Old Dominion, the chart-topping country band known for their smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics, is living the American dream one hit song at a time.
Lead singer Matthew Ramsey tells Us Weekly the exclusive details about how he went from being a broke songwriter to headlining a world tour — along with members Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Geoff Sprung and Brad Tursi — and all the highlights in between.
Formed by a group of friends and talented songwriters, the group has climbed from humble beginnings to become one of country music’s most successful acts, winning the Academy of Country Music Award for Group of the Year eight consecutive years and selling more than 1.6 million albums.
With a blend of modern country, rock and pop influences, Old Dominion’s sound resonates with fans across generations. Their journey reflects the spirit of perseverance and passion for music, proving that with hard work and heart, the dream of making it big in America’s country music scene is alive and well.
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“We overcame all the obstacles [to get to where we are],” Ramsey says. “It was a complete thrill to be able to see a creative vision through like that, and with complete creative freedom,” he added. “We knew then something rare was happening. Being broke, being told no over and over, self-doubt — name the obstacle and chances are we encountered it.”
Now, 10 years after the release of their acclaimed debut album, “Meat and Candy,” and as the band is set to release their sixth studio album, “Barbara,” in August, Ramsey reflects on the most memorable moments of the last decade and hints at what we can look forward to.
2013: Opening for Kenny Chesney
“It was certainly trial by fire back then. To go from playing small clubs to football stadiums, sometimes in the same week, was quite an adjustment — but, it absolutely showed us a path to go down and how to build our show and our relationship with our fans. Kenny has become such an important relationship professionally and personally.”
2014: “Break Up with Him” from Debut EP Reaches No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart
“The release itself didn’t feel stressful — probably because we had spent so many years preparing ourselves for the reality that this may not work. All we knew was that we were having fun and creating, and there was at least a small audience for it. Watching “Break Up with Him” rise through the charts was pure gravy! We’d just look at each other in shock.”
2014: Grand Ole Opry Debut
“[It was] surreal. Standing in that legendary circle, shaking Charlie Daniels hand. Legendary.”
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2015: First Studio Album, “Meat and Candy”
“It was a complete thrill to be able to see a creative vision through like that, and with complete creative freedom. We knew then something rare was happening.”
2016: New Vocal Duo or Group at the Academy of Country Music Awards
“That was probably, honestly the first time we got a real taste of imposter syndrome!”
2018 & 2019: Vocal Group of the Year at Both the CMA and Academy of Country Music Awards
“This was the moment we first realized how many people were behind us. It gave us a real appreciation for the teams of people that work tirelessly to make our dreams come true.”
2019 First Arena Tour in Support of Make It Sweet
“This was that moment that our American dream started to become very obvious. Trucks with our logo, thousands of fans singing along — what a trip!”
2020: Song of the Year at Academy of Country Music Awards for “One Man Band”
“This is one of our most meaningful awards. We are songwriters first and this award meant everything.”
2024: Headlining CMA Fest
“This was one of those moments we knew we are a big part of the fabric of modern country music. That stadium was electric.”
2025: How Good Is That World Tour
“We just had the first show and if it’s any indication of what the rest of them will be like, it’s gonna be a pretty magical summer.”
2025: Winning Group of the Year for an Eighth Consecutive Year at the ACM Awards
“Awards are not really something we think about much, but a moment like that really forces you to see your career from an outside perspective. We spend a lot of time with our heads down and that moment allowed us to look up and take it in.”
2025: Release of Sixth Studio Album — Out Aug. 22
“I think people can expect to find Old Dominion at its best. That goes for the songwriting and our performances of those songs in the studio. If you’re already an OD fan — you’re gonna be really happy, maybe even surprised. If you’re just discovering us, I think “Barbara” is gonna make you want to take a deep dive into the rest of our catalog.”
