It took Kaitlin Butts two tries to figure out the “drop” during her surprise duet with Lukas Nelson at the BMI Rooftop series in Nashville. He made sure to double back so she could get in on the fun!
They sounded great— both together and as individuals.
Butts is one of the fastest-rising names in country music. The Tulsa-native moved to Nashville full-time in 2021 with her husband, Cleto Cordero of Flatland Calvary. Broadcast Music Inc. signed her to a record deal and she has been on an upward trajectory ever since!
Katilin Butts is perhaps best known for her storytelling and showmanship. However, you can always pick her voice out of a lineup. It is equally as nostalgic as rejuvenating in a world where a lot of the songs on the radio sound the same. She is a zig to everyone else’s zag. ‘Hunt You Down’ is a bop.
Her song ‘You Ain’t Gotta Die (to Be Dead to Me)’ went super viral on TikTok (in large part because of Avery Anna) and celebrities all over the country got in on the trend to declare people in their past as dead— even though they are not six feet deep pushing up daises. Butts knows how to get the people going!
Not long after Kaitlin Butts performed at BMI’s Rooftop On The Row, it was Lukas Nelson who took the stage. He is big enough now to where he is no longer referred to as “Willie Nelson’s son” but I add that in for the people who don’t know. His newest release ‘Pretty Much’ is one of my favorite songs of the year.
Nelson’s first (and biggest) hit was released in 2015. ‘Find Yourself’ talks about “taking power back and owning the love that somebody deserves.” Lady Gaga sang the female vocals on the original track but it was Butts who tagged in at BMI and they made certain to hit “the drop.” You’ll know when you see it!
I have seen Nelson perform live on a few different occasions but they were more intimate venues. I did not know he could play the guitar like that and I loved hearing him open up the vocals to a full belt. For Butts to join him made it just that much better.
BMI uses its rooftop series as a talent showcase for lesser-known artists throughout the summer. George Dickel sponsors the event so I also got to wet my whistle with some of the finest liquor on the market. A little whiskey makes good music sound even better. Duh! It was a great night.
Lukas Nelson and Kaitlin Butts are not “secrets” at this point in their career but they don’t get the love they deserve. That will change. Their popularity will only continue to rise as people seek a reprieve from the mundanity of the top-20 charts. They are both so refreshing.
And now that I have heard them perform together live, I would love to hear them on the same track! Fingers crossed for a collaboration.