In June Ridgeway, 25, made it through to the live auditions for television talent show The X Factor.

He performed at the Queensland Music Festival in early August and is set to open for Australian blues musician Ash Grunwald in Brisbane in October.

"Since G20 it's been a whirlwind," Ridgeway said.

The singer and performer from Raymond Terrace is in his second year of studies at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane.

He hopes to pursue a career in music, and is on a mission to get the ball rolling as much as possible - getting his name "out there", performing and making connections while still studying.

He also hoped to inspire people who were passionate about music but not confident to pursue it to "back themselves".

"I always had a passion for music but never chose to pursue it," he said.

"One day I said enough was enough, I was bored of what I was doing and wanted to pursue my dreams."

He moved to Brisbane but it was a housemate who, upon hearing Ridgeway sing, told him to apply for the Centre for Performing Arts - a move he is glad he made.

Having grown up in Port Stephens, Ridgeway knew there were not the same avenues for youths with a passion for music to express themselves as there were in major cities.

However, he urged those with a desire to sing, act, perform or pursue a career in the creative world to do their research and find other avenues in pursuing their dreams.

To see more of Ridgeway's music head to Jacob Ridgeway Music on Facebook.