Well, we all knew it was bound to happen, but it doesn’t make it sting any less…
Old Dominion just won their record breaking 7th consecutive CMA for Vocal Group of the Year, topping a 6 year record held by both Rascal Flatts and Little Big Town.
We were well aware coming into the night there was a good chance Old Dominion would take this one home but many country music fans were pulling for an upset from band that absolutely exploded this year thanks to an album that will go down as a decade defining piece of art.
The Red Clay Strays were nominated for their first ever CMA in the Vocal Group of the Year category and that alone was a huge moment for the fans that got to watch their meteoric rise, from their debut album, Moment of Truth, in 2022 to their incredible follow up project from this year titled Made by These Moments. Songs like “Wondering Why” and “Wanna Be Loved” went viral on TikTok and the Strays played as many shows as they could force onto the calendar, which put their music in front of a ton of new fans, most of which were instantly hooked and hoped on the wagon.
You may have seen an article I wrote last week titled “If Old Dominion Beats The Red Clay Strays For CMA Vocal Group Of The Year… We Riot” and it seems time I have to put up or shut up with my declaration of civil disobedience…
To be clear, I am not calling for an actual riot… Those aren’t good. But I am calling for a reverse protest in support of The Red Clay Strays. No need to boycott Old Dominion (though I assume if you’re reading this you already effectively do) or picket on Broadway, instead, let’s channel our disappointment into something positive.
How To Support The Red Clay Strays
Stream The Hell Out Of Their Music
We’re starting with the basics here people. Get as much Strays music pumping into your ears as possible. Throw their albums on repeat, add them to your playlists, wear headphones to bed if you have too, but get to listening and listening a lot.
May I suggest their latest live project, Live At The Ryman, as your starting point?
Go See A Show
While their schedule for the rest of this year looks like they’re getting a well earned rest, they’ve already got a bunch of 2025 dates listed on their website. Pick one and get out there and support.
Trust me, they put on a performance you do not want to miss when they come to your town…
Buy Merch
The most direct way to support any artist is to buy merch directly from them. You can stop by the booth while you’re at the concert or order from their website, but rocking some Red Clay Strays merch is a great way to get strangers familiar with the band after they ask you about your cool tee.
Tell Your Friends, Family, Co-workers, Neighbors, etc.
Spread the word! We can’t be upset that the Strays are overlooked and then let the people close to us in life be uninitiated to their music. Post on socials, demand the aux at a party, do whatever it takes.
Just Be A Fan
Okay, have you noticed anything about these reverse protest steps?
All we need to do for The Red Clay Strays is continue to be a big fan and supporter of them. Nothing more, nothing less.
Sure, awards are great and fun and I’d be celebrating like crazy if they somehow pulled it off, but just because they don’t have a trophy for the shelf doesn’t make their music any less powerful or their success any less fruitful. The Red Clay Strays have all the makings of a generational band, one that will be remembered as the definition our era, as the influence of this decade’s sound. From how I see it, we’ll be looking back in 2030 at just how much The Red Clay Strays changed country music in the second half of the 2020’s.
So be pissed about Old Dominion winning another CMA, let the world know how you feel. But don’t forget to actively support your favorite artists because when it’s all said and done, that support is all that really matters.
