Kaitlin Butts Signs With Republic Records, Following Breakout Viral Success of ‘You Ain’t Gotta Die (to Be Dead to Me)’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Country artist Kaitlin Butts, who rose to viral fame this year with her hit "You Ain’t Gotta Die (to Be Dead to Me)," has officially joined Republic Records, the label confirmed on Thursday. The partnership is launching immediately with the announcement of a new five-song EP, "Yeehaw Sessions," set for release on November 14. This collection will showcase Butts’ distinctive takes on Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle,” Chappell Roan’s “Red Wine Supernova,” the Don Williams classic “Tulsa Time,” and The Chicks’ “Sin Wagon,” alongside a fresh version of her own breakout single. An advance digital single of “The Middle” will be available on streaming platforms this Friday.

Butts explained her decision to sign with Republic, noting the flood of label interest following her viral success. “After the song took off, it was overwhelming to have so many people reach out—especially after working toward this for so long,” she told Variety. She highlighted her connection with Republic’s Executive VP of Artist & Label Strategy, Mary Catherine Kinney, a longtime supporter. “Mary Catherine has always been in my corner, even just as a friend who loves music. Republic’s vision for my career aligns perfectly with my own ambitions, and it’s energizing to work with a team that’s as eager and hardworking as I am.” Republic Records—a powerhouse label home to global stars like Taylor Swift and Drake—has been expanding its country roster in recent years, adding icons like Miranda Lambert and Shania Twain, and partnering with Big Loud for Morgan Wallen’s releases.

Butts is enthusiastic about being part of a label with a broad musical reach. “I’ve never wanted to be confined to just the country space—I see myself in an Americana realm, and sometimes even pop through my remixes,” she said. “Country music is for everyone, and I hope to connect with listeners who might not typically tune into the genre. Aligning with Republic, a label that also represents artists like Taylor Swift, feels like the ideal path for that.” In an official statement, Mary Catherine Kinney praised Butts as “a generational talent… honest, magnetic, and entirely her own,” expressing honor in supporting the next phase of her career.

Butts’ profile has surged in 2024, thanks in part to her role as the opening act on Lainey Wilson’s sold-out arena tour, where she was occasionally invited onstage for duets. The upcoming "Yeehaw Sessions" serves as a follow-up to her 2022 independent EP "Sad Yeehaw Sessions" and her most recent full-length album, "Roadrunner!," which was released earlier this year and included the viral single. Industry experts note that her authentic storytelling and dynamic stage presence have been key to building a dedicated fanbase. As one music commentator observed, “Butts represents a new wave of country artists who are redefining the genre’s boundaries while staying true to its roots.”

Reflecting on her cover of “The Middle,” Butts shared a personal story behind the recording. She described facing a wave of online criticism even after her success. “On my lower days, some of those negative comments started to feel believable,” she admitted. A visit to a karaoke bar became a turning point. “Hearing ‘The Middle’ performed there, I truly absorbed the lyrics for the first time. It felt like a message I desperately needed—a reminder not to let internet critics overshadow this incredible moment I’ve worked toward my whole life.” She began performing the song live, slowing it down to emphasize its reassuring message. “Seeing how it resonated with audiences convinced me to record it—to create something cathartic that people could lean on during their own tough moments.”