Columbia, S.C.: A Country Star Grows Up
If you’re in Columbia, South Carolina, this weekend is shaping up to be a real treat for music lovers. On Saturday, October 5, 2024, country sensation Mason Ramsey will take the stage at The Senate, bringing his signature sound and charisma to town. As anticipation builds for the show, we caught up with Mason to chat about his journey from a viral video star to a serious musician ready to conquer the world.
The Journey from Walmart to Stardom
Mason Ramsey’s rise to fame is the stuff of legends—at just 11 years old, he found himself thrust into the spotlight thanks to a viral video. Picture this: a young Mason, dressed in a red bowtie and cowboy boots, belting out “Lovesick Blues” by Hank Williams Sr. while standing under an Everyday Low Price sign at a Walmart in Golconda, Illinois. It wasn’t long before that video racked up nearly 25 million views. “It was different,” Mason recalls about his sudden fame. “I wasn’t used to it because I’d never sung anything that was … written for me.”
Adapting to Fame
Growing up in a household with no internet, it actually took Mason a whole week to figure out he had become a sensation. His cousin was the first to break the news, which eventually made its way to him via his grandparents. “Then came the really cool moment when ‘The Ellen Show’ contacted me and said they were flying us out to L.A.,” he reminisces, the excitement still evident in his voice.
Challenges Along the Way
Yet as any young artist can tell you, the music industry isn’t always a friendly place. When asked if he ever felt like he was being taken advantage of in the business, Mason chuckles with a knowing laugh: “I feel like it’s still ripping me off. But oh yeah. All the time.” It’s apparent that although he’s achieved a lot at such a young age, navigating the complexities of fame and the industry has been a learning experience.
A New Era in Music
As Mason approaches his late teens, he’s transitioned from being just a viral meme to a serious artist with two albums under his belt. His latest release, I’ll See You In My Dreams, shows his growth and maturity as a musician. You can still hear the classic country vibes in tracks like “Blue Over You,” but he also adds a contemporary twist with songs like “Prettiest Girl At The Dance” and “Joy,” diving into sounds reminiscent of Motown.
Staying True to Himself
Unlike many artists these days, Mason is eager to break free from the cookie-cutter approach that dominates the country music scene. “In this industry, it’s very copy and paste,” he explains. “It was hard to find the right person to be able to understand what I wanted to do.” Thankfully, Mason found the perfect collaborator in producer Dan Fernandez, which has allowed him to explore and sing songs that truly represent him. “This album is about my life experience, and what I was going through at the time of each song. I want to be real,” he adds earnestly.
Advice to His Younger Self
When reflecting on his journey, Mason thinks about what he would say to his younger self if given the chance. “Prepare yourself for what’s coming, because it’s gonna be a wild ride. It’s gonna be fun at times, and sometimes it’s gonna be a little difficult. But you’re gonna make it out alive, I promise,” he shares, a reassuring tone in his voice.
Looking Ahead
As for where Mason sees himself in five years? “I wanna be one of the biggest artists ever,” he laughs, clearly enthusiastic about his ambitions. Whether he’s performing at Walmart or a sold-out stadium, it’s clear that Mason Ramsey is just getting started on an exciting journey in country music.
For those who want to catch the magic live, don’t miss Mason Ramsey’s performance at The Senate on October 5 at 8 p.m. It promises to be a night filled with heartfelt songs and memorable moments.
