Jackson Dean, the rising country star, opens up about his personal experiences with love, separation, and personal growth through his latest album, *Magnolia Sage*. The Maryland-born musician’s most recent work showcases a more vulnerable side, a departure from his earlier music, which he describes as “a different side of me that I’ve put out prior.” Speaking to *People* magazine at Blue Highway Records in Nashville, Dean explains, “It’s pretty much pulling your heart out and saying, ‘Here, take a look at this.’”
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*Magnolia Sage* consists of 11 tracks that explore the complexities of balancing life on the road with the personal connections waiting for him at home, particularly his fiancée, Shannon Miscoll. Dean acknowledges the inner conflict he faces as he juggles the exhilaration of touring with the longing to be together. “Wanting to be there and wanting to be somewhere else too,” he confesses, highlighting the duality that profoundly influences the album. As he navigates his journey between the artist and the individual, Dean candidly admits, “Straddling the line of having everything I want in one hand… and having to be 1,000 miles away every other day is quite the Van Damme split.”
Despite these challenges, Dean’s love for Miscol has redefined his perspective on life and relationships. “What I’m in right now is deeper than I’ve been before,” he shares. His bond with Shannon has brought about significant changes in him. “She brings out the better parts of me and has really changed,” he notes, reflecting on how their relationship has eased his temperament and instilled a sense of groundedness.
The growth Dean describes serves as a central theme of *Magnolia Sage*, imbuing the album with emotional depth that marks a significant moment in his career and personal life. “The measure of a man is how he loves,” he states, framing the project as an invaluable reflection of his evolving identity. This introspection provides a nuanced lens through which listeners can understand the artist behind the music.
The album is rich with influences that have shaped Dean as a musician. His earlier works showcased a raw drive and grit, but *Magnolia Sage* demonstrates a refined approach, with tracks like “Hey Mississippi” focusing on emotional resonance rather than geographic specificity. The song “Be Your Man,” characterised by its smooth production akin to artists like Khruangbin and Leon Bridges, illustrates Dean’s intent to produce music imbued with clarity and purpose. Meanwhile, tracks like “Wildfire” showcase his signature powerful vocals and hard-hitting guitar, a reminder of the intensity of his artistry.
As his role as a partner expands, Dean finds himself reconsidering the meaning of “home.” He reflects, “As much as I value my cabin, then you have to make your bus your home part-time. I think home is wherever she is.” This changing definition plays a crucial role in how he shapes the sound and story of the album, creating a cohesive narrative that mirrors his own experiences of displacement and connection.
Dean articulates a vision for *Magnolia Sage* as a very American record, blending traditional sounds while exploring new melodic territories. “It speaks more to the vibes and it speaks to where I’ve been,” he remarks. Significantly, he notes, “We were just looking for some really new territories. There’s nothing like this on any of the rest of the discography… This record took so much control… they’re not screamers. It takes control to pull these off.”
His journey towards authenticity in his music is pivotal, especially in the wake of his initial fame generated by the hit “Don’t Come Lookin’, ” which gained traction after featuring on the popular television series *Yellowstone*. Dean insists on maintaining honesty in his artistry, stating, “I never want to be on TV and have to fake my way through something and not be myself.” He believes that genuine experiences should permeate his music, establishing a foundation for the artist he aspires to be.
Ultimately, Dean’s hope is for his listeners to walk away with something meaningful from *Magnolia Sage*. “I hope they take away something that they can send to someone that they love, and they can love them even more,” he concludes thoughtfully, embodying the sentiment that life is full of unexpected turns.
*Magnolia Sage* is currently available on all major streaming platforms, marking an exhilarating new chapter in Jackson Dean’s evolving musical journey.