This Old World: The Heartland Rock Revivalists

This Old World is an American heartland rock band known for its anthemic songwriting and blue-collar lyrical themes. The group, formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, achieved significant commercial success with their second studio album, which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned a certified Gold single.

Early career

This Old World first came together in 2008, founded by singer-songwriter and guitarist Mike Corrigan. The band honed its sound through relentless touring across the Midwest, building a loyal regional following with a blend of rock, folk, and Americana.

Their self-released debut EP, "Rust and Longing," arrived in 2011, leading to a development deal with the independent label Rustbelt Records. This early period established their signature sound of driving rhythms, melodic guitar work, and earnest storytelling.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2015 with their sophomore album, "Steel and Sky," released on Rustbelt Records. The album's lead single, "Midwest Midnight," became a breakout hit, receiving heavy rock radio airplay and eventually earning a Gold certification for over 500,000 units sold.

"Steel and Sky" debuted at number 42 on the Billboard 200, a significant achievement for an independent release. This success solidified This Old World's place in the modern heartland rock scene and enabled extensive national touring.

Key tracks

Midwest Midnight — This Gold-certified single became the band's signature anthem, capturing their heartland spirit with its soaring chorus and relatable narrative.

Steel and Sky — The title track from their breakthrough album is a powerful, mid-tempo rock song that perfectly encapsulates the band's thematic focus on resilience and place.

River Runs Red — A fan favorite known for its intricate dual-guitar harmonies and storytelling lyrics, often featured as a set closer during live performances.

Hard Luck Town — This track showcases the band's folk-rock influences with its acoustic-driven arrangement and vivid character sketches, demonstrating their songwriting range.

Following their breakthrough, This Old World released their third album, "The Long Haul," in 2019. They have since collaborated with established artists like guitarist Nita Strauss on the track "Ghost on the Highway" and shared stages with major acts such as The Gaslight Anthem.

Fans of the heartland rock genre will also appreciate the work of similar artists. The Gaslight Anthem shares a deep affinity for classic American rock storytelling. The Menzingers offer a punk-inflected take on similar themes of memory and place. Lucero blends country and rock with a raw, emotional delivery that parallels This Old World's approach.

The music of This Old World maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classic rock FM stations and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven rock. Their songs are staples on online rock radio streams dedicated to modern Americana and alternative rock radio stations seeking authentic, anthemic sounds.

Listeners can discover the authentic heartland rock sound of This Old World on radio stations featured on our website. You can hear their catalog of anthems, from "Midwest Midnight" to deep cuts, through the variety of rock radio stations available on onairium.com.