CAITLIN, the Te Waipounamu-born, Ōtautahi-based indie-pop singer and “prolific songwriter” (Sniffers), shares the title track from her forthcoming EP Guardrails alongside the announcement of a four-date national tour this May. Her music moves between organic textures and electronic elements, reflecting the landscapes she calls home – from the expansive natural environment of the South Island to the energy of Christchurch’s city streets.
Speaking on the track, Caitlin describes ‘Guardrails’ as a defining moment within the EP:
“This feels like the most cathartic moment on the EP. It’s about the push and pull of new beginnings and the memories you leave behind after a relationship ends. The ending moves away from the beat into a more ethereal, textural space, created by slicing earlier sonic and melodic ideas into a new context. Guardrails taught me that I can hold both versions of myself at once – feeling free and full of life while carrying a quiet grief for what it cost to get there.”
Guardrails pairs intimate vocals with layered instrumentation, including nylon and steel-string acoustic guitars, slide guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and violin. Self-produced by Caitlin with additional production and mixing from Will McGillivray (Goodwill), the track also features strings performed by her sister Alysha — the pair’s first time collaborating. A warm synth line introduced by McGillivray closes the song, grounding its floating textures, with mastering by Greg Obis (MJ Lenderman, Slow Pulp). The track is the fourth single from the EP, following earlier releases ‘You’re Only Good To Calm Me Down’, ‘Wash’, and ‘Outline’.
This announcement comes fresh from her appearance on the Electric Avenue main stage this summer. Caitlin will take the Guardrails EP on the road with a four-date national tour across Aotearoa this May. “The energy at Electric Avenue was incredible,” Caitlin says. “I loved seeing the songs from Guardrails connect with people in the crowd. I can’t wait to bring this special show around the country in May, once the full EP is out.”
Catch Caitlin live on tour
Friday 15 May – The Sail & Anchor, Timaru
Saturday 16 May – Space Academy, Christchurch
Thursday 21 May – Moon, Wellington
Friday 22 May – Whammy Bar, Auckland
Tickets are available now via UTR.
CAITLIN
Guardrails
Out April 11th, 2026
PRE SAVE
1. Wash
2. You’re Only Good To Calm Me Down
3. Tied
4. Outline
5. Go Figure
6. Guardrails
Artist Bio – CAITLIN
CAITLIN (Caitlin Bradley) is a New Zealand singer-songwriter making waves on the alternative music scene. Known for her sharp lyricism, infectious energy, and magnetic live performances, she first caught attention with her 2024 EP Legacy, featuring the Alt-charting single ‘Light Leak’ and ‘What You Love’, which hit #1 on NZ Student Radio Charts.
Her recent indie-rock single ‘Wash’ signals the next chapter of her sound, leading into new releases in 2026. A rising live draw, CAITLIN has played headline shows across New Zealand, performed at major festivals including Nostalgia, Single Fin Mingle, and Tea Party, and Electric Avenue 2026. She has also opened for industry icons like Jon Toogood, Jordan Luck, Hollie Smith, and Jamie McDell.
Supported by Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists (New Music Friday AUS/NZ, EQUALS) and recognised through NZ on Air funding, APRA AMCOS mentorship, and a songwriting camp at Joel Little’s Big Fan studio, CAITLIN is a bold voice in New Zealand music and one of the country’s most exciting emerging artists.
Follow CAITLIN:
Instagram | Youtube | TikTok | Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Spotify
