Kaitlin Butts is making moves and mesmerizing music fans lefts and right these days, and she continues to write heartfelt songs that so many can relate to.

Butts released her first album Same Hell Different Devil back in 2015, blowing everyone away with how much raw talent she had. I met Butts in 2014 and we became fast friends, and then as I am now, I’m impressed with her “can do” attitude and willingness to put in the work to achieve her dreams. Even with that very first album, Butts hit the radio circuit all by herself, without a manager or promoter. She simply called them up and arranged to stop by, dropping off ingenious promo materials like “Butt’s Spicey Dip” that she made and packaged herself. She hit the ground running and had a level head and a great mind for how to break into the musical scenes.

Today is no different. Butts has come a long way since her first album, with that same drive and passion. While she has released several music videos and singles since that first album, she just dropped her second album, What Else Can She Do?, which has taken the music world by storm.

The 7 songs cover a lot of ground in the many different situations and places women find themselves, and there’s no doubt many of us can relate. Butts has a way of reaching into the hearts and souls of so many, because she’s so down to earth and genuine herself. She’s been there and done that, and she’s not afraid to talk about it. She gives a voice to women everywhere, and she does so while making it look as easy as pie.

But for those of us who have watched her career from the start knows it wasn’t easy, nor without struggle or hard work and dedication. Butts has spent her entire career working hard for the things she wants to accomplish. She’s paid her dues, she’s made the phone calls, played all the little gigs, carried all her own gear, created inventive promo packs to capture attention, played all the festivals, spent countless hours on the road away from family and friends. While she has an amazing group of people who have supported and helped her along the way, including her lovely and devoted mother Dana McCaleb, Butts has done the work and didn’t just catch some lucky break somewhere along the way. She earned it, with blood, sweat and tears. We all know that it takes much more than talent to make it far in the music world, and while Butts has a plethora of talent, it wasn’t just that talent that got her to where she is today. It was her conscientious drive to chase her dreams, her diligent efforts, plugging away day after day. I can’t help but have an enormous amount of pride and respect for this amazing young woman. No longer that barely old enough gal jumping on tours with other local musicians, determined to make a name for herself. She’s now a grown woman, married to her best friend Cleto Cordero, of Flatland Calvary, living in Nashville and has made a name for herself.

Many top name publications, including Rolling Stone, published articles about Butts’ new album, giving her the recognition, that she greatly deserves.

She has a Spotify billboard in Nashville, which shows the world just how much they should be paying attention to her. She has come a long way from where she started, and I have no doubts she’s just going to continue to blow us away.

Us Okies may not get to see her as much as we once did, but we’ll gladly share her with the world and watch with pride as she climbs each mountain in her path. And she always comes back home. We got to hug her neck and hear her golden voice at The Gypsy Café this week, held by the Red Dirt Relief Fund.

Well done my friend; on the album, on your career, on this amazing life of yours. You earned it, and we are proud of you. There’s no one else I’d rather my daughter looking up to, than you.