Jackson Dean has emerged over the past few years as one of country music’s most compelling new voices, blending raw, gravel-soaked vocals with emotionally intense storytelling that cuts straight to the heart of modern life. Since bursting into the scene with his platinum debut single ‘Don’t Come Lookin’ and his atmospheric first album ‘Greenbroke,' he has steadily expanded his sound and reputation, earning critical praise and a devoted fanbase who connect with his gritty yet vulnerable style. His follow-up record ‘On the Back of My Dreams' continued that trajectory, featuring standout tracks like ‘Heavens to Betsy' and showcasing Dean’s ability to marry rock-tinged energy with traditional country roots while captivating listeners live and on record.
Now on the cusp of a new chapter, Dean is poised to make an even bigger mark with his third studio album, ‘Magnolia Sage,' due on April 24. The 11-track project explores two distinct sonic landscapes — Magnolia and Sage — with themes ranging from soulful intimacy to windswept Western ruggedness, reflecting his evolving artistic perspective and wide emotional palette. With early singles like ‘Make a Liar,' ‘Be Your Man' and the fiery new track ‘Wildfire' already hinting at the record’s breadth, ‘Magnolia Sage' promises to push Dean’s sound forward while staying true to the heartfelt songwriting and powerful performances that have defined his rise. We caught up with him to talk all about it.
Jackson, I just want to start by saying congratulations — ‘Heavens to Betsy’ finally hitting No. 1 must feel incredible. I remember seeing you play it at CMA Fest back in 2022 and telling you it would be a massive song, but I don’t think anyone expected it to take three and a half years. At any point during that journey, did you ever consider stepping away from it and moving on to something else at radio?
Neither did we, man — we didn’t think it would take that long either. But no, there was never a moment where we thought about walking away from it. Not once. I knew it was the kind of song that might take a minute, but I believed in it the whole time. I wanted to stick it out and see it through. I felt like the song deserved that shot, you know? And when you’ve got something like that, you don’t just let it go — you hold on and keep pushing.
You’re coming back to the UK in June for that huge Garth Brooks show — which honestly feels like it could be one of the biggest country events this country has ever seen. What was your reaction when you got that call?
It’s gonna be massive. I mean, I’ve walked Hyde Park a few times, and if it goes the way I think it will in my head, it’s going to be something special. When that support slot wraps up and Garth gets ready to go on, the whole place is just going to turn and lock into that moment — it’s gonna be electric. And with the amount of love we’ve been getting over here, I know it’s going to exceed my expectations — and my expectations are already high. I’m really looking forward to that one.
You’ve built a really strong connection with UK audiences over the past few years — and you’ve clearly put the time in coming back again and again. What do you think it is that resonates so much between you and fans over here?
I think part of it is just showing up — it’s a long way to come, and you’ve got to commit to it. But beyond that, I think it proves something bigger, which is that country music really is global. It’s not just regional or even national — there are people all over the world who connect to the same kind of storytelling and way of life. Different backgrounds, different beliefs, but there’s something shared there.
And I think the little bit of rock edge we bring helps too. There’s a grit to it, a bit of bite — and I think people over here really connect with that energy.
I want to dig into the new album ‘Magnolia Sage.' It’s a really striking body of work. Conceptually, what were you trying to achieve with this record?
For me, every record is a reflection of where I’m at. ‘Greenbroke' was a statement — it was me getting things off my chest and introducing myself. ‘On the Back of My Dreams' leaned a bit more into a concept and ‘Magnolia Sage' takes that even further — it’s a more refined version of what I was trying to do before.
The title itself says a lot. “Magnolia” and “sage” represent different places, different landscapes — it’s about geography, about where these songs live and where I’ve been. But it’s also about sound. There’s traditional country and western elements, but there’s also R&B influence, heavy bass and a bit of tempo in places. It’s a blend — a little magnolia, a little sage — and that balance defines the record.
That sense of place really comes through. Would you say geography — the road, the places you’ve been — is a central theme throughout the album?
100 percent. The road gives you everything if you’re paying attention. That’s where we spend most of our time, and there’s something about being out there — the hum of the blacktop under the tyres, the movement, the space to think.
So much of this job is built around driving, around travelling and that becomes part of the music. That feeling of putting the hammer down and just going — it’s in the DNA of the record.
That makes opening the album with ‘Blacktop Blues' feel very intentional — was that about setting the tone for that journey?
Exactly. It sets the stage. There’s a lot of “going home” in this record — a lot of longing, a lot of pining. For me, it all ties back to my fiancée, Shannon. I’ve got everything I ever wanted — a woman, a cabin, a dog — but I’m out on the road, so there’s always that pull to get back.
Even when she’s out there with me, which she often is, that feeling still exists. It’s about love, about movement, about trying to balance those two worlds.
The closing track, ‘Heart on the Range,' feels like a really important statement. What does that song represent to you?
That’s about as country and western as it gets — three chords and the truth. That song came from a real place. I’d been out in Ketchum, Idaho — these wide, open, almost barren landscapes — and it just stuck with me. I didn’t want to leave. A week later, the title came to me — ‘Heart on the Range' — and it just clicked. It’s tied to Shannon too, like so much of this record. It’s about love, but not in a flashy way — it’s grounded, it’s real. It’s one of those songs that just feels right.
You mentioned recently that ‘Something Easy' is one of your favourite songs you’ve ever been part of. What makes that one so special to you?
It just feels effortless in the best way. It’s written really well, the verses are strong, and it says something meaningful without being over the top. It’s about love, but it’s not overly sentimental — it’s honest.
That song’s been around for a while — it didn’t fit on my earlier projects — but it finally found its home here. And I think it really captures what this record is about.
You’ve built a strong creative partnership with your producer Luke Dick. At this point, do you see that as something long-term, or are you open to exploring other directions?
Luke and I have done some really great work together. We push each other — he’s got his lane, I’ve got mine, and we meet somewhere in the middle. That’s what makes it work. I’ve made music on my own before, and I could do it again, but right now, what we’ve got is working. It’s not about fixing something that isn’t broken — it’s about continuing to evolve together.
If you could go back to your younger self — the artist trying to break through, sending music out and getting ignored — what would you tell him now?
Don’t quit. Simple as that.
And no, I never came close to quitting. I always wanted to give this everything I had. There are so many different paths into this industry now — more than there used to be — and if you keep pushing, something will open up.
So yeah… just keep going. Give it hell.
If you had to choose one song from ‘Magnolia Sage' to represent the entire album — if it were the one sent out into the world — which would it be?
That’s a wild question… but I love it.
I’d say ‘Something Easy.' It captures what the whole record is trying to say. It’s honest, it’s balanced, it’s got heart — it just feels complete. As close to perfect as I can get it.
Jackson Dean's ‘Magnolia Sage' album is out on Friday 24th April. Grab a physical copy right here.
