Austin Mackay Secures Jackson Dean Support Slot After CMA Fest Letdown

After a rollercoaster few months, Australian singer-songwriter Austin Mackay has landed a major win, he’s joining Jackson Dean as the support act for the American country star’s upcoming Australia and New Zealand tour.

It’s a huge moment for Mackay, who’s been steadily climbing the ranks of Australia’s country scenes with his raw, reflective songwriting and laid-back coastal cowboy energy. After the blow of being forced to miss a coveted CMA Fest opportunity due to U.S. visa issues, a moment that left both fans and the artist himself devastated, this tour feels like the comeback he deserves.

“I was supposed to be heading to Nashville,” Mackay shared earlier this year, after being detained and sent home at a U.S. airport due to visa complications. It was a heart breaking setback, especially for an artist riding major momentum with his single Time To Learn and a sold-out national tour support for Max McNown under his belt.

Now, stepping into the support slot for Jackson Dean, one of Nashville’s most exciting rising stars, feels like a full-circle moment. Known for his gritty vocals and no-frills storytelling, Dean’s music resonates deeply with fans on both sides of the Pacific. And Mackay, with his distinctly Australian charm and undeniable talent, is the perfect warm-up.

The tour kicks off in October, and for Mackay it’s more than just another gig, it’s a reminder that even when the industry throws you curveballs (or international travel disasters), grit and great songs can still carry you forward.