CB Ghost: Bringing “Surf Country” to a Wider Audience
Hailing from Forresters Beach on Australia’s Central Coast of New South Wales, CB of CB Ghost grew up in the small village of Avalon Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, strong local character, and some of Australia’s most iconic surf, CB describes his upbringing as an idyllic one. Today, Forresters Beach is home — a place with a relaxed, country-town atmosphere, a strong surf culture, and a thriving local music scene that helped lay the foundation for CB Ghost.
A Sound Built to Move PeopleCB Ghost doesn’t fit neatly into one musical category. His sound blends elements of folk, rock, pop, and what he describes as “surf country.” The music is designed to make people move, both physically and emotionally, with straightforward songwriting, memorable choruses, keyboards, violin, and lyrics that are intended to be interesting, engaging, and easy to sing along with. Rather than overcomplicating his songs, CB focuses on creating music with personality and a sense of connection.
From Professional Surfing to MusicBefore CB Ghost, CB spent close to a decade as a professional surfer, travelling around the world and competing while experiencing places including Hawaii and Tahiti. Surfing films and their soundtracks became an important influence on his musical identity. During his surfing career, CB won state titles as well as an Australian surfing title. Although he never committed to the world tour full-time, music remained a constant part of his life, with bands and songwriting continuing alongside his professional surfing career.
A Life in Surfing JournalismCB’s relationship with music and surfing eventually led him into another chapter of his career. He began writing about surfing and music for the Australian surfing magazine Tracks, interviewing some of the best surfers in the world and continuing to travel. His experiences gave him a unique perspective on both creative culture and the world of surfing — influences that can still be heard throughout the CB Ghost project today.
Finding His Way Back to MusicAfter getting married, having children, and eventually going through a divorce, CB found himself at a crossroads. Rather than leaving music behind, he decided it was time to return to it seriously. That decision ultimately became the beginning of CB Ghost. Today, he describes himself as an “older but still new artist,” surrounded by a band whose members range from 19 to 60 years old, including violin player Archie, who comes from Scotland. That unusual combination of ages and backgrounds is part of what gives the project its character.
Turning Life’s Challenges Into SongwritingMental health and personal struggles have played a major role in CB’s creative journey. Following his divorce, one of his biggest challenges was learning how to rediscover himself and enjoy life in the present rather than constantly focusing on what had gone wrong. Those experiences became a major source of inspiration for his songwriting. His music carries a simple message: enjoy today, take the opportunity to go surfing, see a band, have a beer, write a song, and appreciate the moment because life moves quickly.
Learning More About HimselfCB was also diagnosed with ADHD, something he says helped him understand aspects of his past and why he sometimes felt misunderstood — including times when he misunderstood himself. Rather than hiding those experiences, he has incorporated them into his creative process. His songwriting often reflects the lessons he is still learning himself, making the music feel personal while leaving room for listeners to find their own meaning in it.
The Debut Album “Mayhemic”While CB Ghost has yet to collect traditional industry awards, CB considers the release of the band’s debut album, “Mayhemic,” on vinyl one of his biggest accomplishments. Creating and releasing a full album was a significant undertaking, particularly for an independent artist, and seeing the project physically pressed onto vinyl represented a milestone for CB Ghost. Only a limited number of signed copies remain available through the band’s online channels.
Working With Stuart StuartThe band’s latest material has also introduced CB to a new level of studio experience. CB Ghost recently recorded two songs with Australian producer Stuart Stuart, an experience CB initially approached with some nerves after questioning whether his songwriting would measure up. Those concerns quickly disappeared once the sessions began. Stuart understood CB’s lyrical style and helped bring out the best in the songs, resulting in the new single “All Good Things Take Time” as well as the upcoming track “This Is For Real,” which CB considers some of his strongest work to date.
“All Good Things Take Time”Released in early September, “All Good Things Take Time” marks an important moment for CB Ghost. Following the band’s previous release, “One Wave at a Time,” the new single gives listeners another introduction to the band’s evolving sound. The song arrives as CB Ghost works toward expanding its audience while continuing to develop the distinctive combination of folk, rock, pop, and country influences that CB has dubbed “surf country.”
A New Approach to ReleasesRather than immediately attempting another full-length album, CB plans to divide his upcoming material into two EPs. The first will be titled “Easy Come,” followed by a second release called “Either Way.” CB has already written enough material for what could potentially become two albums, but splitting the songs into two EPs gives each release more room to breathe while creating a more immediate experience for listeners.
Connecting Two EPs Through One SongThe two projects will also be connected through a song titled “Easy Come, Either Way,” which will close the second EP. CB describes the track as having a Queens of the Stone Age-inspired rock feel, providing a musical connection between the two releases. Eventually, CB Ghost plans to bring the two EPs together on vinyl, with one EP occupying each side and the artwork and imagery tying the entire project together.
The Meaning Behind CB GhostThe name CB Ghost comes directly from CB’s personality. He describes himself as someone who has a habit of disappearing from parties or social events without anyone noticing. Friends began calling him “CB,” and his ability to suddenly disappear earned him the nickname “Ghost.” Eventually, the two came together to create CB Ghost — a name that now represents his growing musical project.
Building the “Surf Country” SoundCB believes there is an opportunity for his music to reach listeners who enjoy folk, rock, and pop but also gravitate toward country. His description of the sound as “surf country” gives CB Ghost a simple way to explain the combination of influences behind the music. It is a sound rooted in CB’s lifelong relationship with surfing while embracing the storytelling, melodies, and energy of several different musical styles.
Looking Toward America and BeyondOne of CB Ghost’s biggest aspirations is to eventually tour regularly throughout the United States. Rather than obsessing over overnight success, CB wants to grow naturally — playing more shows, reaching larger crowds, finding better venues, and enjoying each step along the way. The goal is straightforward: more listeners, more fans, and more opportunities to perform both in Australia and overseas.
Opening the Door to a Wider AudienceUltimately, CB Ghost is focused on discovery. CB hopes someone might hear one song, connect with it, and then become curious enough to explore the rest of the band’s world. With “All Good Things Take Time” already out and two upcoming EPs planned, CB Ghost is entering an important new chapter — one that could introduce the project’s unique blend of surf culture, country influence, folk songwriting, and rock energy to listeners far beyond Australia’s coastline.
For CB Ghost, the journey is the point. There is no need to force the destination. The music is about enjoying the moment, continuing to create, and allowing each new song, show, and listener to become part of the story. As CB himself puts it through the spirit of his songwriting: life is short, so enjoy today, go see a band, catch a wave, and write the song.
