Kaitlin Butts Releases “Hello, Honky Tonk” Album

Oklahoma singer-songwriter Kaitlin Butts has released her new album, Hello, Honky Tonk, on Republic Records. The album follows her 2024 breakthrough, Roadrunner, and draws inspiration from the musical Chicago, telling stories through the characters found in honky-tonks, according to Rolling Stone.

Butts collaborated with TJ Osborne of Brothers Osborne on the track “The Bartender” and features an introduction from Lainey Wilson on “Katie B’s Honky Tonk Saloon.” The album blends country and Red Dirt music with influences ranging from Kesha to musical theater, creating an inclusive sound for a broad audience.

Butts’ career gained momentum last year when her song “You Don’t Have to Die (To Be Dead to Me)” from Roadrunner went viral on TikTok, thanks to creators like Ella Langley. This led to a major label deal and opening slots for artists such as Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley, as well as a performance at CMA Fest.

Republic Records executive vice president Mary Catherine Kinney describes Butts as “uncontainable, deadly sincere and inherently honest,” noting that Hello, Honky Tonk showcases her imaginative world rooted in personal truths. The album explores themes of loneliness, escapism, and the wild fun of bar life through tracks like “Bacon Naked” and “Everybody Wanna Sing a Country Song.”

This album sounds like a fresh take on country music, perfect for those who enjoy artists who blend genres and tell compelling stories.