Newcastle musician Austin Mackay had a heartbreaking experience when he was denied entry into the United States for the iconic CMA Fest due to visa complications.
Mackay was on his way to Nashville to perform at the Country Music Association (CMA) Festival last week when he encountered unexpected issues at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
After spending 16 hours in detention, the musician was ultimately sent back home to Australia, missing out on a significant opportunity to showcase his talent.
The CMA Fest, a four-day celebration of country music, is known for featuring major artists such as Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, Jason Aldean, and Australian stars Keith Urban and Casey Barnes.
While Mackay’s fellow artist, Max Jackson, who was recognized as the 2025 Golden Guitar-winning female artist of the year, performed at the festival, Mackay found himself grappling with the disappointment of being sidelined.
Mackay took to social media to express the emotional and financial toll the incident took on him, stating, “Despite having what I believed to be the correct visa and all the official invitations to perform, I was detained at LAX for 16 hours and ultimately had to return home to Australia without being able to play the shows I’d worked so hard for.”
He reflected on the challenging experience, saying, “It was an incredibly difficult experience, not only emotionally but also professionally and financially.
Missing the opportunity to play at CMA Fest is heartbreaking.”
The young artist has faced numerous challenges throughout his musical journey, yet he has continued to rise above setbacks.
Mackay first garnered attention in 2019 when his school indie-rock band Maple Syrup won a battle of the bands competition at St Francis Xavier.
The band earned the opportunity to support rock legends Kiss and the Screaming Jets at a concert during the Newcastle Supercars event.
Mackay later formed another band called Honey Hills, which was gaining momentum until the pandemic forced its hiatus, leading him to focus on his solo career.
Since transitioning to a solo artist, Mackay has released two EPs: “Dancing Through The Fire” in 2022 and “Hearts On Fire” in 2024.
His musical style has evolved from indie rock to a contemplative folk-country sound, demonstrating his growth as an artist.
In light of this recent incident, Mackay’s commitment to his music and professional aspirations remains strong, even as he faces disappointments.
He is determined to keep pushing forward in his career, hoping future opportunities will showcase his talent on international stages.
As news of his LAX experience circulates, fans and fellow musicians alike have rallied behind Mackay, expressing their support and encouragement for his journey ahead.
The CMA Fest incident serves as a reminder of the complexities artists face when navigating international performances, underscoring the importance of visa regulations and travel preparations.
Despite the setback, Mackay remains hopeful and ready to take on new challenges in his music career as he continues to create and connect with audiences worldwide.
As he looks towards future endeavors, the resilient artist embodies the spirit of perseverance that is often crucial in the music industry.
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