FREE EVENT: In Conversation With Max Jackson Newcastle Networking Event
Join our In Conversation with Max Jackson in Newcastle on Monday May 4th, thanks to support from Sound NSW.
Location: The Underground, 32 Church St, Newcastle
Time: 5 - 7 pm
From the small country town of Coonamble NSW to the international stage, Max Jackson has carved an undeniable path in Australian Country Music, marked by three Golden Guitars and a relentless touring schedule. Her journey began early, blossoming in Coonamble before she honed her craft in Newcastle, securing her first professional gig at just 13. Inspired by titans like Dolly Parton and Shania Twain, Max dedicated herself to songwriting, making multiple trips to Nashville and Los Angeles to absorb every nuance of the art.
The release of her independent debut album "Life Of The Party" in March 2020 presented an unexpected challenge as the worldwide pandemic hit. Despite the music business essentially closing down, Max's determination to continue working towards her goals through social media paid off.
2022 became her pivotal year when she was crowned the 42nd winner of Toyota Star Maker, Australia's most prestigious country music competition, joining an elite group of alumni including Keith Urban and Lee Kernaghan. The Star Maker win came with a prize of the use of a Toyota Rav 4 and a free fuel card for a year. This propelled her into a year of non-stop travel, performing at major festivals across the country as the Star Maker winner. The hard work earned her a New Talent nomination at the Toyota 51st Golden Guitar Awards.
2023 was a landmark year: Max signed with Stephen White Management and ABC Music, releasing her chart-topping single "Little More Country," which held the #1 spot on the Countrytown National Airplay Charts for three weeks. Her rising star was further cemented when she was named the official Ambassador for the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival, leading to two Golden Guitar nominations and a win for Best New Talent in January 2024.
Max's momentum continued through 2024, touring nationally as the special guest on The Wolfe Brothers Still Livin’ The Dream Tour and releasing three more Top 10 singles: "Fixin’ Things," "Who You Did It With," and "Hold My Horses." Kicking off 2025 as the Official Ambassador for the Tamworth Country Music Festival for a second year, she co-hosted the 53rd Australian Country Music Awards and took home two Golden Guitars for Female Artist Of The Year and Single of the Year for "Little More Country."
The demand for Max exploded in 2025, with increased festival bookings and a second invitation to perform at Nashville’s CMA Fest. She released three more singles—"Grass," "A Country Heart Can," and "1990 Somethin’"—and sold out multiple shows on her first headline Australian tour. Max’s influence is extending beyond Australia; her songs are played in Europe, the UK and New Zealand, and she’s been nominated for a CCMA Award in Canada this year.
Max Jackson is fast becoming a true force in country music, serving as the Official Ambassador for the Tamworth Country Music Festival three years running (2024/25/26) and consistently delivering hit singles since 2023. Her "Little More Country" EP and viral online live video series, boasting over thirty million views worldwide, showcases her unique ability to blend worldwide iconic songs from different genres with a fresh country twist.
TikTok Australia announced Max as a finalist in the Music Artist Of The Year category for the 2025 TikTok Australia Awards!! This makes Max the first country artist to ever be nominated as a finalist. This follows the CMAA Achiever Awards crowning Max as the 2025 Artist Of The Year in September 2025.
In 2026 the good news keeps getting better and better - Max was awarded the Golden Guitar for Female Artist of the Year for the second consecutive year at the 2026 Australian Country Music Awards in Tamworth and she has been invited to perform at C2C Festivals in London, England and Berlin, Germany in March 2026.
Her new album “Dangerous In Denim” was released on 13 February and debuted on the ARIA Australian Country Chart at #1 and #6 on the ARIA Country Chart.
With more touring and recording scheduled for 2026, Max Jackson’s star is set to continue rising at a rapid pace as she takes her music out to the world.
Max and her band are one of the most in-demand acts in Australian country music, guaranteeing a high-energy live show where artist and audience unite in a fun-filled party that leaves everyone "satisfied to the MAX."
This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government through Sound NSW.