Jackson Stefanovic wakes up every day grateful for many things, but when his dad, Today host Karl, gifted his eldest son with his first guitar, the talented teen knew he was destined for a life of music.
“Dad got me a couple of guitars when I was younger, but it was the miniature acoustic when I turned 17 that changed my life,” shares Jackson, who recently celebrated his 23rd birthday.
“I’ve written all my songs on it – knowing it’s from him makes this whole wonderful journey I’ve embarked on that much more special.”
Growing up, Jackson says he knew he had a talent for music.
“I started piano lessons at six, and by Grade 3, I was in the school band playing the alto saxophone,” he explains.
“Dad and I went for our first guitar lesson together when I went into high school. He encouraged me to continue, and from the moment I started to play it made me feel really good about myself.”
Writing and recording music is more than a fleeting pastime for the first-born son of one of Australian TV’s most recognised personalities.
After a couple of failed attempts at various university courses, Jackson says he is proud to share that he is about to graduate from Sydney’s JMC Academy with a Diploma in Music (Songwriting).
“Suddenly, the world really is my oyster,” he says with a smile.
“I’m getting ready to release my second album, Monk Eyes – a collection of eight original songs I wrote and put together this past year. I still pinch myself how far I’ve come,” he says beaming with pride.
Inspired by the likes of the late Roger “Syd” Barrett of Pink Floyd fame, who was renowned for his genius lyrics, Jackson agrees his style is similarly “deep and metaphorical”.
“I’ve had amazing mentors over the years, and I’m especially grateful to my former music teacher Mr Castelli from Redlands, here in Sydney, who never gave up on me,” he remembers fondly.
“I’ve battled my whole life with ADHD, and various other mental health issues, and at times I really struggled to find my place in the real world – I became this stone dead person,” he pauses, before adding, “But my passion for music and song, and for writing, has helped me wade through some pretty tough stuff.”
Like many families who’ve experienced a divorce in the family, the fallout for Jackson after the heartbreaking events of 2016 when dad Karl decided to leave his mum Cassandra Thorburn after 21 years was devastating for him and his close-knit siblings, Willow (who previously went by her first name Ava), 17, and younger brother River, 15.
“I’ve realised how much the gift of time is a wonderful thing, and thankfully everyone has come out the other side,” he says with a warm smile.
“My parents remain my biggest fans. Mum’s our rock – she’s very happy, and is currently working as a dental nurse and receptionist at a local practice, and she continues to inspire me every day.
“I live at home with mum and my brother and sister – they can’t get rid of me! We have a lot of love for each other, and share a special bond – we’re a funny bunch!” he says cheekily.
“Jackson is the most beautiful young man – and a very loving and protective big brother,” mum Cass chimes in. “He’s incredibly emotional, and very in touch with others and their feelings, so music is a great avenue for him to explore.”
His little sister Willow is currently finishing her HSC and hopes to study fashion journalism, while River is in Year 10.
“I make it a priority to catch up with our dad regularly – we’ve never been closer. We play tennis once a week, and we’re both pretty good players, but he loves to win!” he laughs.
“I’m really happy for Dad and Jasmine and their new life with beautiful little Harper. She’s taken to asking, ‘Where’s Jacko?!’… we’ve all learned to appreciate the now.”
With plans afoot for Karl to take the entire Stefanovic clan for an end-of-year ski holiday to Aspen, for Jackson, he can’t wait to spend precious time together, just like they did when he was a little boy.
“Family is everything – thanks to their unconditional love, and music and song, my journey through life suddenly got a whole lot brighter,” he muses.
Looking to the future, Jackson says he can’t wait to one day be a dad himself.
“I’ll tell my children how I battled through plenty of challenges and emerged stronger and more resilient than ever,” he says, adding, “I want my kids, like I am with my mum and dad, to be proud of what I’ve achieved.
“I can’t wait for the next chapter, and the one after that.”
