Kaitlin Butts Celebrates Freedom with “I Wanna Be Bad”
Kaitlin Butts is letting go of her responsibilities and embracing her fun-loving side with her latest track, “I Wanna Be Bad.” This lively song offers fans a sneak peek into her upcoming album, Hello, Honky Tonk, set to be released on October 30 under Republic Records.
A Shift in Tone
Following her earlier single “Never Really Mine,” “I Wanna Be Bad” takes a more daring stance. In this track, Butts explores the notion of stepping away from her good girl persona, allowing herself to indulge in the excitement of neon lights, tequila, and perhaps a little romance.
Lyrics that Resonate
Co-written by Butts and Natalie Hemby, the song tells the story of a woman who is weary of always playing it safe. After a long period of hard work and meeting expectations, she decides it’s time to explore a more carefree lifestyle. Butts delivers a vibrant, upbeat performance in “I Wanna Be Bad,” showcasing her confident vocals complemented by a quintessential country sound.
Catchy Chorus
With lines like, “Oh, and sometimes I wanna go crazy / Oh, and sometimes I wanna go maniac mad / I wanna smoke and drink and party and dance all on the floor / Maybe kiss a cowboy / Maybe even more / Oh, sometimes I wanna be bad,” Butts captures the spirit of rebellion.
Wild Music Video
The release of the song is accompanied by a bold and energetic music video directed by Butts and her frequent collaborator Chris Beyrooty. Filmed at Nashville’s Cross-Eyed Critters karaoke bar, the video embodies the song’s carefree attitude, featuring oversized beers, line dancing, and even drag queens alongside animatronic animals.
A Glimpse into Hello, Honky Tonk
The vibrant visuals and bold lyrics provide a preview of the world that Butts is crafting with Hello, Honky Tonk. This marks her fourth studio album, aiming to capture the lively honky tonk atmosphere that has significantly influenced her musical journey.
Theatrical Inspirations
Butts draws from her childhood theater experiences, inspired by vaudeville-style performances akin to what she loved in the movie musical Chicago, mixed with nostalgic elements from Disney World’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
Busy Year Ahead
This new album comes at a pivotal time for Butts, who has been busy showcasing her talents both on stage and behind the camera. Earlier this year, she collaborated with Willow Avalon on “Hypothetically Speaking,” appeared in the award-winning music video for Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” and co-directed the video for Flatland Cavalry’s “Unglued.” Furthermore, she joined The Band Perry for a fresh rendition of their classic hit “You Lie.”
Looking Forward
Hello, Honky Tonk will be Butts’ first full-length album since her signing with Republic Records in October 2025. Previously, she released The Yeehaw Sessions, an EP that showcased her unique take on various songs, including the viral hit “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me),” which has garnered over 157 million views on TikTok.
Currently, Butts is on a series of festival and fair appearances while also serving as a special guest opener on Ella Langley’s The Dandelion Tour.
Source: countrynow.com