The iconic venue that is the Royal Albert Hall was filled with cowboy hats and boots as Highways Festival, a celebration of country and Americana music, kicked off on Friday.
Running until Sunday, May 17, Highways’ 2026 lineup features Carly Pearce, Corey Kent, Jim Lauderdale, Tigirlily Gold and 14-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris, who is appearing as part of her farewell tour.
Erazer caught up with rising star Kaitlin Butts (in her words, a butt, but two them) just before she went on stage, and the Tulsa, Oklahoma native said the UK crowds have welcomed her with enthusiasm.
“Y’all really appreciate something you don’t have any reason to love,” Kaitlin said. “You don’t have cattle, but you’re obsessed with country music. People outside of America are just so excited to see a country artist and be a part of that culture.”
The night before her Highways Festival show, Kaitlin took to the stage in Leeds for her first ever sold out UK concert, showing just how popular the genre is.
“People are super appreciative of country music which makes me want to put on a really good show.”
Inspired by the 1990s and early 2000s country, including The Chicks, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift, Kaitlin actually started out in the world of musicals, even tap dancing to the songs of Johnny Cash.
“I did lots of tap dances growing up,” she said. “To The Chicks, Annie Get Your Gun and so many different country songs.”
After a performance at the Gypsy Cafe Music Festival, Kaitlin met Mike McClure, the musician and producer who went on to work on her debut album.
13 years later and Kaitlin is playing on the iconic stages around the world, from the Royal Albert Hall to the Grand Ole Opry, the most famous stage in country music.
“It’s very terrifying,” Kaitlin said about playing at the legendary Nashville auditorium. “I always feel calm right up until it’s time. It’s that until 30 seconds before I get on stage, then my knees start shaking and my feet can’t sit still. The waiting makes me really nervous, but I love it.”
During her Highways Festival set, Kaitlin brought her songs on murder and revenge to South Kensington, but away from the stage, the tracks’ music videos are just as entertaining.
“I love to write all the plots and be controlling in that world,” Kaitlin said. “I love watching music videos, so I want to create my own mini movies. I love the video aspect because when I’m writing the song, I see it in my head.”
“I’ve always loved entertaining people since I was a kid on a coffee table. I really love it, that’s why I got into this.”
Kaitlin Butts will tour the UK until May 21, performing in Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast. Highways Festival will run until May 17 at the Royal Albert Hall.
