From Newcastle, Austin Mackay is an indie artist whose songwriting blends heartfelt folk melodies with dynamic rock energy.
Drawing on influences including James Bay, John Mayer, Matt Corby and Kaleo, Austin spent years crafting his own fusion of indie folk-rock.With his charming stage presence Austin has supported the likes of The Dreggs, Brad Cox, Kim Churchill, and Boo Seeka as well as playing at a number of music festivals including Bluesfest.
With a natural ability to delight audiences, Austin is no stranger to the stage having been on the road for large chunks of the last three years.
Austin's newest release is the single 'Real Life'. "This is a song I wrote for the man that raised me and taught me almost everything I know, from how to change a tyre to raising a family.
"There's only two things in this world that I am better than him at, and that's singing and spelling (I'll probably never be able to outdrink him).
"Here's to my best mate and the one person I'll never quit looking up to. If I can be half the man you are one day, I'll be pretty damn happy. I love you, Dad."
Ahead of his performance at SPRINGTIME music festival (joining the likes of BENEE, Matt Corby, Babe Rainbow and others) on the Gold Coast, we get to know the singer-songwriter a little better.
I sound like... Austin Mackay.
My first gig was... At the Premier Hotel in Newcastle; I was 14 years old and shakin' out of my boots.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... My Mum and Dad decided on the name about two days after I popped out. No one takes you seriously when you're that young, so I didn't really have a say in it.
In the studio I usually... Make music, I mean doesn't everyone? It's an expensive place to have a tea party.
If I could tour with anyone... Currently, it'd have to be Chris Stapleton. I'm absolutely obsessed with that bloke's voice.
Social media is... Our best friend and worst enemy all in one. There are so many great tools that we are able to use to grow our music, but man, if you're constantly trying to stay ahead of that damn algorithm it'll just chew you up and spit you out.
My favourite app at the moment is... Spotify, I couldn't live without it. I drive a lotttt and sometimes it's the only thing that keeps me company.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I had my voice crack singing in front of my whole school at an assembly in Year 7. Kids are brutal.
Life on the road can be... Tiring at the best of times, but everything comes with its pros and cons. Being able to travel and play music all over the country is one of the best jobs, but nothing ever goes 100 per cent to plan. Everyone thinks it's a real rock & roll lifestyle, but if you miss one good night's sleep, you better bet it's going to throw you out.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that my rider contains... Jack Daniels and a nice cheeseboard. That's actually my rider.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... I was going for a surf at my home break in Newcastle on a day that was a little bigger than I had the ability for.
I started paddling out and copped a pretty heavy set on the head. It picked me up, dumped me and held me against the sand sea-floor for what felt like a lifetime. That was the first and only time I thought I was going to drown.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Matthew McConaughey, because who else? I feel like he could read a receipt and make it intriguing. I just want him to talk me to sleep every night.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Nashville, Tennessee. I still am yet to go there, but I just love everything I see and hear about that place.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Once again, Matt McConaughey, but also John Mayer and Lewis Capaldi. I feel like there'd be a perfect balance of depth, wit, and self-deprecated humour over dinner and a few drinks.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I make a pretty mean chicken pesto pasta.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Alright, here's the thing. I am pretty severely allergic to both dogs and cats. I can't even be around one without my eyes puffing up and my breathing getting all wheezy. But I do think dogs are very cute. If I wasn't allergic I know I'd be a dog lover.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Your finest Jack Daniels.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... 10 o'clock this morning, I try to work out most days. Even when I don't, the gym is a perfect place for a shower when I'm touring in my van.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Making a bed after the sheets have been washed. Getting a doona cover back on is the most annoying thing.
Do you have any phobias... I have a phobia of feeling like I'm running out of time. I try to make the most of every day, but life's so short and sometimes I feel like I haven't crammed enough into my day. I struggle to slow down.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I'd like to try out 'Survivor'. I have a bad habit of thinking that I'd be able to make the challenges look easy, so I think it'd be a humbling experience.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? This is the hardest question yet.
It'd have to be my mate Paddy, and we'd get a very cute girl to take him on a date and tell him how horrible she thinks his brand new Toyota Prado is and how much she hates coastal posers that drive 4WDs. He is in love with that car and that would break him.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Cappodocia Kebabs in Newcastle. I don't usually eat kebabs or snack packs, but they hit different when you're drunk past midnight.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? It'd have to be Donkey from 'Shrek', because I have a big mouth, say things that I shouldn't and annoy the hell out of my mates.
Last show you binge-watched (and what kept you glued to the screen)? 'Ozark'. That was a damn experience. The drama just does not stop, and the storyline just keeps getting better and better the whole way through.
Austin Mackay plays the free, all-ages festival SPRINGTIME, which takes over Broadbeach 1-3 September. The line-up includes Bag Raiders, BENEE, Matt Corby, Sycco, Grentperez, Eliza & The Delusionals and much more.
