The singer songwriter has been in the industry for the past 26 years and has played with some Aussie legends, but now it is his turn to step out of the shadows and Cornell says he is not looking back.

With fresh new single In This Town, gaining momentum in the charts, it’s the end of a cracker year for the musician who was also nominated for an ARIA award for Country Album of the Year for his role with Adam Brand and the Outlaws.

“You don’t go into the music business for awards, but for the love of it. If you’re nominated and you win anything, it’s definitely the icing on the cake,” Cornell told The Leader.

Following on from the ARIA hype, Cornell is riding a wave of positive feedback from his latest single which struck a lot of cords with his fans.

“We are in one of those days and age with social media, it is instant gratification.

“You know when you’re writing something, that it’s a bit special” he said.

“When I go into a writing session, I don’t go in empty handed, I like to take some ideas with me.

“I had the chorus floating around in my head and envisioned a town where everyone would want to live, helping each other through a bad time.

“I’ve had some people say it was such a sad song, but I believe it has an uplifting message,” he said.

Cornell could be described as one of the best kept secrets in the music industry, his first release came out in the mid 2000s, but his career spans more than half a decade.

He’s been a support act to some of the biggest names in the game, but only now in the last year he says is he feeling like his solo career is on the upward path.

”So many great things have been happening in the last 12 months,” he said.

“It feels like my career is now just starting.

“I’m writing every day, every week and I want to have my new album recorded before Christmas.

“I’m touring with Adam Brand in the new year and hopefully I’ll have the new album to promote too in early February.”

Cornell has a big few months planned, and as he tours around the nation, he’ll be making a special stop to the Tamworth Country Music festival, including opening for his mate Adam Brand 

“I’m working really hard to cement myself as an artist doing it alone,” he said.

“At the same time I know how tough this business is, but I will keep working hard and be patient.

“There are some things you can’t control, but what I can control is the songs I write and how they’re recorded.”