Singer-songwriter Kip Moore brought the Nashville music industry out on a chilly evening (Nov. 13) to the historic Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn. The crowd, composed of industry members and a select group of fans, got an early look at Moore’s upcoming sophomore album, through both a new documentary and through an acoustic set.
The Life In Rewind Films documentary, Burn The Whole World Down, gives a glimpse at the singer-songwriter’s life, both onstage and off. More than anything, it captures Moore’s intense passion for music and songwriting. After moving to Nashville to pursue his songwriting dreams, the 33-year-old says he purposefully lived in a $200/month apartment with no heat and, at times, no water. “I decided to work just enough to allow me to spend most of my time writing everyday,” said Moore.
Now, even with three consecutive chart-topping hits from his debut album, Moore still maintains a minimalist life, spending most of his time in the recording studio with producer and co-writer Brett James, and living the nomadic life of a traveling musician. Moore even invited viewers into the decidedly sparse, college dorm-esque room he inhabits while he’s in Nashville. “I’m writing the best I ever have because I still feel like I’m at the bottom,” said Moore. The documentary also showcased the intense focus Moore displays in the studio as he helps craft each song to perfection layer by layer, as well as his goofy side when he’s on the road with his long-time band.
The Georgia native did a Q&A with industry members and fans after the documentary. “I didn’t realize the pressure and the business that comes with it,” Moore says of adjusting to life in the public eye. “There’s so much gossip around your name and everything gets exaggerated. I’m starting to learn that’s the way it is and there’s nothing I can do about it, so I have to roll with it.”
Equal to his love of music is his love of the ocean. The documentary highlights Moore’s various trips to locales such as Hawaii and most recently Costa Rica, relaxed locations that allow him to recharge, contemplate new songs, and indulge in his love of surfing.
After the documentary screening, Moore treated the Franklin Theater audience to a brief acoustic set, combining familiar singles such as “Beer Money” and “Hey Pretty Girl” with a preview of songs from his upcoming album. He performed new tracks “Unless Heaven Has a Dirt Road” and the brooding “I’m To Blame.”
Moore says he thought the new album was complete, until the song “Come Back Kid” came along. “I’ve always felt like the underdog,” said Moore. “Brett James, I don’t care what you say, it’s going on the record,” he quipped to James, who was in the audience. The unreleased song garnered one of the most enthusiastic crowd responses of the evening.
Before closing with his new single, “Young Love,” (co-written with Dan Couch and Weston Davis), Moore thanked those from his team that had attended. “This has been a long road. I can’t express my gratitude for the life everyone in this room has let us live. I’m grateful for you guys who are fighting for us.”