With a resume that includes opening for Mark Chesnutt, Jackson Taylor and the Sinners, Chase Bryant, Hailey Whitters, and Dustin Lynch to winning Taste of Country’s local Hometown Riser contest and placing 5th Nationally in 2018, Caitlyn Wolfe is a rising country artist that you should have on your radar. Armed with strong vocals and an energetic stage presence, Caitlyn is ready to to pick up where 2020 left off prior to the pandemic. Her latest single “Let’s Drive” is the perfect summer road trip track that gets us all ready to go out and experience life after the past 15 months.
We caught up with Caitlyn to talk about the new music, her journey to Nashville and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
CW: I am a country-rock singer-songwriter from Iowa, who recently made the move down to Nashville. I’m known for big belty songs and wearing too much black clothing on stage.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
CW: As an artist: Gretchen Wilson, Cher, Ann Wilson (Heart) and Jo Dee Messina because they all have these amazing strong female vocals. As a writer though, I would say Ashley McBryde, Tucker Beathard, P!nk, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Nicolle Galyon because at their core it’s honest, raw, and beautiful.
Personally: Dolly because she’s got the biggest heart, and I want to be an artist like that!
CN: You were a member of the group Grit & Glory prior to going solo. What led you to the decision to do so?
CW: I loved the guys in that band! They were talented, we had so much fun, and it taught me a lot. Ultimately it came down to a few things: I wanted to do originals, I wanted to make the decisions, and I honestly wanted it more. We were growing up and my priorities always landed music at the top, and for most of them it was just a side gig for fun. It’s frustrating when you care more than the other people on your team. This is absolutely no shade to them, because I don’t blame them! We were all climbing our 20’s, and they wanted to date, travel, work up the ladder in their day jobs, and I would give all of that stuff up for a gig.
CN: Did that change in your career play into your decision to move to Nashville?
CW: Somewhat. I always had it in my head to move to back to Nashville (I spent a year in Nashville in 2012). Ultimately I want to be a songwriter, and I can’t really do that in Iowa.
CN: How has the relocation been treating you? How long were you there before the pandemic hit, and how did that affect you settling in?
CW: I just got here about a month ago! I actively waited until vaccinations were out before I officially made my move. I wanted things to be headed back towards normal, before trying my hand in this crazy city! It mostly just affected my timeline. I would have left earlier if it wasn’t for COVID.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process? Where do you pull your ideas from?
CW: Inspiration comes from everything! I have a notepad app and voice memo app in my phone that I’m always leaving little ideas in.
The process for me however always starts with the lyrics. I write all the lyrics first, then I sing them / figure out the melody. Sometimes I do this at the same time. Lastly, I go pick up the guitar and try to figure out how to put it all together. The guitar is a relatively new thing for me, so it doesn’t quite feel like an extension of me yet. We’re like a young couple trying to figure out how to communicate best.
CN: Did you find yourself writing more during the pandemic?
CW: I had a major knee surgery a few months before COVID, and my recovery process went into COVID, so I was stuck at home longer than most. I wrote some during that time, but honestly less than normal. It didn’t inspire me, it depressed me. I’m inspired by people, places, things, airports, etc. I wasn’t getting any of that when I was stuck at home.
CN: Recently you released your latest single “Let’s Drive.” What was the inspiration behind the song?
CW: Getting out of the house and being free! That is actually one of the songs I wrote during the pandemic. It was winter and I was feeling like I’d been stuck in the house way too damn long!
CN: The single is the perfect song for a road trip, summer-y wind-in-your-hair music video! Any plans to release one?
CW: I went jeeping out in Utah and took a bunch of videos. I’ve thought about doing a little DIY video using clips from that!
CN: You often perform at venues like bars and casinos and events such as weddings – none of which were open for most of the past 15 months. How did you adjust your career during this time?
CW: I played a few private parties, but otherwise it was a mini hiatus. I caught up on things like going to bed before 2am!
CN: Now as things open up, you have been able to get out there and perform in front of live crowds again. What was your first time back on stage like?
CW: I was so nervous! I forgot what all the adrenaline felt like!
CN: Any upcoming shows on the calendar?
CW: I just finished up two huge gigs in Iowa! I got to open for Aaron Tippin at the Benton County Fair in Vinton, IA and then open up for Justin Moore at the Buchanan County Fair in Independence, IA! It was crazy because I went from virtual audiences over Facebook Live to thousands of people in the crowd.
I have quite a few weddings to play on the calendar, but nothing else at the moment. I’m trying to get my footing here in Nashville.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
CW: I don’t know if I can choose only one! I’m going to cheat and say: P!nk, Tucker Beathard, or Ashley McBryde. Because they’re so good!
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
CW: Cher! I went to a show on her (first) Farewell Tour!
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
CW: Passionate. I’m not a “middle of the ground” person when it comes to my emotions. I’m not indifferent. I am basically a “hell yes” or a “hell no”. There is passion behind everything I say or do.
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you?
CW: I would love to find my way into the songwriting community here in Nashville. It’s scary for me, because I’ve always been backed by a full-band and doing the acoustic songwriter thing is intimidating! There is no one to hide behind!
Hopefully that means more original music! Maybe sung by me, maybe sung by someone else.
For more information Caitlyn Wolfe, visit her website caitlynwolfemusic.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.