Joe Robinson

At just 17 years of age, Joe Robinson has secured a reputation as one of the worlds finest young guitarists. His unique acoustic guitar style has caught the attention of Les Paul, Steve Vai, Brad Paisley, Tommy Emmanuel and many others. From winning the hit television series “Australia’s Got Talent”, to recording in Nashville with “Producer of the year”, Frank Rogers, few doubt that this humble young man is destined for greatness.
Joe started playing piano at the age of six, only because he was told his fingers were too small to play the guitar. After 4 grueling years of classical piano, Joe quit and began to play the guitar (aged 10). He outgrew his guitar teacher in less than 12 months, and he started to teach himself from the internet.
Like a sponge, Joe dragged his parents around to any music situation on offer. He would jam in local bars, with his guitar cable through the window, in order not to be thrown out. From lots and lots of jamming, Joe developed incredibly mature listening and improvisation skills. It also gave him versatility, playing Jazz, Country, Rock, and Blues.
At the age of 12, Joe caught the attention of legendary Australian guitarist, Phil Emmanuel. Phil was astounded by Joe’s playing and called him “Joe is the best player for his age that I have ever seen. I predict that by the time Joe is 21, he will undoubtedly be Australia’s best guitarist.”
By the time he was 13, Joe had toured with Phil Emmanuel, Texas Rose, and had one several band contests, with his band, the Kaotic Penguins. That year he also won a section in the National Songwriting Competition.
Joe recorded an album with Sunball records when he was 14, and had an album launch at Sydney’s premier live music venue, the Basement. The show created such hype, that Sony BMG contacted Joe the very next day, requesting a showcase for Dennis Handlin, the CEO.
Despite being very academically gifted, Joe left school at the age of 15 to practice the guitar more. After hearing that Joe was practicing for 4 hours before AND after school, waking at 4am, Joe’s parents and principal suggested he leave and focus on his music.
In late 2007 he embarked on a self funded (with his own pocket money) trip to the USA. As well as performing in concert with Tommy Emmanuel, Joe, desperate to play for someone, started door knocking on Nashville’s music row (where all the music- related businesses are located). After two days of being thrown out of these buildings, Joe finally got a chance to play for the president of Aristo Media, Jeff Walker. Jeff was so amazed at Joe's ability that he organized Joe several other meetings. Things began to snowball, and by the end of the week, Joe had met with Sony, Universal, BMI, Ascap, Ten Ten, Universal South, Universal Publishing, and many others.
After returning to Australia, Joe auditioned for the “Australia’s Got Talent” TV series. Joe became a favorite right from the start. In the semi final, a grandma spoon player was awarded the Judges choice award, but record votes sent Joe through to the Grand Final.
The Australian public fell in love with Joe’s incredible guitar skills, and likeable personality. After another round of record breaking votes, Joe was crowed the winner, taking home $250,000. The ratings for the series were amongst the highest of the entire year.
A few days after winning the show, Joe flew back to Nashville to record his next album with Grammy award winning “producer of the year”, Frank Rogers. The album features a guest appearence by Tommy Emmanuel.
While in the US, Joe created massive hype once again, performing at the prestigious Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention, and in New York with the legendary Les Paul. He also caught the attention of country music superstar, “Brad Paisley”, who was astounded by Joe's playing. After hanging with Brad at his Nashville home, he invited Joe back to the US in 2009 to play some shows with himself and Keith Urban.
The rest is quickly becoming history. Joe is a fine example of the great cliché, “follow your dreams”, but it takes a lot of hard work and guts to take the risks required to achieve so much, so soon and at such a young age. Joe has done it by staying true to himself and most importantly believing in himself.
His charismatic personality is homegrown, young and fresh. He has an exciting vision and enthusiasm for the future of his music. Best of all, he just has that “je ne sais quoi,” that something special! Trying to pigeonhole Joe’s style of music is difficult. It’s a melting pot of anything and everything.
What next?........ Joe is touring Australia throughout late 2008 and early 2009. He is heading to Europe in March / April, and then back to the USA in June 2009.
Despite his hectic schedule, Joe is continually working and perfecting his craft. His undying passion and enthusiasm for all ‘good music’ is reflected in his tireless work ethic.
“Joe will undoubtedly be Australia’s best guitarist, probably as soon as he is 21” - PHIL EMMANUEL
"Joe Robinson is the best young guitar player I have heard in many years. His groove and melodic sense along with his impeccable compositional skills are amazing. This young man has got it! He is one of my favorites" - PAT BERGESON (Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Bill Frissel, Dolly Parton)
"My Friend Joe Robinson is already an incredible player for his age and a great person to carry a torch of good music to all who'll listen. GO JOE!!! Love, TOMMY EMMANUEL, cgp"
"Joe is a virtuoso who has incredible talent and creativity. If he continues on the path he is already on, I feel he will be one of the greats of our time - MIKE DURHAM (Nashville session player, Tim McGraw, Jewel, Dave Matthews)
"A true talent!" - FRANK VIGNOLA (Les Paul, Maddona, Donald Faegan, Bucky Pizzarelli)
“Beautiful playing, man!!!”- ELLIOTT RANDALL (Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, Boz Scaggs, Yoko Ono)
“Nice…” –STEVE VAI
" Joe Robinson is one of those handful of special musicians that come along in a very rare while. Not only does he have an amazing technique, but his ears are constantly open for new ideas that he instantly absorbs, and blends into his own style. There's a furnace of creativity burning inside Joe that the world will be hearing very shortly." - RICHARD SMITH
“Wild Stuff…” –DWEEZIL ZAPPA
“Joe Robinson is a young guitarist with the drive, technique, respect and love for the music that will take him places. I can't wait to see where he'll go next!” -MURIEL ANDERSON