GROUNDWATER'S KIX-START 2023 COMPETITION CROWNS FRESH TALENT

Groundwater's KIX-Start winner, Denvah

Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) is thrilled to announce talented Rockhampton singer-songwriter Denvah has won the coveted Groundwater’s KIX-Start Competition for 2023.

Along with the prestigious accolade 23-year-old Denvah will secure one of the most comprehensive and valuable prize packages on offer in Australia for a new talent initiative, giving her the best opportunity to launch her career.

The expanded 2023 prize package includes touring as a support for Lee Kernaghan, a songwriting masterclass, record production and promotion, mentoring, national radio support plus a performance slot at this year’s Groundwater CMF.

“I’m so grateful and excited to have been chosen as the winner for Groundwater’s KIX-Start 2023 competition! The support from this competition is amazing and truly a blessing. The talent in the top 10 was absolutely incredible, so I’m extremely honoured to have been selected.” - Denvah

The judging panel included industry greats such as Lee Kernaghan, Casey Barnes, Gina Jeffreys and Rod McCormack plus Justin Thomson from KIX Country and Mark Duckworth, Festival Director of Groundwater CMF.

“Huge congratulations to Denvah who has taken out the top prize in the 2023 Groundwater KIX- Start competition. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the judging panel and having the opportunity to listen to some of Australian country music’s hottest new emerging talent. Groundwater Country Music Festival and KIX Radio Network have provided an incredible platform for new artists to receive national recognition from both the music industry and country fans Australia wide." said Lee Kernaghan on Denvah's 2023 KIX-Start win.

"I really want to pay tribute to all the finalists, in particular the top 5 - Gemma Tiller, Brandon Poletti, Denvah, Briana Dinsdale, and Freight Train Foxes. All were worthy recipients of the major prize and future stars but it was Denvah that finally came through with a shining performance in the last round of judging. I’m looking forward to seeing her hit the stage at Groundwater and release some great music in the year ahead.”

Check out Denvah’s TOP 5 audition video here.

Groundwater CMF has a long track record providing a launching pad for young country music artists. The KIX-Start Competition is a collaboration between Groundwater CMF and KIX Country Radio Network and is designed to unearth the next generation of country music talent and to offer a springboard for their career. What better way to do so than by sharing The Surf Parade stage in October on a lineup featuring the likes of Lee Kernaghan, Jackson Dean, Casey Barnes, Amber Lawrence and dozens more.

Find access to the full program here.

“Varrasso PR is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Groundwater’s KIX-Start competition, where we're offering an exciting PR opportunity for new emerging artists. Music has the power to touch hearts, inspire change, and bring joy to people's lives” said Frank Varrasso from Varrasso PR, the music industry veteran who will be providing radio and video promotion for Denvah’s new single.

“This competition is not just about discovering talent; it's about giving aspiring artists a chance to have their voices heard on a broader stage. By providing the prize to take the winner's song to radio and TV, Varrasso PR is helping these talented individuals reach a wider audience, and we couldn't be happier to contribute to their journey.”

The newly-crowned Groundwater’s KIX-Start winner will also feature in the KIX LIVE at Groundwater – Songwriters, at this year’s festival. A highlight of the 2023 program, this not-to-be-missed intimate show hosted by Justin Thomson from KIX Country at The Kurrawa Big Top, will feature headliners Jackson Dean, Adam Harvey, Amber Lawrence, Sara Berki and now Denvah. The artists will take to the stage on Saturday 21 October to discuss a selection of songs that mean something special to them, followed by a live acoustic performance.

Groundwater CMF is proud of the support KIX-Start generates for upcoming Aussie artists to find a platform to develop their craft and launch their careers to new heights. Previous winners Ella & Sienna have been touring nationally since their 2022 win, with their Rod McCormack recorded single charting on country radio. 2021 winner Bella Mackenzie has also had a huge 24 months since her win, making it to the semi finals on The Voice Australia this year, as well as performing at the Tamworth KIX LIVE concert following her charting single with Rod McCormack.
Groundwater CMF is supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.