It’s been six years since the “Walmart Yodel Kid” stole the internet’s hearts, and now Mason Ramsey has grown up, redefining the limits of oldies and country music in his debut album, “I’ll See You In My Dreams” and his “Falls Into Place” tour.
And he has done the impossible — staying relevant beyond his 15 minutes of online fame. This year alone, he released his debut album, a Christmas EP, began his first headline tour and was featured on the soundtrack of “Twisters.” Despite critical acclaim across his projects, it’s a love of music, not fame, that drives his success.
His music blends his lifetime love of 1950s and 1960s country music with an Americana essence. After taking a few years off, his sound has grown up with him, carrying a soulful nostalgia beyond his age in songs like “Blue Over You” and “Cowboys Always Come Home.”
Days before his stop in Madison at the Majestic Theater on Dec. 8, Mason Ramsey spoke with The Daily Cardinal to reflect on his origins, inspirations and what lies ahead.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Can you take us back to the Walmart video that went viral? How did it feel to become an internet sensation almost overnight at such a young age?
It was definitely something I didn’t expect. I didn't know I was going viral when everything was going on because I wasn't raised on the Internet, so I wasn't able to figure out what was going on until a week later. My cousin got a hold of my grandparents, and she was telling them my video had taken off, and all these crazy things started happening. Like “The Ellen Show,” the “Today” show, “The Tonight Show,” all the places started calling, and they wanted me on.
It was a big moment, a pretty crazy moment for me. Honestly, I didn't realize how big it was, but now that I look back, I think that the reason behind it is because my love for music is everything, and I just love doing music. I really didn't think of it as being any different. It was just more opportunities for me to get out there and to sing.
Is it difficult to redefine yourself in the public eye after such a viral moment? Do you embrace the “Walmart yodel boy” identity or reject it?
The past is something to remember, but, moving on to the future, I have to make sure people know me, the real me, and know my love for music and the artists that really inspired me to make my first album. I would say it was not easy to do at first. It took a little bit of time to transition from the Walmart thing to what I am now. I think everything is going very smoothly.
You started as a young performer. How has growing up in the spotlight shaped you personally and professionally?
When I first got started in the industry, I didn't really have a lot of songs I felt like fit me very well. I was just trying to figure out my style, and I thought, well, if it's gonna be hard for me to make the kind of music that I want to make, then I probably have to go with this. And during COVID, that turned out not to be the case. Actually, I am able to make and create the music that I want to make, it just took some time. But I feel like now that I have an idea and kind of have a direction of where I want to go for the future, I think I want to stick with it. I’m just super happy [with] how everything’s turned out, and I’m super thankful for my fans and my audience for supporting me throughout the years.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I’m very inspired by artists such as Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. I actually picked up on a new inspiration, there's a guy by the name of Gary Stewart. He’s pretty cool; he’s got some cool music I really like. That's the great thing about music, it just keeps growing. You keep expanding your tastes and things you’re interested in. I’m always finding new music, and that’s why I have the influences and taste like I do. I just keep going.
Your album features many collaborations with your producer, Dan Ferndandez. How did you two develop such a unique sound?
I actually had a call with him before we started writing together and structuring things. But I just kind of talked about my musical influences, and I told them who they were. And I told him my story of being raised on Hank Williams music all throughout my life. I was looking to do the kind of the 50s, 60s, 70s thing throwback. He helped me find my style. I went in with a couple of songs and or future songs I had written down, he helped put the music and stuff to it and that's how “Blue Over You” and all of the other songs off the album came along.
This has been a big year for you: turning 18, releasing your debut album, a Christmas EP and headlining your first tour. What has been the highlight, and what are you looking forward to?
Man, I’ve had so many highlights this year. Tour, my first album, having a, having a song on the “Twisters” soundtrack, which is really cool. I’ve had so many of them this year, and I’m just really excited to be back out there doing music and stuff. Next year, we’ve already got things in plan, we’re super excited about some of the new material that we're making already in the studio. So it’s gonna be really fun.
You joined Lana Del Rey in June for a performance of “Blue Over You.” What is your favorite Lana Del Rey song?
I like her song, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd.” I got chills just being on stage singing with her. I don't know how to explain the feeling, other than I got chills in the best way. It was one of those things where you had to be there to really get the full experience. But it felt amazing just being in that environment at Fenway Park. Everything was perfect.
Arts editor Rebekah Irby contributed reporting to this article.
Bryna Goeking is an arts editor for The Daily Cardinal. She also reports on campus news. Follow her on Twitter @BrynaGoeking.
