Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

An up-and-coming country singer from Abertridwr has won two awards at a red carpet ceremony celebrating independent music artists from across the globe.

Twenty-year-old Caitlin Mae Nedahl, who goes by her stage name Caitlin Mae, was recognised at the International Singer Songwriter Association Awards, which were held in Atlanta, USA earlier this month.

Caitlin Mae won the gold award for the Female Vocalist of the Year category, as well as winning the International Music Video of the Year award for her song Take my Demons.

Following the ceremony, she performed at the after-party and met with other artists and judges, before heading to Nashville, Tennessee – where she is recording and performing. She will return to the UK on August 24, ahead of the release of her new single Li’l Black Dress.

Growing up, Caitlin Mae’s family had a holiday home in Florida. There, she would often find herself listening to country radio stations – sparking her passion for the genre.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer from Nashville, Caitlin Mae said: “I’ve always loved the US – the lifestyle has always spoken to me. I want to make a name for myself here but I also want to travel the world and spread my music worldwide.”

Speaking of her recent award success, she said: “It’s surreal. I didn’t expect to win. I work hard, all independent artists have to because you don’t have a label or multi-million dollar organisation behind you, but I’m proud to win for everyone back home. A lot of people back home have been rooting for me.

“It still hasn’t sunk in yet. I’ve had a lot of shows keeping me busy, so there’s not been much time to think about it.”

Following on from her award wins, Caitlin Mae has made numerous industry contacts and has been invited all over the US to places like Kentucky, Idaho, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and even Alaska.

Caitlin Mae’s mother, Helen Nedahl, is also in Nashville, or Music City as it’s known. She told Caerphilly Observer: “I’m so proud of her. She has worked so hard for this. She’s never waivered off this path – just pure resilience.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support she’s had. People have travelled for hours over states borders just to see her perform.”

Caitlin Mae’s music journey began at a young age, where she was involved in musical theatre. By the time she was 13, she was performing as a solo singer.

In 2019, Caitlin Mae performed on stage with her idol, American singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood, at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff.

When Covid hit the following year, Caitlin Mae was forced to move her performing online – something she feared she’d hate. However, by doing weekly online performances on social media, she was able to reach out to a wider following and has continued to do so long after Covid restrictions have subsided.

Returning home later this month, Caitlin Mae is hosting a launch party for her latest song at the Corp Market pub in Cardiff on August 25.

Visit caitlinmae.com to keep up to date with Caitlin Mae’s journey.