Country musician Josh Arnold on a mission to capture country spirit one school at a time

Country musician Josh Arnold has made it his mission to capture the spirit of small country towns through song, while inspiring community spirit. Here’s his story.

Country musician Josh Arnold has written more than 300 songs for schools across regional Queensland, and he’s not even close to slowing down.

His mission is to capture the spirit of small towns across Australia, and help communities reflect on what makes them unique.

Country musician Josh Arnold has always been proud of his country origins.

Mr Arnold grew up in the Western Downs town of Tara, which he described Tara as “pretty rough,” but reflected that if he had the opportunity to sing about and share all the good things, he would have loved it.

So, this is exactly what he has set out to do for other kids growing up in regional communities.

“I think that music’s a really powerful thing,” he said.

He said he hoped the songs he writes will be in the school communities for years and years, translating the spirit of the towns in to lasting musical legacies.

Mr Arnold wrote a school song for Middle Ridge State School in May 20223

Mr Arnold recently wrote Cobb & Co. Country in partnership with Wallumbilla, Yuleba and Surat state schools. This song was commissioned by the Cobb & Co. festival committee, who are preparing for the 2024 Cobb & Co. festival, a 76km pilgrimage from Yuleba to Surat.

While Mr Arnold won’t be taking part in the 76km trail, he plans to join the convoy for the last stretch of the route, and perform some of his songs at the end.

Mr Arnold has written over 300 school songs across Queensland over the last 10 years.

He said that working on a project like this with local schools gives kids an opportunity to reflect on the unique character, charm and history of their towns. In doing this, he said he hopes that this strengthens the connections young people have to the place they’ve come from.

Mr Arnold most recently wrote a school song for Darling Heights State School in the Toowoomba region.

“One of the most important things is the kids walking away at the end going ‘I actually live in a cool place’,” he said.

“I think its massive for people to feel connection. It’s important to feel connected to where you are and where you’re from. It’s important that future generations will consider staying on the land and staying in small towns.”

Mr Arnold’s work doesn’t only aim to help the young, he has also recently completed a project in coalition with Healthy Ageing Charleville, with the song and music video On a Roll.

In this song, Mr Arnold is helping the ageing community in Charleville celebrate their life and liveliness.

“They’re just people who love life and want to make the most out of life regardless of their age,” he said.

Mr Arnold understands how important his community engagement work is for regional communities.

Mr Arnold said that this really is his life passion, but he does have to manage how much he takes on.

“It is draining when you’re trying to inspire and motivate people, be creative and organised all in one; I think I’ve earnt my Christmas break,” he said.

Nonetheless, he’s looking forward to kicking off next year with lots of projects lined up and constant admiration for the community spirit of small towns.