Tulsa-born singer and songwriter Kaitlin Butts has released her new single “I Wanna Be Bad” ahead of her upcoming fourth studio album, Hello, Honky Tonk. The album is scheduled to arrive on Oct. 30 through Republic Records.
Co-written by Butts and Natalie Hemby, “I Wanna Be Bad” follows her previous single release, “Never Really Mine.” The song offers a look into her forthcoming project, which was listed by Rolling Stone as one of the most anticipated albums of 2026.
The new album draws inspiration from the honky tonks and nightlife Butts experienced while touring. Conceptually influenced by the vaudeville elements of the movie musical Chicago and Disney World’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree, the project centers on themes of nightlife and barroom characters.
Hello, Honky Tonk marks Butts’ first full-length album under Republic Records following her signing in October 2025. Her recent discography includes the 2025 EP The Yeehaw Sessions and her 2024 album Roadrunner!, a release inspired by Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!.
Outside of her solo releases, Butts has participated in several collaborations this year. She appeared on Willow Avalon’s song “Hypothetically Speaking,” acted in Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” music video, co-directed a video for Flatland Cavalry’s track “Unglued,” and joined The Band Perry for “You Lie (Forever Version).”
Her recent touring schedule includes dates supporting Lainey Wilson on the Whirlwind Tour, opening for Ella Langley’s The Dandelion Tour, and headlining her European Cowgirl Experience tour. She was also nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2026 MusicRow Awards and featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents exhibition.
Click here to listen to “I Wanna Be Bad”
Click here to pre order / pre save Hello, Honky Tonk
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