Kaitlin Butts discovered where her song landed in Landman the same way everyone else did — by watching the episode.
It’s well known that Taylor Sheridan has become a major force behind the recent surge in country music’s visibility. Nearly every project he touches puts roots music front and center, and shows like Yellowstone and Landman consistently spotlight artists who usually live outside the mainstream spotlight — names like Colter Wall, Charley Crockett, and Whiskey Myers.
That boost even has a nickname: the Yellowstone Effect. When a song appears in a Sheridan series, streams tend to spike overnight and chart positions often follow. Artists like Whiskey Myers and Shane Smith and the Saints have seen firsthand just how powerful that exposure can be.
Now, Kaitlin Butts is the latest artist to feel that impact.
Episode nine of Landman’s second season — the second-to-last episode — packed plenty of drama, sharp commentary, and a few pointed digs at modern college culture. It also featured Butts’ breakout song, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me),” though the way it appeared came with a surprise.
Butts had no idea how or where the song would show up. She approved its use and was told it would appear in episode nine — and that was it. Like most artists, she was left in the dark on timing, volume, and whether it would be front and center or barely audible. So she tuned in like any other viewer, waiting to find out how her music would be used.
As it turned out, the song didn’t just make a quick appearance — it got a full moment. During a scene with Ali Larter as Angela and Michelle Randolph as Ainsley lounging poolside, nearly a full minute of the track played clearly and prominently.
That said, Butts couldn’t help but joke about a familiar pattern.
“Not another pool scene,” she laughed, noting that every time one of her songs has appeared on Landman, it’s somehow involved a swimming pool.
Still, any mild disappointment vanished when Ali Larter delivered a perfectly timed line just as the song faded out — a moment that clearly made the whole experience worthwhile. Butts shared her real-time reaction with fans, giving them a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to hear your own music woven into a hit TV series.
Her final verdict? Pure excitement — and a line delivery she’ll probably never forget.
Sometimes you don’t need advance notice. Sometimes the surprise is the best part.