Living regionally gives you a different perspective on the access (or, at times, lack of) to live music that we often take for granted. The return of regional touring festival Groovin The Moo was one that was welcomed by everyone in the Australian music scene, but it was especially exciting for those who don't live near a capital city. The festival, which this year travelled to Bendigo, Maitland and Canberra, gave fans a chance to get out of the city and into the country, all the while experiencing some of the best Australian artists (and a smattering of international acts) on the one day. What more could you ask for?

There's a certain pressure to opening up a festival, but for Melbourne rapper Mulalo, it's an occasion that she made her own. You'd have been forgiven for forgetting that it was 11am while Mulalo was playing, because the energy she brought is usually the domain of the PM slots. A recent appearance on Red Bull's 64 Bars and a collaboration with Triple One, Nerve, lil golo and Cult Shϕtta on the hectic MR. WHIPPY is further confirmation that whether it's on a track or on a stage, you can't stop the whirlwind that is Mulalo.  

While festival mainstays like Peking Duk and Hilltop Hoods are no strangers to traversing every inch of Australia to play sold-out shows, the Groovin The Moo tour is a chance for regional music lovers to see artists that might not otherwise play shows in the likes of Bendigo, Canberra and Maitland until well into their career. For those wondering, both Peking Duk and Hilltop Hoods are at the peak of their powers, putting on headlining performances that wowed the crowd. If you're ever in a position to see either artist, then do it. It's an experience you won't soon forget (and The Nosebleed Section is always going to go off). 

For Sydney artist grentperez, the Groovin The Moo shows were the first times he'd played live, and his excitement was clear. It's a reminder that every artist to headline a festival has played their first festival show at some point, and it's a testament to the Groovin The Moo crew that they are able to give fans living outside of the capital cities a chance to see a variety of artists in their own backyards. This was clear when Australian/UK rising star Thomas Headon hit the stage, as he actually grew up in Victoria. He used the opportunity to rev the crowd up (reminding fans that he'd told his band that Victorian audiences go particularly hard), and the energy was palpable. Smashing through tracks like Strawberry Kisses and Nobody Has To Know, Thomas's ability to lead a crowd is a joy to watch, and there's no doubt that there is a plethora of festival appearances in his future.

What do you know about rollin' down in the deep? Seeing Masked Wolf perform tracks from his recent mixtape Astronomical (and of course, Astronaut In The Ocean) was an absolute treat, and his set was one of the highlights of the festival. After playing some shows in the US in the second half of last year, this was a chance to perform once again on home soil, and he delivered on every front. His rhymes were tight, the energy was crackling and the visuals captured the often-gritty nature of his lyricism. Fans were also treated to a performance of his recent collaboration with Bring Me The Horizon, Fallout, and it's just as hectic live (even more so, in actuality). 

Groovin The Moo's all-ages policy also means that for many younger music lovers, it's their first festival experience. It doesn't take too much imagination to think that at least one of the attendees at Groovin The Moo this year will be on the other side of the fan-artist equation at some point. Getting to see world-class acts like Wolf Alice and Montaigne is inspiring for anyone who wants to be involved in the music industry in some capacity, and a reminder of just how important it is for artists to visit regional areas if given the opportunity.  

The music wasn't the only thing that makes Groovin The Moo so great. The signing tent gives fans a chance to meet their favourite artists, while the wide variety of food trucks was a welcome sight (you were truly spoilt for choice if you were searching for a potato-based snack). The last couple of years have shown just how many industries are affected by the lack of live music and watching Mashd N' Kutcher play lockdown anthem Get On The Beers to a heaving tent was a reminder that we've all experienced a truly transformative period in 2020 and 2021. It was a special feeling to see music fans gathered like they were at Groovin The Moo once again.

Groovin The Moo isn't the only initiative pushing live music in regional areas, of course, with events like Great Southern Nights and The Push's all-ages tour giving fans that might not otherwise be able to travel to their nearest capital city a chance to see exciting artists, sans the long train ride home (anyone who lives regionally will know exactly what I'm talking about). Some of the names that played the recent tour for The Push include Mallrat, Ninajirachi, JK-47, Allday and Alex Lahey - all artists that are masters of their craft. Tours like these are gold for those that don't always have the time, or the means, to make the trip far away from home, and long may they continue. 

READ MORE: The Story Of How Maisie Peter's 'Cate's Brother' Became Notorious Before It Was Released

If you've ever wanted an excuse to travel beyond the capital cities to go find your new favourite artist, or if you're a regional music fan that's looking to pack a heap of discovery into the one day, then a trip to Groovin The Moo should be on the cards in 12 months' time. It's a reminder that music belongs to everyone, and I'm looking forward to the next time I get the chance to make the trip up to Bendigo to see artists on what feels like home turf (which isn't something I expected when I went along). It's amazing how quickly you get swept up in country life, and for both artists and punters, it's not an experience you soon forget.