LIVE REVIEW: JACKSON DEAN + AUSTIN MACKAY @ THE FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL 13/10/25

Words by Cecilia Pattison-Levi

American Jackson Dean is a rising force in the country rock scene. He is 25 years old, but he rocks, grooves, and funks like a 1970s legend and dresses the part. The playlist of songs during the night gave away his fondness for Bob Dylan, Norman Greenbaum, as his music on stage reflected the sonic soundscapes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and those Laurel Canyon vibes. His support act, Austin Mackay, also stated his singer-songwriter via country credentials but with a beachier feel.

The evening commenced when Austin Mackay’s band: Cody (bass), Lawson (mandolin), Jason (lead guitar) and James (drums) settled into their places and started the set by warming up the instruments and the crowd. Then, Austin Mackay walked out, guitar in hand, and launched into ‘Hearts On Fire’ to start his seven song set. He stopped to introduced himself and told the crowd he was from Newcastle, and that we would have to work together to get the most out of this short gig.

“Well, Brisbane. I am gonna play my original songs, if we don’t work together, the night might be sh*t or great,” Austin MacKay stated. “I am a surfer type and a concrete cowboy. But I love songwriting and country music.” He then delivered the song ‘The Whip’, and shifted the energy in the venue as the Brisbane crowd leaned in to listen. The song ‘Real Life’ was performed next as he dedicated it to his parents, but especially his father for his sacrifice in looking after the family. ‘Time To Learn’ followed with its big acoustic guitar melody and its call to never hang back in life and enjoy every day, as you never know when it could all end.

Austin Mackay’s musicality had that rhythm that beat with a coastal vibe and a singer-songwriter honesty tinged with country rock that felt distinctly Australian. The new song with honky-tonk leanings, ‘Pretty Little Thing Called Jane’, that is to be released soon, was a real rocker. Then, he went back to an older song, ‘Let Me Down Easy’, and the crowd really got into that and were swaying along.

Austin Mackay closed out his set with the big drums underscoring ‘The Way Life Goes’. His band were incredibly tight, as the guitars took over and delivered that final country rocker. He thanked the crowd with genuine feeling and told everyone that “Jackson Dean will blow your socks off!”. The crowd clapped warmly, and Austin Mackay had left his mark.

It was a short 30-minute wait as the stage was reset by Jackson Dean’s band and stage crew. The whole vibe of the venue had shifted to a constant buzz of anticipation, as they waited for Jackson Dean’s headline arrival in Brisbane drew closer. The song of the sitar welcomed the musicians on stage. It was quick as the band got into place, and the lights and energy exploded as the set commenced. The lighting for the performance was awesome.

Jackson Dean has his roots in the Appalachian Trail, and as he swaggered through the fog and orange lights and hit those first chords of ‘Still Ragin’, he let the crowd know. His humour shone through with his next song, written when he was very young, ‘Duct Tape Heart’ with its chugging harmonica.

Jackson Dean comes from Odenton, Maryland, in the United States of America. He began making waves in Nashville from his early teenage years with his unapologetically authentic country rock sound and powerful live performances. His breakout single was ‘Don’t Come Lookin’, and it introduced listeners to his blend of Southern rock swagger and country narrative storytelling. He released his debut album ‘Greenbroke' in 2022, and it solidified his reputation as one of country music’s most compelling new talents.

Jackson Dean built his performance around his past, his story, and where he is going to take his music. The songs ‘Trailer Park’ and ‘Fearless’ were big country grooves, and the boot scootin’ had started down the back of the venue. The key to his performance was his vocal tone - at times raspy and reckless, and at other times as clear as cut glass.

It was his delivery of ballads that really shone throughout the set. When he pulled back from the forceful country rockers for the songs ‘1971’ and ‘Wings’, they were cutting in their emotive delivery. His voice was softer, it carried weight and warmth that is extraordinary for a singer of his age.

But the country crowd were treated to the big music punches that they wanted to hear in ‘Heavens To Betsy’ and ‘Sweet Appalachia’ as the crowd sang along in full volume. The singing had been impressive all night from the crowd, but this was next level. Then, Jackson Dean debuted some new songs in ‘Be Your Man’ and ‘Hey Mississippi’ that landed the upcuts, while the Fred Eaglesmith cover ‘49 Tons’ highlighted the band’s muscle, and his voice, it was like a freight train coming at you.

Jackson Dean closed out his regulation set with ‘Don’t Come Lookin’. The crowd were happy as the cowboy boots got a-stompin’. Jackson Dean is a confident, engaging front man with a set of pipes that most singers would kill for. The set was cohesive and had taken the crowd on a journey.

The encore of ‘Heaven’ and ‘Another Century’ ended the evening. The whole Jackson Dean experience, and the storytelling through song, had been immersive. The crowd had come to see the future of country – its new beating heart – and he was alive to possibility.

The thrill will be seeing what Jackson Dean might do next: he has the look, the gravel-tinged voice, and like his fabulous stage lighting, he is a man negotiating the shadows and the spotlight. Watch this space!