GUITAR virtuoso Joe Robinson's recent approval for permanent residency in the US means his dream of becoming a successful, full-time international musician is close to reality.
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He is back in Australia for the first time in more than a year after an extensive tour across the US mid-west in 2013.
Robinson, aged 22, said he had evolved as a musician since winning the $250,000 grand final prize on Australia's Got Talent in 2008.
As a 17-year-old teenager, Robinson wooed television audiences with his smooth guitar covers.
But gone are the days of television producers telling him what songs to play.
Robinson said his preference of playing Memphis-inspired blues over surfie roots songs sits well with his new American audience.
"I had always planned to be a musician but it [Australia's Got Talent] gave me platform to tour.
"Afterwards I got offers to play in Europe, and I jumped on that."
Successful tours in Europe gave Robinson the opportunity to crack the US market.
Robinson has spent the majority of the past three years living in Nashville, touring whenever given the opportunity.
Since winning the crown on Australia's Got Talent, Robinson has released another two albums to his 2007 debut Birdseed - Time Jumpin' in 2009 and Let Me Introduce You in 2012.
He is keen to promote his fourth release now he is back in Australia - an EP called ToeJam, which was written and produced entirely by Robinson himself.
■ Joe Robinson will appear at Lizotte's Newcastle on Saturday, January 11. Tickets available from newcastle.lizottes.com.au or by phoning 4956 2066.
