Former 2014 'X-Factor' contestant Caitlyn Shadbolt is set to take on this year’s Gympie Music Muster and Broadbeach Country Music Festival, and she couldn’t be more excited.
“These two festivals are always so much fun,” the 21-year-old Gympie native says. “I've never played at either of the festivals before but I’ve certainly been. I've been to the Gympie Music Muster so many times and I've always had fun so I’m looking forward to it.”
Caitlyn says she prefers playing at festivals compared to stand-alone shows. “I find festivals the most fun. I think there's a total, different atmosphere at festivals and you're always running into different people and there's so many different artists,” she says.
Since placing fifth on 'X-Factor' in 2014 Caitlyn’s career has expanded. “['X Factor'] was awesome. It was the biggest learning curve for me. It was just a great opportunity to get out and show Australia who I am as an artist and get out there and get to play on big stages like the ones I’m about to play on,” Caitlyn says.
“Everything changed heaps after 'X-Factor'. I think the main thing was that Australia knew who I was and I was lucky to make it to that top five and have people supporting me and they continue to support me.”
Caitlyn says she has several favourite memories and moments from her 'X-Factor' experience and says it’s something she’ll never forget. “I don’t think you'll ever forget how nerve-racking it is when you realise you're about to get on a stage and sing to a million people but the whole experience was fun,” she says.
Caitlyn’s newest album, ‘Songs On My Sleeve’, was released in May and she says it’s a massive relief to have it out. “It’s good to finally have an album out and it’s all songs that I’ve written and co-written all around the world, so it's just really exciting,” Caitlyn says.
“The initial response was that people really loved it and this time around I kind of meshed country and pop together and nobody really questioned it, so I really appreciate people accepting the songs that I’ve written,” she says.
Caitlyn says her new album is “super special” to her because she put her own thoughts and words into each song. “Because I’ve written all the songs they're like my little babies, but some of the singles are going to be some of the favourites.”
After her appearances at the Gympie Music Muster and the Broadbeach Country Music Festival, Caitlyn is planning her own run of headline dates. “I'm just locking in the final few dates, but I’m hoping to have a bunch of shows lined up from September onwards,” she says.
Caitlyn also says new music is always in the work. “We will have a new single out shortly. We've just decided we’re going to shoot a clip for it and then we will release that in the next little moment of time."
Caitlyn Shadbolt performs at the Broadbeach Country Music Festival (Gold Coast) 28-30 July and the Gympie Music Muster 24-27 August.
written by Grace Purvis
