Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore released his new song ‘Learning As I Go‘ available everywhere through Virgin Music Group. Co-produced with Jaren Johnston, it’s the second new song Moore has unveiled in a matter of weeks, providing an early peek at his next chapter and hinting at more music to come. With an underdog spirit and a sweeping, driving tone, ‘Learning As I Go’ finds resilience in navigating the sometimes turbulent unknown, as Moore belts “Some tumbleweed just rolling on, not sure where to blow / With every twist and every turn, I’m learning as I go.”

“I just recorded ‘Learning As I Go’ before I left for Australia, and the feeling in the studio and then once we got the recording back, was so palpable, we wanted to get it out there as soon as possible,” said Moore.

“I think it’s a pretty universal feeling to feel like a failure if you slip up once or twice, but there is a beauty in learning from those perceived ‘mistakes’ that I think we sometimes miss. This track is about embracing the lessons instead of beating yourself up about not getting it right the first time.”

‘Learning As I Go’ arrives on the heels of Moore’s return with the “blistering” (Billboard) new song ‘Live Here to Work’, the first new music he has released in nearly two years. A fiery, defiant track, Rolling Stone named it a “Song You Need To Know” while Whiskey Riff called it a “middle finger to the rat race of the work culture.”

Moore is in the midst of his marathon Nomad World Tour which wrapped a whirlwind 14-show run in Australia, including sold-out arenas, earlier this week. Next stop will be his highly anticipated return to South Africa where he performed to stadium crowds of over 40,000 fans last year, followed by a string of dates in the U.S. kicking off next month. 

Hailed as “an uncompromising, genre-defying artist firing on all cylinders” (Vice/Noisey) and “one of country’s more thoughtful artists” (Billboard), multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter Kip Moore has blazed his own trail and cemented his place as one of music’s most beloved artists. Beginning with his auspicious debut in 2012, Moore has since released five critically acclaimed albums and penned over a dozen chart-topping singles, including the multi-platinum hits ‘Something’ ‘Bout a Truck’, ‘Hey Pretty Girl’,‘Beer Money’, and ‘More Girls Like You’.

With over 1 billion streams and 2.5 million monthly listeners, he’s performed sold-out headline shows in stadiums around the world including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, The U.K., Europe, and the U.S., leading to a nomination for CMA’s International Artist Achievement Award. His latest album Damn Love was praised by Holler as “the best album of Kip Moore’s career” while earning further acclaim from Billboard, Music Row, and American Songwriter. Moore also appeared on Good Morning America to perform the album’s lead single and title track. A truly remarkable performer and “one of country music’s most tireless and powerful live draws” (Rolling Stone), Moore has spent the bulk of 2024 out on the road where he’s renowned for his signature sound and blistering live shows.

The Groundwater Country Music Festival, held this past weekend on the stunning Gold Coast, once again solidified its reputation as one of Australia’s premier country music events. Celebrating a vibrant blend of both Australian and international country music talent, the festival drew thousands of fans for three days of high-energy performances, community spirit, and a celebration of all things country.

Now in its 10th year, the festival has become a much-anticipated fixture on the Australian music calendar, offering a unique mix of beach culture and country music that continues to attract new fans alongside devoted regulars. From October 18th to 20th, Broadbeach came alive with performances across multiple outdoor stages, with both the music and the ocean providing a picturesque backdrop.

This year’s lineup showcased some of the brightest stars in country music, including both homegrown talent and international acts. One of the weekend’s standout performances was delivered by Australian country music star Kasey Chambers, whose unmistakable voice and captivating stage presence brought the crowd to its feet. Chambers performed a set filled with hits spanning her career, including fan favorites such as “Not Pretty Enough” and “The Captain.” , as well as tracks from her new album “Backbone”. Her heartfelt delivery and ability to connect with the audience demonstrated why she remains one of Australia’s leading country music artists.

Other notable Australian acts included the rising star Brooke Schubert who delivered an electrifying performance that blended modern country with rock influences, sending waves of energy through the crowd, especially for her infectious new single “When I’m Drinkin’ I Smoke”. Shannon Noll also brought his powerful vocals and infectious energy to the stage, giving fans a thrilling live experience. His compulsory performance of “What About Me” is always a crowd favourite, encouraging festival-goers to sing along under the balmy Gold Coast skies.

The international roster didn’t disappoint either. Americana icon Jim Lauderdale, known for his traditional country sound and engaging stage persona, treated fans to a series of hits that reinforced his reputation as a world-class performer. His blend of heartfelt ballads and upbeat country anthems added an international flavour to the festival, further enriching the experience for attendees.

One of the festival’s highlights came from the emerging talent showcased throughout the weekend. Rising stars such as Josh Setterfield and Kora Naughton demonstrated the strength and diversity of Australia’s next generation of country musicians. Naughton, performing tracks including her new single, impressed with her storytelling ability and stage confidence, while Setterfield’s soaring vocals added a powerful edge to the event.

The Groundwater Country Music Festival is not just about the music, though. The festival fosters a strong sense of community, with local food stalls, artisan markets, and beachside activities creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Attendees were seen enjoying laid-back picnics on the beach, while others danced barefoot in the sand, embodying the spirit of the festival, where the beach meets the beats.

“Every year this unique country festival beside the beach gets better giving the tens of thousands of fans that turn out each of the three days an unforgettable live country music experience,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said. 

“The Gold Coast has such a vibrant and diverse calendar of annual events and Groundwater Country Music Festival has been a staple on that calendar for the past 11 years, attracting a dedicated community of country music fans from across the

country and overseas to the city every year. That’s great news for local businesses with the festival expected to generate more than $11 million for the Gold Coast economy this year.”

Festival Director Mark Duckworth said this year’s lineup lived up to its promise of delivering a special experience for both the country faithful but also festival goers discovering country music for the first time. 

“I don’t think you could have been in Broadbeach over the past three days and not fallen in love with country music,” said Mark. “The energy of country music really took over the Gold Coast this weekend showcasing an incredible and diverse lineup of homegrown and international artists, delivering something very special for everyone. The beachside line dancing was new to our program this year and proved a huge hit with country fans of all ages, as did the corn hole and country markets.”

Despite the large crowds, the festival remained a well-organized and safe event. Security and crowd management were effective, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. Local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafes, restaurants, and shops buzzing with activity throughout the weekend.

As the final notes of the festival rang out across the Gold Coast, it was clear that Groundwater had once again succeeded in delivering an unforgettable weekend. The festival not only brought country music to the beach but also cemented its place as a unique and essential part of Australia’s music festival landscape. Fans will no doubt be counting down the days until they can return for next year’s event, when Groundwater CMF returns from 17 to 19 October 2025. 
, and fans will be once again ready to celebrate their love of country music in the sun-soaked paradise that is the Gold Coast.

Lainey Wilson’s latest album, “Whirlwind”, is a testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to blend traditional country with modern influences. Released in August 2024, this album showcases Wilson’s signature “bell-bottom country” style, a unique mix of Southern rock, soul, and classic Nashville sounds.

“Whirlwind” is Wilson’s third major-label album, and it reflects her journey and evolution in the music industry. The album is bold, fun, and deeply personal, with Wilson’s confidence shining through in every track. From playful tunes to heartfelt ballads, “Whirlwind” offers a diverse range of songs that highlight Wilson’s versatility as a singer and songwriter.

“Country’s Cool Again” is a nod to the recent resurgence of country music’s popularity. With its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics, Wilson celebrates the genre’s return to the mainstream. The song’s playful nature and Wilson’s enthusiastic delivery make it a standout on the album.

Further into the album, “Bar in Baton Rouge” is a powerful ballad that showcases Wilson’s vocal prowess, this song delves into themes of heartbreak and resilience. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, capturing the essence of hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to rise again.

Looking for an inspiring anthem? Then head towards track twelve, “Middle of It”, a motivational anthem that encourages listeners to keep pushing through tough times. Wilson’s empathetic and knowing tone makes it feel like she’s singing directly to anyone who’s ever faced adversity.

“Counting Chickens” is filled with charming lyrics and a catchy melody. It’s one of the more playful tracks on the album, showcasing Wilson’s ability to blend humour with heartfelt storytelling, reminiscent of Shania Twain’s “No One Needs To Know”.

The fiery “Ring Finger” is all about empowerment and moving on from a toxic relationship, with its strong beat and assertive lyrics, Wilson delivers a powerful message of self-worth and independence.

The album also features some impressive collaborations. Notably, Miranda Lambert joins Wilson on the wistful track “Good Horses,” adding another layer of depth and emotion to the album.

“Whirlwind” is a masterful blend of country storytelling, modern influences, and classic charm. The production is polished, with each track featuring a mix of traditional instruments like guitars and fiddles, alongside more contemporary sounds. Wilson’s brassy soprano voice is the star of the show, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions from joy to sorrow.

Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind” is a compelling and dynamic album that solidifies her place as one of country music’s rising stars. With its blend of traditional and modern elements, heartfelt lyrics, and strong vocal performances, the album is a testament to Wilson’s talent and growth as an artist.