Old Dominion recently made history by achieving their eighth group of the year win at the Academy of Country Music Awards, tying a record. However, lead singer Matthew Ramsey emphasizes that awards don’t define their success or creative direction.
“These honors are great, but they don’t shape how we measure success or influence our creative process,” Ramsey said. “We protect each other from outside distractions to stay true to what we love making, not chasing awards or radio trends.”
Known for blending various musical styles within country music, Old Dominion consists of Ramsey (vocals, guitar), Brad Tursi (guitar/banjo), Trevor Rosen (guitar/piano), Geoff Sprung (bass), and Whit Sellers (drums). They’ve spent the past two years working on their new album, Barbara, set for release on August 22 via Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville.
This album follows 2023’s Memory Lane and last year’s Oldies But Goodies compilation. Ramsey describes Barbara as even more eclectic, featuring 13 tracks that reflect different facets of the band’s personalities. The title isn’t based on a real person but rather a fictional character representing a mix of traits.
The album includes singles like “Me Most Nights” and “Making Good Time,” along with “Talk Country,” which features a driving beat, and the R&B-influenced “What Doesn’t Kill a Memory.” Introspection remains a key theme throughout, a hallmark of country music.
The song “Miss You Man” pays tribute to their late friend and collaborator Andrew Dorff, who passed away in 2016. “Goodnight Music City” reflects on the band’s journey, balancing reverence and the tougher realities of chasing success in Nashville. Ramsey shared the song’s inspiration came from the children’s book Goodnight Moon, and performing it live at the Ryman Auditorium was an emotional experience for the band.
Another standout, “Man or the Song,” has Ramsey questioning his identity beyond music, wondering if he would be loved without his career. “It’s a lonely profession sometimes,” he said. “I hope people love me for me, not just for what I do.”
In support of Barbara, Old Dominion will kick off their “How Good Is That” world tour starting Thursday at Credit One Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina.
Over the last decade, Old Dominion has built a devoted fan base in country music, a genre often debated for its traditional boundaries and fairness in radio play. Despite staying true to country roots, the band embraces their unique sound, which helped them stand out in Nashville’s crowded scene.
“When we write and record, we focus on the purest form of each song to deliver its message clearly,” Ramsey explained. “Our fans expect us to surprise them rather than give them the same old sound, and we don’t take that for granted.”
Barbara will be available August 22.
Barbara Tracklist:
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Making Good Time
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Water My Flowers
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Me Most Nights
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Man or the Song
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Break Your Mama’s Heart
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Miss You Man
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Talk Country
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Late Great Heartbreak
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Crying in a Beach Bar
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One of Us
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What Doesn’t Kill a Memory
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Sip in the Right Direction
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Goodnight Music City