Q&A: CAITLIN

Lately, we’re loving the music of Christchurch indie-pop artist CAITLIN - combining frank lyricism, guitar-driven instrumentals as well as lush synths and harmonies to create that dreamy, nostalgic-feel with her latest tracks ‘Hardly’ & ‘Take Me Out'.

HEY CAITLIN! APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS! FIRST OF ALL, HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN SINGING & MAKING MUSIC?

Hey! Thanks for having me. I grew up sitting in on my parents teaching music lessons since I was very little! If I wasn't allowed in the teaching studio, I'd sit on the steps outside and listen. I wrote my first song when I was about 7 years old about the seasons and how flowers make me sneeze. Consistent songwriting started when I reached high school.

WE HAD TO CHAT TO YOU AMAZING YOUR AMAZING NEW TRACK 'TAKE ME OUT'! CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE SONG AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?

Sure! For ‘Take Me Out’, I wanted to flick the script on calling out toxic behaviours in others and instead focus on your own red flags. I wrote this song about those times when you're acting a bit ridiculous but still feel like you deserve the best in your relationships. Felt a bit moody one day and this song came out of it! Haha.

ANOTHER SONG OF YOURS WE LOVE IS 'HARDLY'! WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN HIGHLIGHTS WORKING ON THIS TRACK?

Yesss, I think ‘Hardly’ was the first track I wrote on this EP. Working with Ryan Fisherman as my producer was so wonderful. This is my first recording experience with a full band sound and he just made it so simple. One of the first things we did when recording was track the demo guitar and vocals and then the drums. When I heard Ryan create the drum part I was over the moon excited for the song's potential.

MORE MUSIC ON THE WAY SOON THEN?!

Yes! I've got another single coming out July 15th in the lead-up to an EP. So excited for this next single to drop soon. It's a heartfelt one that takes inspiration from producers like Ethan Gruska and Bon Iver. Definitely one of my favourites on the EP.

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING IT! WHO WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS IN MUSIC?

Madison Cunningham never fails to amaze me with her clever songwriting, crisp vocal tone, and guitar chops. Her lyrics are always so full of imagery and great storytelling. Really a triple threat who can't put a foot wrong! Also love Julia Jacklin's honest songwriting. She's inspired me to be more direct in my writing and strip the chords back down to basics.

YES, SOME INCREDIBLY INSPIRING WOMEN IN MUSIC FOR SURE! WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE NZ ARTISTS RIGHT NOW AND ARE THERE ANY SONGS IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU ESPECIALLY LOVE?

I'm obsessed with Becca Caffyn's 'Stair Kids’. I'm holding out to hear more from her! Absolutely loving Goodwill's sound too with 'Clinging Onto You' and Emily C. Browning's 'Andy'. 'My Line' from Pretty Stooked has been on repeat recently too. There's so many sick artists coming out with music in the Christchurch scene and I feel lucky to be surrounded by so much talent! Feels like a great chapter to be a part of.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT NEW ZEALAND? DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL TO OR LOCAL SPOTS THAT YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

Oh man, the thing I love about New Zealand is that you're never far from somewhere beautiful. I love keeping it local and heading out for a surf on the Banks Peninsula. Picturesque views while swimming with baby seals, what more could you want?

SO GOOD! WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNT AS AN ARTIST, AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ARTISTS OUT THERE?Introducing yourself to others in the music industry can be nerve-wracking, but I have made so many valuable connections and friendships through taking that leap. There's so much to learn from each other. I feel like we have a great music community in NZ where everyone just wants to support each other and share pearls of wisdom for free. So I'd say take that leap and introduce yourself to someone you admire! You could make a great connection.

LASTLY, WE END ALL OUR INTERVIEWS WITH THIS QUESTION - IF YOU COULD SAY ONE THING TO EVERY PERSON IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Dad always used to say to me at theme park rides, when you feel like you've been waiting a long time in the line, turn around and look at how far you've come. I think that goes for anything. It's easy to think you're not making much progress but when you look back to the past, you'll see how far you've come. It's important to congratulate yourself too!

THANKS SO MUCH CAITLIN! MAKE SURE YOU KEEP UP WITH HER ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, SPOTIFY OR APPLE MUSIC.