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.
