Teen sister duo Ella & Sienna have just been crowned the 2022 champions of Groundwater’s KIX-Start competition and will now have the chance to see their names in lights as country music stars when they open the Surf Parade Stage at Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) on Friday 28 October on the Gold Coast.
Persistence has certainly paid off for Ella & Sienna who were Top 10 Finalists in the Groundwater KIX-Start competition last year and this year were finalists on The Voice Australia. The sisters from Adelaide Hills, South Australia are only 19 and 16 years old respectively and they’re already making waves in the country music scene. While juggling typical teen commitments like university, high school, work and sports, the girls have been working tirelessly in the studio and on stage, perfecting their sound and people are taking notice. With even the chart-topping pop singer & judge Rita Ora declaring “their vocal blend is impeccable”.
With diverse influences from artists including Missy Higgins, Fleetwood Mac, and Taylor Swift, the multi-instrumentalist siblings have formed a Pop/Country/Folk sound that is all their own. Ella & Sienna’s voices alone command the crowd, and their harmonies weave deeply heartfelt lyrics with such effortlessness that they never fail to leave a lasting impression.
“We are so honoured to have been chosen as the WINNER of Groundwater’s KIX-Start 2022 Competition! Playing at Groundwater CMF has always been on our bucket list and we can’t wait!” – Ella & Sienna
Groundwater CMF is proud of its long track record as a springboard for young country music performers. KIX-Start was formed last year as a collaboration between Groundwater CMF and KIX Country Radio Network. It’s designed to unearth the next generation of country music talent and provide a launchpad for their career. What better way to do so than by opening a mega line-up featuring the likes of SEAFORTH, ANDREW FARRISS, TAMI NEILSON (NZ), JAYNE DENHAM, FANNY LUMSDEN and dozens more? As part of the KIX Start prize pack, Ella and Sienna will deliver the opening performance on the Surf Parade stage at the next annual Groundwater CMF this October 28.
Many outstanding young women like these sisters have begun carving out their place in the country music industry. It came as a pleasant surprise to the panel of expert judges who watched an overwhelming number of female finalists this year, making up over 75% of Groundwater KIX-Start’s top 10 in 2022. Groundwater’s KIX-Start Judge and Content Director Justin Thomson from the KIX Country Network said:
“The calibre of entrants from right across the country this year was very impressive. We had a range of age groups enter this year but young female talent looking for that break into country music is evidently very strong. It’s clear that Ella & Sienna have been working hard at their craft and we’ve seen some mighty growth over the last 12 months. They were a top 10 finalist in Groundwater’s KIX-Start Competition in 2021. It’s going to be a very exciting year for Ella & Sienna and I’m thrilled they were able to rise to the top on this occasion.”.
In addition to an opening performance at a main stage for Groundwater CMF 2022, Ella & Sienna’s victory will also reward them with:
- An opportunity to write 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 multiple-award-winning country music star, Gina Jeffreys.
