New Music & Video Release - Caitlin Releases EP title track 'Guardrails' & national tour - 13th March 2026
CAITLIN by - Hamish Hobbs
Artist Name - Caitlin
Release Name - Guardrails
Release Date - 13th March 2026
Genre - Indie Folk, Indie Pop, Alt-Pop
Label - Independent
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 at The Sail & Anchor, Timaru (15th May), Space Academy, Christchurch (16th May), Moon, Wellington (21st May), and Whammy Bar, Auckland (22nd May). Tickets are available now via UTR.
