In April 2022, Australian country music artist Max Jackson was announced the 42nd winner of Toyota Star Maker – Australia’s most prestigious country music competition.
Max releases new single Runnin’ to radio, TV and streaming services today, Friday June 24. An airplay banger, Runnin’ is such a special song for Max. It came at a really pivotal moment in her life.
“I wrote it to play at the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final. I truly believe that it had a big hand in helping me take out the title. I specifically wanted a song that was from the heart and felt authentic to me but would be a really energetic and powerful song to play in my live sets. I wanted it to really get the crowd going” said Max.
Co-written with Rod McCormack, Runnin’ is a relatable song about the sacrifices we all make when going after our dreams and how we wouldn’t have it any other way.
“The combination of stellar production by Rod McCormack and mastering by Leon Zervos, saw Runnin’ reach it’s highest potential – both having produced and mastered some of the biggest country and pop songs in Australia and the world – it’s in honour to have Runnin’ come out of those studios.”
Having just returned from Nashville’s CMA Fest as part of her Star Maker prize, Max said, “It was out of this world. Thanks to CMA and Chris Watson Travel, I had tickets to the four big shows; saw my favourite artists play and felt so inspired. I played on the Spotlight Stage, and the International Songwriters’ Round on the CMA Close Up Stage with 2013 Star Maker NZ’s Kaylee Bell, UK artist Twinnie and Kenny Foster (USA); wrote a bunch of new songs and played at the famous Bluebird Café, thanks to Aussie expat, Phil Barton, who also arranged a co-write for me with him and respected songwriter Kylie Sackley, the 2001 Star Maker.”
Max follows in the footsteps of 1990 winner US country superstar Keith Urban, Kylie Sackley (Nothing About Love-LeAnn Rimes, You Broke Up With Me-Walker Hayes, Sunshine And Summertime-Faith Hill, It’s Just That Way-Alan Jackson, Speakers-Sam Hunt), Kaylee Bell, and for over 10 years, Max has been touring with and mentored by five-times Golden Guitar winner Gina Jeffreys, the 1991 Star Maker winner.
ABOUT MAX JACKSON
Max grew up in the small town of Coonamble, located on the central western plains of New South Wales, with a population of 2,750. She has since relocated to the harbour city of Newcastle.
Raised on country music, Max has been forging her way to a successful career, stepping from talent quests, to graduating from both the Talent Development Project (CEO Mary Lopez), and the Country Music Association of Australia’s The Academy of Country Music to being part of a successful group The Apprentices (2012).
Inspired by female writers who really have something to say, like Kacey Musgraves, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crowe and Dolly Parton, Max has been happy as a behind-the-scenes songwriter, honing her craft, and taking trips to Nashville and Los Angeles, and writing with international and Australian artists. A highlight was a co-write with Nashville-based pop artist Svrcina on the song Astronomical which has had over 3.4 million YouTube views to date (*May 2022) and was included in the smash US, The CW Television Network TV Series, ‘Legacies’.
In February 2020, Max released her debut album Life Of The Party and Australian Country Music Capital News’ described her songs as “carefully crafted, nuanced and expertly woven together”, whilst legendary Australian country songwriter, Colin Buchanan said; “It’s just such an accomplished album. The songs are sharp, the production is vivid and full of life and Max is the star of the show, singing with assurance, spirit and sublime control.”
Max loves to share her passion for writing and was recently invited by The NSW Department of Education, with Gina Jeffreys to deliver a songwriting workshop on the popular #EducationLIVE! series. While NSW struggled through a lengthy Covid-19 lockdown and with school students learning remotely, Max is proud to have passed on what she describes as “a beautiful way to process emotion and an incredible mental health tool”.
MAX JACKSON TOUR DATES
* Guest of Gina Jeffreys
JULY
15 Centro CBD, Wollongong NSW*
16 Mingara, Central Coast NSW*
AUGUST
19 NQ’s Rock’n’Country MF, Mackay Qld*
25 Gympie Music Muster Qld
SEPTEMBER
16 Lizottes Newcastle NSW*
30 Savannah In The Round Qld*
NOVEMBER
9-16 Cruisin’ Country 2022 – Super Cruise
RUNNIN’ SONG LYRICS
Written by Max Jackson & Rod McCormack
I’m running on three days of next to no sleep
Runnin’
My friends are buying up so they can settle down
and I’m waking up on this rent-a-couch
Taking it day by day and town by town
Got a suitcase I’m rolling and this old guitar
A song in my head, beat in my heart
and it ain’t a lot but it already got me this far
I’m running on three days of next to no sleep
Running on whatever you’ve got going cheap
Cause I ain’t got no money to buy gasoline
I’m running on hopes and dreams
I’ve learned that the highway is more than white lines
It’s people and freedom and following signs
Makin’ every day count for the ones I’m leaving behind
I’m running on three days of next to no sleep
Running on whatever you’ve got going cheap
Cause I ain’t got no money to buy gasoline
I’m running on hopes and dreams
I’m running on next to no sleep
Running on what’s going cheap
I ain’t got no money to buy gasoline
I’m running on hopes and dreams
I need the wind in my hair and I always will
That’s why you won’t find me anywhere standing still
I’m running on three days of next to no sleep
Running on whatever you’ve got going cheap
I ain’t got no money to buy gasoline
I’m running on three days of next to no sleep
Running on whatever you’ve got going cheap
Cause I ain’t got no money to buy gasoline
I’m running on next to no sleep
Running on what’s going cheap
I ain’t got no money to buy gasoline
There’s more than enough fire in me
I’m runnin, runnin’ on hopes & dreams