Even Old Dominion’s ‘Bad Shows’ Aren’t All That Bad

Since signing with RCA Nashville in February of 2015, Old Dominion have scored two gold-selling Top 5 singles, landed an album in the Top 5 and earned opening slots on two massive Kenny Chesney tours -- but success still comes as a bit of a surprise to them.

"I think it always surprises us the bigger it gets," lead singer Matt Ramsey told The Boot backstage at Jam in the Valley. "It seems like, every few months, we look up, and there's bigger crowds and more people singing all the words to the songs."

Those larger crowds and audience sing-a-longs have changed the atmosphere at the band's shows (for the better; after all, it's more of a party when the crowd gets into it), but otherwise, it hasn't particularly affected their sets. Each night, each show, there's still a "give and take" with those in attendance.

"You listen to the audience, and we respond, obviously, to how they are responding to us," Ramsey continues, "so if the energy level is insane out there, we're responding. But for the most part, it's the same kind of set, in general, that we play, and we have a blast."

Heck, even their "bad shows" -- those nights when the crowd doesn't seem as into it or when the group has technical difficulties -- don't seem so bad.

"We find ways to have fun with each other onstage, just goofing around or whatever," Ramsey explains. "We just keep the energy up and try to enjoy it."

Old Dominion say they'll likely start recording new music in the fall. For now, they're on the road on Chesney's Spread the Love Tour, and their debut full-length disc, Meat and Candy, is available for download on iTunes.

Old Dominion Talk Touring With Kenny Chesney