He’s played to 40,000 roaring fans ahead of Robbie Williams at the Adelaide 500 and performed on major festival stages across Australia – but for singer-songwriter Rob Edwards, it’s the quiet moments on Country that fuel his creative fire.

 “It is very much two ends of the spectrum,” he shares. “While singing the national anthem before the  main race with a fighter jet flying overhead and playing to 40,000 people is an insane experience –  I definitely prefer the isolated nature of the creating side.

“The performing is an out-of-the-box abnormal situation – and  definitely after these performances, I need to go back to the bush (and recharge).”

The Western Arrernte man will have ample time refuel his creative soul when he heads to Grindell’s Hut next month for a three-week residency. The stone hut is nestled in the heart of the Vulkathunha – Gammon Ranges National Park with spectacular views over the valleys and foothills of the Northern Flinders Ranges. It’s a rare chance for artists to completely switch off from the distractions of real life – with no phone coverage or internet.

Edwards was selected from more than 40 applicants across Australia for the prestigious annual program, managed by Country Arts SA. He was stoked to discover he was the 2025 recipient ­ and even more honoured to learn he is the first First Nations artist to be awarded the residency.

“It’s so exciting – I love the Flinders Ranges and I always try to go up there every few months to get out of the city, explore the country and connect with the local Adnyamathanha Elders,” he said.

“It’s going to be incredible to have a chunk of time on Country and really connect with it and create. That really requires time and space to happen sometimes and it’s hard to carve out that time when I’m normally so busy and going from thing to thing.
“The residency will give me that time.”   

Based in Victor Harbor, Edwards ­- who describes his music as a “big stirring pot” of folk, country, soul and blues – will head to the hut, which is equipped with studio space, in October to write and record new music in the isolation of the ancient landscape.  

He’s planning to transport all his equipment and set up a remote music studio – powered by solar panels and inverters – and hopes to record a whole album.

Much of Edward’s time will be spent in isolation, writing his soulful melodies which when combined with his powerful storytelling, create a uniquely authentic sound inspired by mental health, nature, and his family’s journey as part of the Stolen Generation.

Some of his bandmates may also make the trek north to help collaborate on the album. His mum – “she’s an amazing artist” – will also join him to be inspired in the stunning ancient landscape. She’s going to paint the artwork for the record’s cover. Edwards also plans to film and take photos, capturing content for a mini documentary.  

He’s been playing the guitar since he was eight, and while music has been part of his world and life forever, it wasn’t until Edwards stepped away from working for the ambulance service in South Australia in his mid-20s that he had the opportunity to focus on music full-time.  

“I had to step away for my mental health and in that space, I didn’t know what to do next, but the guitar was always just there,” he says.

“I picked up a few gigs and then it just steamrolled into a career. I’m very fortunate, but also, I think I underplay that and maybe didn’t understand the risk and some of the choices I made at the time, because they didn’t seem that drastic to me.

“But now looking back – I’m quite appreciative of the risks and I can see how fortunate I am.”

 While he’s rubbed shoulders with iconic Australian artists such as Ash Grunwald, Pseudo Echo, Vika & Linda, Christine Anu, Kingswood, Budjerah, and Jack Botts, Edwards says he’s not focussed on emulating their success, it’s about his music connecting with people.

“I think (success) is a byproduct of goals,” Edwards says.

“And my goals are to continue to create and connect with people. I have a big passion for regional and remote towns and people who I think are often forgotten in Australia.

“I want to do more programs, concerts and tours and shows in these places with artists from these areas.

“There’s something incredible when you play a show, and then kids see you play and it shows them what’s possible. And then you get to meet them, and you chat to them, and it’s something that I think regional Australia really is missing out on.”

He’s grateful for organisations such as Country Arts SA offering opportunities to artists.

“It’s an incredible way to open doors,” Edwards says.  “I feel like maybe I would have (explored) something similar if not for (Grindell’s Hut residency) but on a budget.

“This really opens the doorway to make it happen.”  

Established more than 17 years ago, the vision for the residency program is to provide an environment of extraordinary natural beauty with historic significance for artists to pursue their practice while immersed in an outback environment. The park forms part of the traditional country of the Adnyamathanha people and is rich with cultural significance. It is also a haven for many rare and endangered plants and animals.

The Grindell’s Hut Artist in Residence program is a partnership between Country Arts SA, and The Department for Environment and Water through the Vulkathunha – Gammon Ranges National Park Co‐Management Board and managed by Country Arts SA.