BUTCHER BABIES SHARE TRANSFORMATIVE NEW SINGLE ‘LEAVING CALIFORNIA’

‘Leaving California’ captures the emotional conflict of leaving behind a life that once felt permanent in pursuit of an uncertain future. The song is both deeply personal and universally relatable, reflecting on the courage it takes to embrace change.

The track serves as a key chapter in an album that functions as a deeply personal love letter to vocalist Heidi Shepherd’s past reflecting on the experiences, relationships, heartbreaks, and hard-earned lessons that have shaped her over the last 25 years. It’s a record rooted in self-reflection and growth, honoring where she’s been while embracing the strength and clarity of who she has become today.

Heidi Shepherd shares:
“The writing of this song began in July of 2020 as I saw my industry, family, and friends all one-by-one leaving California; a place I truly believed would be my forever home. I built my life there. I traded in my 20 year comfort of sandy beaches, ocean air, and the walk of fame for the big unknown. During that time, I wasn’t only breaking up with California, I was moving on from a life that I am so grateful to have experienced, but needed a change. I was leaving a relationship that gave me so much for so many years, but had run dry. On the drive out of town, I found myself humming this chorus melody into my voice notes, documenting in real time, my shedding of that skin. ‘Leaving California’ is about that bittersweet moment where new beginnings seem daunting, yet, oh so, exciting.”

Producer Howard Benson immediately connected with the song’s message. He said:
“I really relate to Heidi‘s lyrics on ‘Leaving California.’ It’s very of the moment and timely, but the lyrics are also deeply personal. On the track, the band captures the conflicting emotions of the lyrics with their scorching performance!”

Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace also praised the new material, saying,
“I knew the sky was the limit when I heard the new BUTCHER BABIES record. I said, ‘This is a decades-long band out there being OG’s in a time when people are worried about AI. They are what rock is supposed to be—dangerously human.’ And ‘Leaving California’ just jumps outta the speakers for me.”

BUTCHER BABIES will continue their extensive 2026 world tour with a nationwide U.S. run alongside Chad Gray (Mudvayne, Hellyeah) beginning in late summer and extending into the fall. The band will also appear at Louder Than Life in Kentucky, bringing their high-energy live show to fans across the country. The band’s reputation as a live act has remained one of their defining characteristics, earning them repeat festival appearances and loyal fans worldwide. Find more information about their upcoming dates here.

ABOUT BUTCHER BABIES:
BUTCHER BABIES, hailing from Las Vegas, NV, are a force to be reckoned with in the hard rock and heavy metal scene. Formed in 2009, the band is known for its aggressive style and intense live performances. Inspired by metal legends and punk rock attitude, BUTCHER BABIES blend elements of thrash, groove, and melodic metal, creating a unique and ferocious sound.

The band’s debut album, Goliath (2013), showcased their raw energy and tight musicianship, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Follow-up albums like Uncovered (2014), Take It Like a Man (2015), Lilith (2017), Eye for an Eye and ’Til the World’s Blind (2023 double album) further cemented their reputation, with tracks that highlight their dynamic range and lyrical depth.

With influences ranging from Pantera and Slipknot to No Doubt and riot girl, PJ Harvey, BUTCHER BABIES have carved out their niche in the metal world. Their relentless touring schedule and high-octane performances have taken them across the globe, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in metal. BUTCHER BABIES continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and challenging the norms of the genre. Their dedication to their craft and their fans makes them a standout act, promising and exciting future for this powerhouse band.