Groundwater’s KIX-Start Top 10 Finalists Revealed!

The top 10 finalists for Groundwater Country Music Festival’s KIX-Start competition, an initiative helps budding country artists waiting for their big break, were announced last night, October 4! 

The 2022 Groundwater KIX-Start competition top ten, in alphabetical order, are:

• Sari Abbott
• Harry Cleverdon
• Briana Dinsdale
• Ella & Sienna
• Keely Ellen
• Josie
• Cassi Marie
• Jay Santilli
• Sons of Atticus
• Tameka

The winner will be announced on Monday night during KIX Live.

The prize pool includes:

• Opening one of the main stages at the Groundwater Country Music Festival 2022. 
• Writing a song with accomplished country songwriter Phil Barton, who has had songs recorded by Lee Brice, Sara Evans, Eli Young Band, Dustin Lynch, Cassadee Pope, Morgan Evans, LOCASH, The Wolfe Brothers, The McClymonts, Lee Kernaghan, and many more. 
• Recording a single at The Music Cellar with one of Australia’s most in-demand record producers, Rod McCormack who has produced Paul Kelly, Troy Cassar Daley, Jimmy Barnes, Kasey Chambers, and countless others. 
• The single will be promoted to radio by one of Australia’s leading PR companies, Varrasso PR who has promoted the likes of Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Lainey Wilson, The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes, Eskimo Joe, Ruel, and Hanson. 
• The single will be supported by KIX Country, plus other exciting opportunities. 
• A one-on-one mentoring session with award-winning country music star, Gina Jeffreys.
• Flights to the Gold Coast from your nearest capital city, plus airport transfers and accommodation.

Last year’s winner, Bella Mackenzie says, “Winning KIX-Start was such an honour, boosting my career from the second I won. The support from KIX Country, Groundwater Country Music Festival, and everyone else involved has been so amazing. I could never have imagined a year ago that I would have accomplished what I have today which includes releasing two singles and playing major festivals. I have had my biggest year yet with so much more to come and I urge anyone thinking about applying to just do it! You never know if you don’t have a go.”