Karen Waldrup Walks Boldly Into a New Era with “Blue Cowboy Boots”

Karen Waldrup is stepping into summer — and into a bold new chapter of self-expression — with the release of her infectious new single, “Blue Cowboy Boots.” Co-written with Grammy-nominated songwriter Ed Hill and produced by guitarist John Piniero, the track conveys a powerful message of freedom and emotional rebirth, set to a groove that’s as feel-good as it is fierce. “It’s exactly the opposite of what you would expect to do when you’re sad,” Waldrup says. “You put on your blue cowboy boots and everything gets better.”

“It feels good putting a dead-end relationship behind you,” shares Waldrup. “The word ‘blue’ isn’t about regret but rather about freedom. Rodeo, cowboy lingo is fun! It feels good putting on your favorite boots and gettin’ happy. The energy is infectious!”

From the start, “Blue Cowboy Boots” stood out as more than just a clever lyrical concept. Inspired by a text message from Hill, Waldrup was immediately drawn to the song’s visual and emotional resonance. “He sent me a text out of the blue — no pun intended — and said, ‘I’ve got this idea for you.’ When I saw the words ‘Blue Cowboy Boots,’ I just thought, that’s so visual… that’s a vibe.”

Karen Waldrup and Ed Hill taken during writing sessions
Their creative chemistry is evident in the lyrics that came to life during writing sessions in Waldrup’s backyard. “Ed’s been a mentor to me for over a decade. He’s so open to innovation, which is rare for someone who’s been in Nashville that long,” she explains. “We sat down in the Adirondack chairs, and it just clicked. That line, ‘I ain’t ridin’ in your rodeo’ — it was the start of something special.”

Ed Hill is just really good at creating funky lyrics that are just interesting and weird. He’s been playing music in clubs all through the sixties and seventies in California and country bars. And then I’ve been touring up and down the Highway of America for over 10 years. So we had a lot of inspiration to pull from the club scene, just from living that and playing those shows and seeing how dancing heals people and how music heals people.

Recorded at Piniero’s Perfect Image Studios in Nashville, the track features Waldrup’s live band — a rarity in an industry dominated by studio musicians. Chris Schaffner, Waldrup’s saxophonist for over ten years, brings soul and spontaneity to the mix. Drummer Debbie Flood, bassist Yata Graves, and Piniero on guitar round out the lineup. “I’m really lucky,” Waldrup reflects. “These musicians have been with me through thick and thin. They’re not just talented — they’re family.” Studio artist Dane Bryant contributed the track’s keys. She continued, “Yata is such a solid player, so melodic and Debbie is just absolutely a beast, just plays the actual heck out of the drum kit. So with Yata’s soulful tones, Debbie’s rock influence, with John’s experience playing all kinds of different genres, and then my soulful approach, we do kind of have a country soul thing going on — it’s country, but it’s not straight down the line.”

We have a rule in the studio: no rules.

The resulting sound? A blend Waldrup calls “country soul” — rooted in tradition but seasoned with Louisiana flair and Memphis heat. “It’s not just country. It’s like a country band that’s been hanging out in New Orleans,” she laughs. “There’s horns, rock energy, soulful bass — it’s all in there.”

My sax player has been with me for 10 years — that’s unheard of in country music.

To take the blue theme one step further, Waldrup partnered with Wet Kiss Boots to create her own custom “Waldrup Blue Cowboy Boot” in both classic and rhinestone limited editions of her signature boots. Designed with subtle WW symbols (a nod to “Waldrup Worldwide”) and the KW logo, the boots embody her vision of wearable empowerment. “There’s some secret messaging in the design,” she shares. “But I didn’t want it to scream branding. I wanted fans to wear them to a Morgan Wallen or Carrie Underwood show, not just mine.”

Listen to “Blue Cowboy Boots” HERE.
From an uncanny impromptu chat with an Instacart driver offering styling feedback after Waldrup answered the door wearing her original red Wet Kiss boot on one foot and the new blue boot on the other to input from her stylist, Katrina Gordon, and bandmates, the design process was a team effort. “We really went back and forth,” Waldrup says. “It took months, and even included a hilarious misunderstanding where one sample came covered in fleur-de-lis!”

In fact, Waldrup is carrying her blue era energy to the stage — literally — with her custom “Waldrup Blue Cowboy Boots” and a brand-new blue Gibson J-45 guitar. “I call it the blueberry burst,” she says. “Now I’ve got the boots and the guitar — God really blessed me with a lot of blue this year.”

Waldrup’s energy is contagious — whether she’s talking music, fashion, or her fans. “When someone shows up at a show wearing the boots, it means more than just liking the music. It’s a real connection. That’s what Waldrup Worldwide is about — community.”

This isn’t just about cowboy boots. It’s about walking away stronger.

That sense of unity is central to Waldrup’s approach, from her viral online success to her grassroots charity work, where fans support causes like St. Jude and participate in guitar giveaways during the Christmas season. “It’s not flashy — it’s honest,” she says. “These boots aren’t just a fashion statement. They’re meant for those hard days when you need a little lift.”

As Waldrup prepares to take the stage at this year’s CMA Fest on June 5, she’s bringing the “blue era” to life with performances at Chief’s on Broadway and signings at the Heartland TV booth. A music video for “Blue Cowboy Boots” is set to release in July, featuring footage from her appearance as Grand Marshal in a Mardi Gras parade earlier this year — decked out, of course, in head-to-toe blue.

After CMA Fest, Waldrup and the band will be on the road this summer. With her blue guitar slung and blue boots laced, she’s doing more than performing songs. She’s inviting fans into her world of joy, resilience, and community. “These boots aren’t just for show,” she says. “They’re meant for those days when you need to feel strong. Put them on, play your music, and go dance it out.”

If your music is unique and makes people dance, the rules don’t matter anymore.

Her advice to young women navigating the music industry? “It’s a journey. Don’t see a ‘no’ as a ‘never’ — just a ‘not now.’ You don’t have to be important. Just make music that makes people feel good.”

And when all else fails? “Throw on your blue cowboy boots,” she laughs. “It works.”

First Verse

Ain’t ridin’ in your rodeo

Boy I’ve had enough

The bull you been givin’ me

Ain’t nothin’ close to love

Tired of lying here awake

I’m takin’ back my heart

Headin’ for a whiskey break

and dressin’ for the part…Gettin’ on my…

Chorus

Blue cowboy boots