Neko Richelle Case, born on September 8, 1970, in Alexandria, Virginia, is an American singer-songwriter whose unmistakable voice and eclectic sound have made her a central figure in the indie music world. Known for her contralto voice-a powerful, evocative force compared to a "flamethrower" and a "vocal tornado"-and her mysterious, imagistic lyrics, Case has transcended genres, weaving elements of country, folk, rock, pop, and art rock into a unique sound. Throughout her career, she has drawn critical acclaim for her ability to defy easy genre classification.

Raised as an only child, Case spent her early years in a military family, with her father serving in the U.S. Air Force. Her Ukrainian ancestry, along with a family connection to the professional wrestler Ella Waldek, shaped the rich and diverse cultural backdrop of her youth. After her parents divorced, Case's family moved frequently due to her stepfather's career as an archaeologist, which took them from Western Massachusetts to Washington State. It was in Tacoma, Washington, that Case eventually came to consider as her hometown.