We’re thrilled to premiere “Slowdown Honey,” the latest single from Waterloo, Iowa-based band Katie and the Honky Tonks, ahead of their debut album Ain’t No Shame, set to release on June 27th. The slowest and most vulnerable track on the record, “Slowdown Honey” showcases the band’s ability to produce emotionally rich, timeless country music with a hint of their Midwestern roots.

A slow-burning honky tonk ballad, the track pulls no punches when it comes to heartache. From the first notes of Katie’s vocals, you’re transported to the corner of a dimly lit bar, where the last slow song of the night stirs up memories you’d long forgotten. You can almost feel the worn hardwood floors beneath your feet and see the faint glow of the dusty jukebox in the corner.

With an emotional melody, sorrowful sounds of the lap steel, and harmonies that cut deep, “Slowdown Honey” leans into a sparse arrangement that lets its emotions take center stage. The lap steel, Telecaster, and vulnerable vocals work together to build a stripped-down sound that lingers long after the final note.

And with lyrics like:
"I trusted you with all my heart, sharing every single ugly part,
revealing all my hard times just to get kicked in the backside,
that was never part of the plan" — the pain feels both deeply personal and familiar.

“Slowdown Honey” is sure to strike a chord with anyone who’s been on the losing side of love. If classic country is your thing, Katie and the Honky Tonks belong on your radar. The single drops this Friday, April 18th, on all streaming platforms, and you can pre-order Ain’t No Shame at the link below.