NEW YORK — When Old Dominion clinched their eighth Group of the Year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards last month, they set a new milestone, but it hasn’t shifted their focus or how they define success.
“These awards are meaningful, but they don’t dictate how we evaluate our achievements or affect our creative journey,” said Matthew Ramsey, lead vocalist and guitarist. “We avoid letting external accolades influence us to ensure we stay true to creating music we love, rather than chasing what’s popular on the charts.”
Old Dominion is praised for their unique blend of musical styles within the country genre. The group, consisting of Ramsey alongside Brad Tursi on guitar and banjo, Trevor Rosen on guitar and piano, Geoff Sprung on bass, and Whit Sellers on percussion, has poured their efforts over the past two years into their latest project, “Barbara,” due for release on August 22 under Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville.
Following up their 2023 album “Memory Lane” and last year’s compilation “Odies But Goodies,” Ramsey describes the new collection as even more varied than their previous works. “We write all the time, and this album pulls less from older songs, focusing instead on new creative expressions,” said the 47-year-old.
The 13-track compilation is not named after a specific person but is a fictional portrayal of a character reflecting the band’s traits. It includes singles like “Me Most Nights” and “Making Good Time,” as well as tracks like the lively “Talk Country” and the R&B-flavored “What Doesn’t Kill a Memory.” This album continues to explore introspective themes, a hallmark of country music.
A poignant track, “Miss You Man,” pays tribute to friend and collaborator Andrew Dorff, who passed away in 2016, while “Goodnight Music City” offers a reflective look at the band’s journey within the music industry. Ramsey mentioned the song draws inspiration from the children’s book “Goodnight Moon” and captures their bittersweet experiences in Nashville. “We performed it live once at the Ryman Auditorium, and it was an emotional moment for us all,” Ramsey shared.
The introspective theme continues with “Man or the Song,” where Ramsey muses on the personal cost of fame, questioning, “If I put my guitar down, would I disappear? / Move back to my hometown, would you still be here?” According to Ramsey, it’s his favorite song for its honest reflection on the complexities of his profession and personal life.
In conjunction with “Barbara,” Old Dominion is preparing for their “How Good Is That” world tour, kicking off Thursday at Credit One Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina.
Over the past decade, Old Dominion has carved out a dedicated following in a genre known for its traditionalism and debates about radio airplay and genre purity. Despite their unconventional approach, they remain a quintessentially country band. They credit their success to staying authentic and being innovative, rather than conforming to industry expectations. “We aim to present the truest version of each song without chasing trends,” Ramsey explained. “Our fans appreciate the surprises we incorporate, and we value that trust.”
Old Dominion’s “Barbara” is anticipated on August 22.
‘Barbara’ tracklist:
1. “Making Good Time”
2. “Water My Flowers”
3. “Me Most Nights”
4. “Man or the Song”
5. “Break Your Mama’s Heart”
6. “Miss You Man”
7. “Talk Country”
8. “Late Great Heartbreak”
9. “Crying in a Beach Bar”
10. “One of Us”
11. “What Doesn’t Kill a Memory”
12. “Sip in the Right Direction”
13. “Goodnight Music City”