Kaitlin Butts Signs with Republic Records After Viral Hit

Country singer Kaitlin Butts has officially signed with Republic Records, a significant move following the widespread viral success of her song, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (to Be Dead to Me).” This partnership marks a new chapter for the artist, who gained considerable attention after her track resonated deeply with a broad audience online. The announcement of her signing with the prominent label indicates a strategic alignment aimed at expanding her reach and solidifying her presence in the music industry.

The deal comes at a pivotal moment for Butts, who has diligently built her career over a considerable period. Her breakout hit garnered significant interest from various labels, making Republic Records her choice for the next phase of her musical journey.

A New Chapter with Republic Records

Kaitlin Butts’s decision to sign with Republic Records stems from a shared vision for her career trajectory. According to Butts, the connection with Republic, particularly through executive Mary Catherine Kinney, felt aligned with her long-held aspirations. Kinney, who serves as Executive VP of Artist & Label Strategy for Republic Records, expressed enthusiasm for Butts, recognizing her as a “generational talent” with a distinct voice and powerful perspective.

Republic Records, a dominant force in the music industry, has been strategically expanding its footprint in the country music genre, with notable signings like Miranda Lambert and Shania Twain, and alliances with labels such as Big Loud for artists like Morgan Wallen. Butts acknowledges this expansion but also highlights her desire to transcend a purely country music categorization. She aims for a broader audience, seeing herself in an Americana space and even incorporating pop influences into her work. Being on a label alongside artists like Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift is considered ideal for her diverse aspirations.

“Yeehaw Sessions” EP: A Swift Follow-Up

To celebrate the new agreement, Butts and Republic Records are set to release a five-song EP titled “Yeehaw Sessions” on November 14. This EP will feature a mix of covers and a reprise of her signature hit. The tracklist includes her interpretations of Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle,” Chappell Roan’s “Red Wine Supernova,” the classic country tune “Tulsa Time” by Don Williams, and The Chicks’ “Sin Wagon.” A new version of “You Ain’t Gotta Die (to Be Dead to Me)” will also be included. “The Middle” is slated to be released as a single on digital streaming platforms ahead of the EP.

This forthcoming EP serves as a spiritual successor to her independently released 2022 covers EP, “Sad Yeehaw Sessions.” The “Yeehaw Sessions” also directly follows her recent full-length LP, “Roadrunner!”, which was released in 2024 and featured her viral hit single.

The Resonance of “The Middle”

The inclusion of Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” on the new EP holds particular significance for Butts. She has openly discussed the personal inspiration behind covering the song, which came during a period of introspection following her viral success. While the widespread attention brought many positive opportunities, it also exposed her to negative comments about her appearance, personality, and talent.

During a karaoke outing, she had an epiphany while listening to “The Middle,” realizing its lyrics spoke directly to her struggles. The song’s message served as a powerful reminder to not let negativity overshadow her hard-earned achievements. She began performing “The Middle” live, finding solace and a sense of catharsis in its words. The live performances revealed a strong resonance with her audience, prompting her to record a slowed-down version that emphasizes the lyrics, creating a more reflective listening experience.

Expanding Horizons and Touring Success

Beyond her digital success, Butts has been actively building her live presence. She gained a significant number of new fans this year while opening for country superstar Lainey Wilson on a sold-out arena tour. Butts was also invited to join Wilson for a duet during the headlining sets, further increasing her visibility and demonstrating her captivating stage presence.

Conclusion

Kaitlin Butts’s signing with Republic Records marks a pivotal moment in her career, transforming viral success into a robust industry partnership. With the backing of a major label and a clear artistic vision, she is poised to expand her audience beyond traditional genre boundaries. The upcoming “Yeehaw Sessions” EP, featuring thoughtful covers and a nod to her breakout hit, signifies a strategic step in this exciting new chapter. Her journey underscores the power of authentic artistry and the potential for a breakout moment to redefine an artist’s trajectory.