Ross Webb highlights simple pleasures in ‘Firebox’

The inspiration for a song can come from anywhere and often simple things that we don’t even think twice about, which is evident in Ross Webb’s new song, ‘Firebox’, released September 28.

Inspired by a simple backyard feature, his firebox, the single talks about the gathering place that has seen the highs and lows of family life.

The NSW Southern Highlands artist had been sitting on the song for about two years after a Luke Combs story song encouraged him to pull out the notepad and write about the firebox he was sitting in front of.

“It is a song literally about a fireplace that I have outside my home which is a real focal point for family and friends when we all get together,” he said.

“We all get carried away about songs that are deeper, but some of the best songs out there are very simple and come from the good things in our lives.”

‘Firebox’ is a country rock track featuring Ross’ trademark gravelly vocals, bringing a raw edge to a song about the memories created around a backyard fire.

Radio and streaming services are already loving the new single, with ‘Firebox’ playlisted on Apple’s New In Country on release week.

The firebox gets a good workout year ’round thanks to the Southern Highlands’ climate. Custom-built by a local tradesman from inch-thick steel, it looks similar to an indoor wood heater but sits outside, and it has been the scene of many life-changing memories.

“Sometimes we need a fire at Christmas time, so it’s seen Christmases, birthday parties and gatherings and all the good and bad things in the family,” Ross said.

For the Bowral local, it was time for another original song, as it had been about three years since his last release.

“I love the process of recording and Syd Green, who plays drums in Kasey Chambers’ band, produced it as he lives not far from us,” he said.

“I wanted to get back in the studio and see where the song ended up and I would now love to get some radio traction.”

The track also features Ben Malone on guitars and keys, Syd Green on drums and Ross on vocals.

“I love the idea of getting some original music out there and seeing what people think of it because if people get a kick out of what I’m doing, I’m pretty happy with life,” he said.

Tyler Braden is Wild At Heart in Australia

Tyler Braden hits the stage at the iconic Deni Ute Muster tonight, bringing his Wild At Heart Tour to Deniliquin as his return to Australia continues.

The Alabama singer-songwriter has already played a sold out show in Sydney and will follow tonight’s Deni appearance with a sold out show at Melbourne’s Northcote Theatre on Saturday, before heading to Brisbane for two shows at The Tivoli on October 6 and 7.

A second Brisbane show was added after the original October 7 date sold out, with Clayton Mullen joining Braden for the headline dates.

Tyler admitted he had never heard of circle work when asked whether he might get behind the wheel of a ute while in Deniliquin.

“I don’t know what half of what you just said means,” he laughed.

“We call it a donut. Maybe somebody out there might loan us a truck and we can have some fun.”

Tyler is touring on the back of his debut Australian performances at CMC Rocks in March with the crowd’s reaction encouraging him to return.

“I mean, the crowd was amazing. I mean, they know every song, they were incredibly loud singing all the songs back,” he said.

“So that, of course, was amazing. But we also had fun hanging out. Brisbane is all we really got to see the first time around. I mean, I went through Sydney for less than 24 hours.

“So, it’s fun to be seeing more of the area and seeing the crowd that’s there for the full headlining show and not just a smaller show.”

The former firefighter said he felt some pressure to sell tickets and fill the shows before he arrived, but with sold out shows and extras announced, he need not worry.

“It’s a little more pressure (doing a headline show). But I think a lot of the pressure is, you know, before the show, when you’re not sure how it’s going to sell,” he said.

“And when we get there and we get on stage, we’re doing our thing.”

Tyler said he was surprised by the reaction he received at CMC Rocks, particularly the number of songs Australian fans knew.

“It never gets old hearing people sing your music back to you,” he said.

“And yeah, the further you are away from home, the more surprising it is and the more rewarding it is. I mean, it is a little surprising when you go out there so far away and they know so many songs.”

He believes Australia’s growing country music audience is part of what is attracting more US artists to make the long trip Down Under.

“Just knowing how ready for it y’all are, I guess, and how much it’s growing here. It’s the crowds that are bringing artists Down Under,” he said.

“It’s less saturated here than the American country concert industry, I guess, so everybody’s ready for it.”

Tyler is bringing Clayton Mullen with him for the Australian headline shows, having previously shared shows with the artist.

“We’ve played shows with Clay here before and they’re just a great crew, great to be around and they put on a great show,” he said.

“It’s cool to give them the opportunity to kind of get their start (in Australia).”

More music is on the way, with Tyler working towards another album after releasing his epic 19-track debut, ‘devil and a prayer’, in May 2025, and continuing to release singles that showcase his future musical direction, including ‘Horseshoes and Hand Grenades’, ‘Sally, When The Wine Runs Out’ and ‘Quick Fix’.

Catch Tyler Braden performing new songs and favourites from his first album when he takes to stages up and down Australia’s eastern states from tonight:

October 2: Deni Ute Muster NSW
October 3: Northcote Theatre VIC (Sold Out)
October 6: The Tivoli, Brisbane
October 7: The Tivoli, Brisbane (Sold Out)
October 9: Savannah In The Round, Mareeba QLD

CMC Rocks into 20 Years

Promotional poster for CMC Rocks QLD 2027, celebrating 20 years, featuring artists Eric Church, Brooks & Dunn, and Ashley McBryde. Event details include dates March 19-21 at Willowbank Raceway, Ipswich, QLD, with ticket sales starting September 25.

Brooks & Dunn, Eric Church and Ashley McBryde will headline CMC Rocks QLD when the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary at Willowbank from March 19-21 next year.

The three US artists will headline a lineup that also includes Parker McCollum, Kameron Marlowe, Turnpike Troubadours, Blake Whiten, Lanie Gardner, Kaylee Bell and Lane Pittman.

Brooks & Dunn will return to Australia for the first time in almost 20 years for their CMC Rocks debut.

The Country Music Hall of Fame duo has had more than 30 years in the music industry, with 20 US No.1 hits including Neon Moon, My Maria, Boot Scootin’ Boogie and Red Dirt Road.

The duo was also announced last week as the recipient of the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented at the CMA Awards in Nashville in November.

Two men standing side by side against a dark textured background. One man wears a denim jacket and sunglasses, while the other dons a western-style shirt and a cowboy hat.
Photo: Matthew Berinato

Eric Church will make his first visit to Australia when he takes to the CMC Rocks stage, while Ashley McBryde will return for her third appearance at the festival.

Church is a seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner and 11-time Grammy nominee. His catalogue includes Drink In My Hand, Springsteen and Talladega, while his latest song, On The Road, was released recently.

McBryde previously performed at CMC Rocks in 2019 and 2023 and will return with her latest album, Wild.

A woman with curly hair and highlights gazes thoughtfully outdoors, with a blurred grassy field and cloudy sky in the background.
Photo: Nathan Chapman

CMC Rocks Festival Director and Chugg Entertainment Chairman Michael Chugg said Brooks & Dunn’s return was particularly fitting for the festival’s 20th anniversary.

“Brooks & Dunn were one of the first US acts that our festival founder, the late Rob Potts, ever toured in Australia almost twenty years ago, so it feels fitting to have them headline CMC Rocks’ 20 Year bash in 2027,” Chugg said.

“We have lots in store for next year, it will be a mega celebration – our biggest and most ambitious festival yet.”

Festival Director Jeremy Dylan said the festival had been working towards bringing Church to Australia for almost 20 years.

“Eric Church has been on our bucket list for almost twenty years, and we are certain the Chief will raise the proverbial roof with his legendary live show,” Dylan said.

A man with a beard wearing sunglasses and a greenish distressed jacket, posing against a textured gray background.

The festival will again feature the Songwriters Show, Nifty’s Sports Bar, Big Time Charlie’s, the Amazon Music After Party, Back Forty and Lil’ Buckaroos, along with food, retail and other entertainment across the festival site.

CMC Rocks began in Thredbo in 2008 before moving to the Hunter Valley and Townsville and eventually settling at Willowbank.

More than 25,000 people travelled to Ipswich for CMC Rocks in 2026, generating an estimated $13 million to $15 million for local businesses and tourism operators.

Tickets for CMC Rocks QLD 2027 go on sale to the general public at 10am AEST on Friday, September 25.

Brooks & Dunn | Eric Church | Ashley McBryde | Kameron Marlowe | Parker McCollum | Turnpike Troubadours | Blake Whiten | 49 Winchester | Randall King | Lanie Gardner | Zach John King | Colby Acuff | Tyler Nance | Kaylee Bell | Lily Meola | Tyce Delk | Kassi Ashton | Lane Pittman | Liam St. John | Kruse Brothers | Zac & George | Rachael Fahim | Jade Eagleson | Tori Darke | Dear Tommie | Sons of Atticus | Loren Ryan | Jack Billmann | Ethan Galway | Piper Butcher | Sarah Grace Buckley | Bianca Joulianou | Caillin Malley | Willie Pake |

Stage hosts: Storme Warren | Mike Carr | D.J. Grizzly Adams