This Old World: The Heartland Rock Revivalists

This Old World is an American heartland rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, known for revitalizing the genre's storytelling tradition for a modern audience. Their major label debut, "Rustbelt Heart," charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned the certified gold single "Midwest Skyline," establishing them as a formidable force in contemporary rock.

Early career

Formed in 2012, This Old World began as a trio of childhood friends playing in local bars and clubs around Ohio and Kentucky. Their self-released 2015 EP, "Gravel Road," caught the attention of independent label Steel Car Records, which signed the band and released their first full-length album, "American Ghosts," in 2017.

The independent release garnered critical praise for its raw, earnest lyrics and guitar-driven sound, building a loyal regional following. This grassroots success laid the groundwork for their eventual move to a major label.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2019 with their sophomore album, "Rustbelt Heart," released on Capitol Records. The album's lead single, "Midwest Skyline," became a staple on rock radio, earning a gold certification in the United States and propelling the album to number 42 on the Billboard 200 chart.

This commercial success was built on extensive touring and a sound that resonated with fans of classic American rock. The album's themes of resilience, blue-collar life, and small-town stories connected deeply, selling over 500,000 copies in its first year.

Key tracks

Midwest Skyline — This gold-certified single was the band's first major radio hit and defined their anthemic, heartland rock sound.

Steel and Grace — A fan-favorite album track known for its intricate dual-guitar work and became a centerpiece of their live shows.

Rustbelt Heart — The title track showcases the band's nuanced storytelling about industrial decline and personal hope.

Long Way Home — This collaboration with singer-songwriter Lucy Hale added a country-rock flavor and expanded their audience.

Following the success of "Rustbelt Heart," This Old World headlined a national tour and performed at major festivals like Lollapalooza and Bourbon & Beyond. Their third album, 2022's "Proof of Life," debuted at number 31 on the Billboard 200, featuring a collaboration with veteran rocker Tom Keifer on the track "Hard Line."

The band has maintained a consistent output, focusing on album-oriented rock in an era of singles. They continue to be praised for their authentic lyrical content and powerful, guitar-centric arrangements that echo the greats of the genre while feeling distinctly contemporary.

Fans of This Old World's brand of earnest, guitar-driven heartland rock often appreciate the work of similar American artists. The Gaslight Anthem shares a passion for blue-collar narratives and anthemic choruses. The Hold Steady offers a similarly literate, story-focused approach to rock music. Dawes parallels their melodic craftsmanship and thoughtful songwriting. Jason Isbell resonates in the depth of lyrical detail and roots-rock musicality.

The music of This Old World receives regular airplay across a network of classic rock FM stations, modern rock radio formats, and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-based songwriting. Their hits and deeper album cuts are featured on playlists dedicated to both heritage rock acts and the new wave of artists carrying the genre forward.

Listeners can discover the authentic heartland rock sound of This Old World through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to onairium.com to hear their catalog, from the breakthrough single "Midwest Skyline" to their latest album tracks, on dedicated rock formats.