Up-And-Coming Aotearoa Artists: CAITLIN

Electric Avenue, Aotearoa’s biggest music festival, attracts stars from far and wide (Kesha! Dom Dolla!), but at the 2026 edition in February, it was the local talent that really stood out to Rolling Stone AU/NZ.

Amongst many impressive Kiwi artists, our reviewer was enthralled by Ōtautahi Christchurch singer-songwriter CAITLIN, who made the most of playing on such a prominent stage in her hometown.

“Singer-songwriter CAITLIN warmed up the Electric Stage with a beautiful full-band set, with close friends, supporters, and strangers singing along to the words of her indie-rock-meets-alt-pop tunes,” our review praised. 

CAITLIN’s Electric Avenue showcase came just ahead of the release of Guardrails, her beautiful new EP.

Written and produced mostly alone with additional production and mixing by Goodwill‘s Will McGillivray, the record is CAITLIN at her most personal. “It’s my most cohesive and honest work yet, and the first project that really sounds like me,” she admits. 

“Guardrails is an intimate look at rebuilding trust with myself — sitting with hard feelings, choosing to walk through uncertainty, and learning that I could make life-altering decisions that cost and broke me, but ultimately led me closer to myself,” she adds.

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CAITLIN is currently celebrating her EP on a national tour, which heads to Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on Thursday, May 21st before closing in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland the following evening.

The indie-pop artist took time out of her busy schedule to take part in our Up-And-Coming Aotearoa Artists series, revealing more about her life and music.

CAITLIN’s Guardrails EP is out now. Find ticket information for her tour here. 

Rolling Stone AU/NZ: How did music influence you in your early life?

CAITLIN: Growing up, I used to lock myself away for hours in my parent’s teaching studio. I’d let time disappear learning to play my favourite songs, experimenting with sound and writing. I’d move between guitar, piano, and looping vocal parts without really noticing the time pass. Looking back, the freedom to explore on my own terms shaped everything.

What artists influenced you growing up?

My parents played and listened to a lot of country music when I was a child which gave me that love for direct, honest storytelling. I also grew up playing a lot of ’70s classics from bands like America and Fleetwood Mac. 

When I was 16, I gravitated towards artists such as Maggie Rogers, HAIM, Ben Howard, and Bon Iver. Music that feels textured whilst still being incredibly emotionally direct.

At university, I studied jazz and immersed myself in learning standards and exploring harmony, whilst simultaneously adventuring through the alternative music scene in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

My music now carries a blend of influences across my life; combining the melodic flexibility of jazz, direct storytelling of country, warmth and texture of indie-folk, and clarity and expressiveness of pop.

When did you discover your passion for creating music?

I started songwriting more consistently when I was around 14. It became the way I processed things, usually through locking myself away with my guitar.

I recently went through the lyrics of songs I had written at 14/15 years old. I had all the emotion and angst, but none of the language for it, so I hid behind metaphors that barely made sense. 

I’m more direct now, but still writing for the same reason. 

What are some career highlights so far?

Playing the Main Stage at Electric Avenue this year was a big one. It was my first time on a stage that size and seeing a crowd of people who knew the words blew me away.

Releasing my EP Guardrails is another highlight. It’s mostly self-produced with additional production and mixing from Will McGillivray. It’s my most cohesive and honest work yet, and the first project that really sounds like me. 

Tell us about your new EP, Guardrails. What’s the project about?

Guardrails was written during a year where I realised I was living a life that didn’t quite fit me, and it was killing me. It’s about rebuilding trust with myself; sitting with hard feelings, choosing to walk through uncertainty, and learning that I could make life-altering decisions that cost and broke me, but ultimately led me closer to myself. 

I spent countless evenings writing and producing in my bedroom, then walking through Hagley Park in Christchurch listening to early demos that mirrored back exactly how I was feeling. There’s a strange comfort in listening to songs about exactly what you’re going through in real time. Especially when it’s heavy.

What kind of personality traits and values do you believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?

A borderline unhealthy obsession with music has been the core driver of my career in music. I would’ve drifted if I didn’t love music as much as I do; it’s tough as an independent artist.

The ability to reflect without stifling your thoughts and getting in your own way has been key to making music that feels like it says something worthwhile. 

I’d also say what’s helped me is pairing my passion with a strong work-ethic and building strategy around my art. Nurturing both the artistic and the business sides. 

How would you describe your music to a potential fan?

Introspective alt-pop with a strong core in storytelling. Honest, a bit raw, and usually exploring the middle of things rather than the resolution.

What are your goals for 2026 and beyond? What can fans expect from you this year?

This year I’m heading out on my first national headline tour around Aotearoa New Zealand. Then, I’ll be spending time in the UK co-writing sessions and building connections. 

The goal is to take this project further. I’d love to be playing shows in Australia, the UK and Europe, and continuing to grow a global audience.