Caitlyn Shadbolt’s experimental album: A journey of growth, creativity, and homegrown success

Gympie’s former X Factor finalist Caitlyn Shadbolt is embarking on a bold new phase in her career, with an experimental dual EP album, recorded at her home studio alongside partner and producer Matt Smith.

Gympie’s very own Caitlyn Shadbolt, once known as the “bogan” Taylor Swift, is fearlessly venturing into uncharted territory with an experimental album that marks a new era in her career.

Having placed in the top five on X Factor in 2014, Caitlyn now joins forces with her partner and producer, Matt Smith, in their Queensland home studio, ready to release a groundbreaking body of work that showcases her evolution as an artist.

With her third official album set to be released in June, Caitlyn is taking a unique approach, opting for two EPs instead of a full album.

“This time we’ve done things a little bit different,” Shadbolt explained. “I found that I was writing songs that were so contrasting. We basically created this record that’s sort of split into two parts, which is why we’ve called it ‘Bloom and Surrender.’ It literally showcases the two sides of me, one that’s that upbeat fun, bubbly side and then the other that’s more introverted and reflective.”

As Caitlyn matures, so does her songwriting, delving into deeper and more meaningful themes. Reflecting on her growth since her X Factor days, the 27-year-old acknowledges the impact her experiences have had on her as a musician.

Caitlyn Shadbolt is ready to release a groundbreaking body of work that showcases her evolution as an artist. Photo – Lachie Millard

“I was only 18 when I was on the show. I’ve definitely grown up since, I was just a teenager then and I’m more of a woman now,” she said.

“And just as an artist and a musician, I’ve got better too.”

Caitlyn’s latest music is the most “hands-on” she’s ever been, co-producing the record and recording entirely at home with Matt’s help.

The couple built their studio during the pandemic and decided to take on the challenge of recording the album themselves.

“This time I actually co-produced the record, and recorded here at home with my partner,” she said.

“I think the sound is almost like reflective of that too.”

Despite the learning curves, the pair’s relationship has not only survived but thrived during the album’s creation, and they are happy with the end result.

“We’re still together if after that experience you can believe it, we survived it,” she joked.

“We just decided this time around, ‘let’s take on a challenge and have a crack at recording the whole thing’, so it was definitely a big, big adventure, lots of learning curves, but we’re happy with the end result.”

In the coming months, Caitlyn has an exciting line-up of performances at shows and festivals along the east coast, including a return to her old stomping grounds at the Gympie Music Muster in August.

“It’s pretty nostalgic because the Gympie Muster was one of the first-ever talent quests I did. So it’s pretty special to use that to look back at how far I’ve come and how I’ve grown,” she shared.

Shadbolt’s new album Bloom & Surrender will be available from June 9.