Jackson Dean is no stranger to a long haul flight, this will be his third trip to Australia in three years, but he’s prepared for the lengthy journey “you just binge Lord Of The Rings and do it,” he laughs. “That should keep you occupied for like, 10 hours or so… but yeah it’s a long one.”

Still, there is nowhere else he’d rather be headed. This October, Dean and his well oiled machine of a band are returning down under for their first major headlining tour - and they’re not just playing the usual stops. From massive stages like the Deni Ute Muster and Savannah In The Round to smaller regional venues like the Torquay Hotel in Torquay and The Whalers Hotel in Warrnambool, the Maryland native is doing it all.

“I’ve kind of always wanted to go wherever they’ll have me,” he says. “I love putting my boots on and going to work - and to get to do that all over the world? It’s just awesome every time.”

Despite this being Dean’s third tour of Australia he’s still in awe of the response he gets when performing abroad. “I’ve rolled up to places I’ve never been within a thousand miles of before, and people show up, and I’m like ‘how do you know who I am?’” he jests. “That feeling never gets old”

The Deni Ute Muster is one stop he’s particularly excited for. “I’m expecting a legion of trucks,” he laughs “Like, people in the crowd… but in the trucks. That’s what I’m picturing.”

The logistics of an Australian tour can already be tricky to tackle, let alone when you are zigzagging all across the country, but Dean is ready for the challenge. “I’ve been travelling out of a leather sack that I sewed myself since I was 17.”

This time around there’s going to be more crew members and more gear but he says it’s all a part of the fun. “It’s going to feel like when we were all in a van. But instead of just me, the band and Josh, it’s going to all of us, plus the crew, and like 40 cases of gear. Airport people love us” he adds with a grin.

Aussie audiences can expect to hear more than just the hits. “We’re going to be playing a lot off On The Back Of My Dreams, all the stuff from Greenbroke as well” he says. “But 100%, y’all are going to get some sneak peeks of new stuff - stuff only the people that come and see it in the flesh get to see.”

As for what the new music sounds like? Dean hinted that he’s deeply in love and in his ‘soft boy era’, but it’s still laced with that class Jackson Dean grit we’ve all come to know and love. It’s “For anybody who’s ever loved someone. This record is just about being in love and sh-stuff.” he laughs.

Living out in the woods with his partner and their dog, Dean explains that much of that influence has naturally made its way into his writing for his new record. “She’s pretty much in every one of these new songs,” he says. “When I sing them, she’s what I think of. But again - they’re designed for other people to put themselves in the song’s shoes.”

Already released tracks Make A Liar and Be Your Man have revealed a more sultry version of Dean, and it sounds like that vibe will carry across much of the new upcoming material. “They’re following suit,” he confirms. “There’s a lot of new territory, and we’re excited to bring it to you.”

The raw energy of his live shows hit different. “There’s a certain electric flying through the air when me and the boys take the stage. It’s all or nothing. That thing, pursuing that, it’s very addictive.” Dean mentions reworking studio recordings of some tracks like Train for his live set. “You’re just engulfed by this thing, and there’s no stopping it.” Looking out into the crowd and witnessing their reaction to the unexpected arrangements is nothing short of intoxicating.

Looking ahead Dean is eager to get back to the Gold Coast. Not just for a set at the Groundwater Country Music Festival but also just to slow down and go for a walk on the beach. “That’s my jam,” he smiles. “Also, one of the best chicken parmas I’ve ever had was in Australia, so I’m going hunting for that again.”

Dean’s parting words before making the trek down under was simple: “If you’re looking for a rocking time, I’d love to come see your head bang a little bit, maybe get a little spiritual or something.”