Chicago Singer Kaina Takes Hiatus to Rebalance Life After Two Albums

Kaina Castillo, better known onstage as KAINA, has announced that she will step away from touring and recording in 2026 to focus on her personal wellbeing and create a sustainable artistic rhythm.

The Chicago‑born vocalist burst onto the scene with her debut album, Next To The Sun, in July 2019. Critics praised its lyrical intimacy and sonic depth, and the record launched a string of international tours that saw Kaina sharing stages with Sleater‑Kinney and Cuco. In March 2022 she followed up with It Was A Home, a richer, orchestral‑laden effort that explored themes of belonging and domesticity. A 2022 NPR Tiny Desk performance further showcased her knack for building immersive sonic worlds.

Despite the acclaim, Kaina has said the relentless pace of touring and the “rigid nature of the music industry” began to erode her health. In a June 23, 2026 interview with The Creative Independent, she reflected on five years of full‑time industry work, starting with the 2019 release. She revealed that the pressure to meet industry expectations had forced her to “choose between rent and touring,” a decision she now finds unsustainable.

Her pause is framed as a period of rest and restoration. Kaina described the break as an opportunity to develop a “centered and sustainable way to interact with music, art, and the world.” She added that she is spending time on new hobbies and caring for her cats, activities she says help her maintain balance.

Financial realities for independent artists surface repeatedly in Kaina’s comments. She explained that touring economics often compel musicians to sacrifice basic needs for exposure. “It’s not a decision that most of us, who are indie, are taking lightly,” she said. She cited the experiences of Little Simz and Santigold, who have publicly discussed the difficulty of touring when income does not cover living expenses.

Kaina urged greater transparency in how tours are organized. She suggested that venues, booking agents, and labels explore “creative solutions” such as sliding‑scale fees or more affordable ticket pricing. She also highlighted the role of local governments, citing Chicago’s artist program that provides grants and the example of Irish artists receiving weekly stipends.

For newcomers, Kaina offered practical advice: “You have to be the one that says no, you have to be the one that pulls yourself away from a moment that is not good for you.”

She emphasized that the hiatus is not a permanent withdrawal. Kaina said she is still “making music” in a more measured way and remains open to future projects. Her current focus is on mental and physical health, creative rest, and exploring new artistic outlets.

In short, Kaina’s 2026 pause underscores the growing conversation about artist sustainability, touring economics, and mental health in the independent music sector. While she has no announced return dates, her candid discussion of the challenges faced by touring musicians may influence how labels, venues, and local governments support artists moving forward.