Joe Robinson (musician)
Joe Robinson | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 25, 1991 Temagog, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist, singer |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Known for | Winning the 2008 season of Australia's Got Talent |
Joseph Robert Robinson (born 25 May 1991) is an Australian guitarist and singer celebrated for his exceptional technical ability and for winning the 2008 season of Australia's Got Talent.
Biography
Hailing from Temagog, New South Wales, Robinson began his musical journey on piano at the age of six before transitioning to guitar at ten. He rapidly progressed by teaching himself through online resources. By age eleven, he was touring with prominent Australian musicians, including his mentor Tommy Emmanuel. At thirteen, he secured victory in the Australian National Songwriting Competition.
In 2006, Robinson released his first album, Birdseed, produced by Parris Macleod. At seventeen, he claimed the grand prize on Australia's Got Talent with a fingerstyle rendition of "Classical Gas". His sophomore album, Time Jumpin, was recorded in Nashville in 2008 under producer Frank Rogers and came out in 2009.
July 2009 saw Robinson crowned Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World at the World Championships of Performing Arts held in Los Angeles, where he triumphed in several instrumental divisions. That September, he established the Joe Robinson Electric Project and embarked on an Australian tour. Additionally, he opened for John Farnham during Farnham’s 2009 comeback concerts in Perth.
After moving to Nashville at eighteen, Robinson performed at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in June 2010. He earned the title of "Best New Talent" in the 2010 Reader's Poll of Guitar Player magazine. His playing style is influenced by artists such as Lenny Breau and Tommy Emmanuel.
Towards the end of 2010, Robinson toured Europe and Japan with a refreshed band lineup, which led to a recording deal with P-Vine Records. During a visit back to Australia for holidays, he resumed touring through January 2011.
Robinson’s third studio album, Let Me Introduce You, featuring bassist Keith Carlock and rhythm section player Michael Rhodes, was released via ABC Records in January 2012. The album’s lead single "Out Alive" premiered in December 2011. He supported the release with an Australian tour that included five performances at the Woodford Folk Festival.
In 2012, Robinson independently produced and released the Toe Jam EP, performing most instruments himself. He toured the United States alongside Sam Marks and Marcelo Bakos, headlining shows in major cities and conducting a seminar at Berklee College of Music. Later that year, he returned to Australia for another tour and distributed the EP through MGM Distribution.
Robinson maintained an active touring schedule throughout 2013 across North America and Asia, participating in festivals such as Ottawa Bluesfest and Nashville's Live on the Green. He also appeared at a Fender event preceding Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival.
In 2014, Robinson self-produced the Gemini Vol.1 EP that blended elements of blues, rock, jazz, and R&B with prominent vocal and guitar work. This was succeeded by Gemini Vol.2 in October 2015, where he played all instruments and managed production duties.
The year 2016 featured continued extensive solo touring and collaborations with 'Guitar Army', a trio including Robben Ford and Lee Roy Parnell.
Studio albums
| Release Year | Title | Recording Year | Label | Available Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Birdseed | 2007 | Sunball Records | CD |
| 2009 | Time Jumpin | 2008 | Joe's Garage | CD |
| 2012 | Let Me Introduce You | 2011 | Joe's Garage | CD |
| 2019 | Undertones | 2019 | Joe's Garage | CD, Vinyl, Digital Download |
| 2020 | Borders | 2020 | Joe's Garage | CD, Vinyl, Digital Download |
| 2022 | The Prize | 2022 | Joe's Garage | CD, Vinyl, Digital Download |
Singles and EPs
| Release Year | Title | Recording Year | Record Label | Available Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Toe Jam | 2012 | Joe's Garage | CD |
| 2014 | Gemini Vol. 1 | 2014 | Joe's Garage | CD |
| 2015 | Gemini Vol. 2 | 2015 | Joe's Garage | CD |
| 2019 | Reputation | 2019 | Joe's Garage | Digital Download |
| 2019 | (Do You Want It) To Be Me | 2019 | Joe's Garage | Digital Download |
Guest Appearances
| Release Year | Album Title | Featured Track(s) | Recording Year | Label | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Lee Ritenour's 6 String Theory | Daddy Longlicks | 2010 | Concord Records | CD, DVD-Audio |
Compilation Albums
| Release Year | Compilation Title | Included Tracks | Recording Year | Label | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | While My Guitar Gently Weeps Vol.2 | It's Not Easy | 2009 | Universal Music | Double CD, Compilation |
| 2010 | Byron Bay Bluesfest 2010 | Strutting It | 2009 | Universal Music | Double CD, Compilation |
| 2013 | Le Grand Bleu Taormina | Adelaide, Skyline, Keep It Together | 2011 | Double Standard Clothing | CD Compilation + DVDr Single |
| 2011 | Best Of Blues & Roots 2011 | Strutting It | 2009 | Universal, ABC Music | Double CD, Compilation |
Contribution Credits
| Release Year | Artist | Album Title | Recording Year | Label | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Russell Morris | Dexter's Big Tin Can | 2014 | Fanfare Records | CD, Vinyl LP |
| 2018 | Rodney Crowell | Acoustic Classics | 2018 | RC1 Records | CD |
| 2018 | Dami Im | I Hear A Song | 2018 | Sony Music | CD |
See also
- Kempsey, New South Wales
- St Paul's College, Kempsey
- Australia's Got Talent
- Chet Atkins
- Jerry Reed
- Tommy Emmanuel