FROM Jervis Bay to Atlanta, to the Sunset Strip and back again, former Olympian Paul Greene will pull into the Nimbin Roots Festival for the next stop on his song-writing journey.

Greene, whose chance encounter with Ben Harper sparked the anthem "Diamonds on the Inside”, will play Nimbin after returning to the road after a two-year absence.

Greene said the dynamic atmosphere and message of Nimbin Roots made it the perfect platform for the singer/songwriter's return.

"I'm behind what Nimbin is doing. It's about artists out there that are doing it and are hungry for their art and making their music,” he said.

"That's why I'm so in support of Nimbin Roots as it's about the art and puts the emphasis on music.”

In his former life, Greene competed in the 1996 Olympics in the 400m, before turning to music with superband The Ghostwriters in 2000.

Greene has since released six solo albums , but has chosen to remain independent.

Greene said his musical journey had been joyous but "hard work”, magnified by being an independent artist.

"I like making music for people who love my music, and I make music to be myself and honest,” Greene said.

His journey has had Greene cross paths with songwriting royalty, including Ben Harper at Los Angeles' famous Sunset Strip, which inspired one of the 2000's biggest hits.

"I showed him my wedding ring which has a diamond on the inside,” Greene said. "About a year later, I heard this song come on and thought no way, who would have thought a muso from the coast could inspire a mega hit like that.”

Greene plays the Nimbin Bush Theatre on Sunday, September 18 at 2pm. Visit http://www.nrfest.com.