Chris Cobb emerges as a must-see this festival

As the Tamworth Country Music Festival approaches, one name is gaining steady traction among country fans, festival regulars and industry insiders alike – Chris Cobb.

From his upbringing in Papua New Guinea’s “Little Texas” to a standout season on The Voice Australia, where his four-chair turn and grounded authenticity resonated nationwide, Cobb arrives in Tamworth with a full week of performances with a growing audience already invested in his story.

In the lead-up to the festival, Sunshine Coast-based Cobb has been sharing his Road to Tamworth social series, offering candid insight into rehearsals, travel, song choices and reflections on what Tamworth represents to him as an artist. The series captures his sincerity and approachability, reinforcing a narrative that country media continues to champion artists who invite audiences into the journey, not just the performance.

From 16 to 23 January, Cobb will appear across curated festival stages, showcases, fringe venues and late-night sets, delivering a sound that blends contemporary country with acoustic soul and original storytelling.

Cobb’s musical foundation is shaped by artists who value narrative, humility and emotional connection, including Troy Cassar-Daley, John Williamson, Keith Urban and Colin Buchanan, whom Cobb has described as a formative influence.

Known for his big, emotive voice, Cobb can turn rock anthems into power ballads and create intimacy even on large stages. While musically versatile, country music is where he feels most at home, a connection forged growing up in the PNG logging town of Bulolo, where country music was ever-present, and the town earned the nickname “Little Texas”.

That grounding carries through his content and live performances, where he speaks openly about songwriting, audience responsibility and the privilege of performing at Australia’s most significant country music gathering for the first time.

“Tamworth is about the journey as much as the shows. That’s why I started sharing the Road to Tamworth. I want people to feel part of it before they even step into the crowd. The songs, the people, the connection, it all matters,” said Cobb.

“The fan reaction has been phenomenal. Yesterday, people drove to Ballina for an impromptu performance, and others have told me they are coming to Tamworth specifically to see my shows. Nothing is more humbling than knowing your music truly resonates.”

Embracing Tamworth’s reputation for organic, unscripted musical moments, Cobb has collaborations, shared stages and planned performances throughout the week.

With a growing, dedicated audience, deep respect for country music’s roots and a collaborative energy well-suited to Tamworth’s music scene, and with his swelling popularity, Chris Cobb is fast cementing himself as one of the festival’s most rewarding artists to watch in 2026.

“Tamworth is where country music lives and breathes in Australia. For the first time performing there, I’m bringing my full story to the stage, the songs I love, the originals I’m building and the collaborations that make this festival so special,” Cobb said.

Cobb’s Tamworth performances and popularity position him firmly within the next wave of contemporary Australian country artists, connecting tradition with modern audiences and delivering performances built on story, memory and genuine connection.