AFTER appearing for the second time on Australia's most-watched talent show, Redland Bay singer Dakota Striplin has his sights set on an album of his own.
Mr Striplin, 24, appeared on the current season of The Voice and while he was eliminated on last Tuesday's episode, he impressed fans with his rendition of Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender.
"It was an absolute privilege to be able to work with Kelly (Rowland, former Destiny's Child member)...(and) it was incredible to know that she believed in my voice," he said.
"(I learned) it is important to take chances and take opportunities because you never know where they might lead you."
It was not the first television talent show appearance under his belt, with the Sheldon College graduate also having performed on Australia's Got Talent and its American counterpart.
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Mr Striplin has now turned his attention to his original music, having recently visited Nashville on a recording trip.
He has his sights set on taking his music international while also taking care of his young family.
"The most important things for me are to have a baby soon, buy a home with my wife, sign a record deal and tour the world playing my music," he said.
Also on his bucket list are television and film appearances.
Mr Striplin has a strong background in both music and acting, having first picking up a guitar aged 11 after watching School of Rock.
Since starring in Sheldon College productions of Shout, Footloose, High School Musical and The Wiz, he has performed at Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Hairspray and Spring Awakening.
He has released a number of covers and original songs and used his music to spread the gospel on a two-year mission trip.
"It was always uncertain how successful I could be in music," he said.
"I just worked hard and believed that if I put my mind to it, I could have a career in music that would be able to support myself and my future family.
"I'm happy to say that has come true within the last few years."
For Mr Striplin, the career highlights are not the television appearances or starring roles, but the way his music has played a role in the lives of others.
"When travelling in the US a few years ago I was able to visit a young woman who had been battling a terrible illness," he said.
"She had been following my music for a while online and ...I was able to go to her house and sing a few songs for her and her family.
"Those moments for me will always be the highlights."
Residents can catch Mr Striplin playing weekend gigs around the south-east. For more information, find Dakota Striplin on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.