artists like Nick Cave, Nirvana, and Wolf Alice.

Her sound blends hi-fi grunge, goth-pop, and alt/indie ballads, marked by distinctive vocals and emotionally direct songwriting. After early breakthrough EPs Slugeye (2022) and Head of the Love Club (2023), she quickly gained attention for her powerful live performances and cinematic, slightly dystopian edge.

Gretel continues to build a reputation as one of the most compelling new voices in alternative guitar music, with a growing body of work that balances intensity with vulnerability.