Josh Joplin Group

{{short description|American alternative rock band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Josh Joplin Group | image = | caption = | background = group_or_band | years_active = {{hlist|1995–2003|2023–present}} | origin = Atlanta, Georgia, United States | genre = {{hlist|Alternative rock|folk rock|Americana}} | label = Independent, SMG, Artemis Sony, Epic, Missing Piece Records | current_members = Josh Joplin Geoff Melkonian Jason Buecker Allen Broyles Ani Cordero Eric Taylor Wes Langlois | past_members = | website = https://joshjoplingroup.com/ }}

The '''Josh Joplin Group''' is an alternative rock band led by singer-songwriter Josh Joplin which formed in Atlanta, Georgia. Initially a trio, Joplin hired Geoff Melkonian (bass/viola/vocals) and Jason Buecker (drums/percussion/vocals) to accompany him to play shows together. They initially called themselves the '''Josh Joplin Band'''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Walton|first=A. Scott|title=Peach Buzz|date=April 5, 1995 |work=The Atlanta Journal |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/293226515 |url-access=registration |access-date=April 10, 2020 |quote=Alternative music by the Josh Joplin Band and Smoke will be performed in the High's atrium…}}</ref> In late 1995 they began pre-production on their first album together. Recorded at Furies Studios with producer Ed Burdell (Magnapop),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ed-burdell-mn0000144299|title=All Music|last=Burdell|first=Ed|website=AllMusic}}</ref> ''Projector Head''<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=DeVault|first=Russ|title=Weekend Preview, Guide to Music Midtown|date=May 3, 1996|work=The Atlanta Journal|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/293173296 |url-access=registration |access-date=April 10, 2020 |quote=Josh Joplin Band: The irresistible debut CD, ''Projector Head''…}}</ref> was released on January 6, 1996.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Hamilton|first=Doug|title=Weekend Preview, Concert Preview|date=January 5, 1996|work=The Atlanta Journal |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/293130350 |url-access=registration |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=February 2026}} Based on local critical success and some airplay on local radio,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Joplin, Buecker, and Melkonian began touring vigorously, starting in the south, continuing through the northeast, and beyond.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gambill|first=Rex|title=Projector Head: Josh Joplin Band|date=December 27, 1996|work=Coshocton Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/322829893 |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=February 2026}}

''Boxing Nostalgic''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1430711/shawn-mullins-inks-deal-with-josh-joplin-band/|title=Shawn Mullins Inks Deal with Josh Joplin Band|last=News Staff|first=Mtv|website=MTV}}{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |fix-attempted=yes |url=}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Music Around Town|date=August 1, 1997|work=The Atlanta Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/979755196 |access-date=April 10, 2020 |quote=Josh Joplin Band – Folk-rock trio gets serious on its sophomore CD ''Boxing Nostalgic''…}}</ref> was their self-produced sophomore effort. It was released April 6, 1997 to a sold-out show at the Cotton Club.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hamilton|first=Doug|title=Joplin Learning Reality of Recording Business|date=April 4, 1997|work=The Atlanta Journal |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/247500928 |url-access=registration |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> The album introduced piano to their sound, and Allen Broyles, who played on the record, would join the band that same year.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Hamilton|first=Doug|title=In Concert This Weekend|date=May 21, 1999|work=The Atlanta Journal |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/247132722 |url-access=registration |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> The band continued touring and opening shows for Jump, Little Children, Five-eight, The Innocence Mission, Ben Harper, Nathan Sheppard, Kitty Snyder, among others.

In 1998, having played the Roxy Theatre (Atlanta) opening for Shawn Mullins, the Grammy-nominated songwriter of "Lullaby", the band discussed making their third album with their friend and Mullins signed on as the producer, hiring Anthony J. Resta to create the beats and programming for it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/useful-music-mw0000112721/credits|title=Useful Music Credits|last=Resta|first=Anthony J.|website=AllMusic}}</ref> Mullins would later release the album, ''Useful Music'', on his own SMG label.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |work=Now|url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/album-reviews/josh-joplin-group/|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217160151/https://nowtoronto.com/music/album-reviews/josh-joplin-group/ |archive-date=December 17, 2024|title=New and Notable Releases|last=Hughes|first=Kim|date=February 1, 2001|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> Shortly after its release, Jason Buecker was replaced on drums by Ani Cordero,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wamc.org/post/rogovoy-report-10617 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217153642/https://www.wamc.org/arts-culture/2017-10-06/rogovoy-report-10-6-17 |archive-date=December 17, 2024 |title=Rogovoy Report 10/6/17 |last=Rogovoy|first=Seth|date=October 17, 2017|website=WAMC |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> then by Eric Taylor, who had drummed for the dream pop band Seely.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/91118-Seely|title=Seely|website=Discogs}}</ref>{{better source|date=February 2026}} Deeds Davis was added to play lead guitar and sing.

The band was managed briefly by Nettwerk Music Group<ref>{{Cite news|last=Eldredge|first=Richard L.|title=Peach Buzz|date=August 16, 1999|work=The Atlanta Constitution |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/413961273 |url-access=registration |access-date=April 10, 2020 |quote=The occasion: the signing of the Josh Joplin Band to Beverly Hills-based Nettwerk Management.}}</ref> before making a slight name change to the Josh Joplin Group when Artemis Records, headed by Danny Goldberg<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Boyce|first=Kevin|title=King Midas|date=January 27, 2003|work=CMJ New Music Report |page=8 |quote=As the Chairman/CEO and co-owner of Artemis Records, Danny Goldberg oversees one of the most successful independently distributed record labels in the country.}}</ref> and Daniel Glass,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://creativeloafing.com/content-159675-paper-tiger|title=Paper Tiger|last=Sarig|first=Roni|date=August 1, 2001|website=Creative Loafing |access-date=April 10, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410214452/https://creativeloafing.com/content-159675-paper-tiger |archive-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> signed them. They were picked up by Russell Carter, known for managing Indigo Girls and Matthew Sweet.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Black|first=Alan|url=https://smartech.gatech.edu/bitstream/handle/1853/7873/music_midtown-2001-06-01.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y|title=Music Midtown 2001|date=June 1, 2001|work=Technique |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006181233/https://smartech.gatech.edu/bitstream/handle/1853/7873/music_midtown-2001-06-01.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=March 2026}}

The Artemis re-release features an alternative version of Joplin's ballad "I've Changed". It was produced by Peter Collins at the Ocean Way Nashville recording studio, with Kenny Aronoff playing drums.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kenny-aronoff-mn0000081149/credits|title=Kenny Aronoff Discography|last=Aronoff|first=Kenny|website=AllMusic |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> A slightly more successful collaboration came when Jerry Harrison (formerly of the Modern Lovers and Talking Heads) was brought on to produce the opening track "Matter" and the new song "Camera One".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=1827|title=''Useful Music'' – Josh Joplin Group |last=Warburg|first=Jason|date=February 15, 2002|website=The Daily Vault |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Jenkins|first=Daniel |magazine=Billboard |url={{Google books |OxEEAAAAMBAJ |page=20 |plainurl=yes}} |title=Josh Joplin Group Serves Up 'Useful Music' on Artemis Set |date=December 16, 2000 |access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media notes| title=Camera One +2 |author=Josh Joplin Group |publisher=Artemis Records |date=2000 |type=Booklet}}</ref>

The album came out on January 30, 2001<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sperounes|first=Sandra|url=https://edmontonjournal.com|title=Ten On Tuesday|date=January 27, 2001|work=Edmonton Journal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Lindquist|first=David|url=https://www.indystar.com|title=Joplin Spins Musical Tales|date=October 11, 2001}}</ref> to strong reviews<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jenkins|first=Daniel|title=Josh Joplin Group Serves Up Useful Music|date=December 16, 2001|magazine=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/album-reviews/josh-joplin-group/|title=Now|last=Hughes|first=Kim|date=February 1, 2001|website=Now Toronto}}</ref> and sold over 100,000 records in its first week.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Schwartz|first=Daylle Deanna|title=Start And Run Your Own Record Label|publisher=Billboard Books|year=2003|isbn=0-8230-8433-7|location=NY, NY|pages=151}}</ref> Its single, "Camera One,"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.popradiotop20.com/Year/RR-HAC-2001-Year.htm|title=Hot AC Chart 2001}}</ref> was the first independent release to go number-one at Triple A radio and went to number 22 on the ''Billboard'' Top 40 chart in 2001. It won the "Single Of The Year" award by the American Association of Independent Music. Useful Music songs were featured in many of the top rated shows of the time, including Party of Five, Dawson's Creek,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tunefind.com/show/dawsons-creek/season-4/19274|title=Dawson's Creek Episode: Promicide|date=May 2, 2001|website=Tunefind}}</ref> and Camera One was a feature of an episode of the comedy series ''Scrubs''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tunefind.com/show/scrubs/season-1/716|title=Scrubs Season 1|date=November 6, 2001|website=TuneFind}}</ref>

The Josh Joplin Group toured the US, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and all of Europe. They played shows with countless bands, and artists including Travis, Old 97's, Matthew Sweet, Uncle Green, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lifehouse, Pink, and Smoke,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Harrison|first=Shane|title=99x Main Stage Preview Have Your Cake|date=September 17, 1999|work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gincel|first=Richard|title=College Night at The High Museum|date=April 6, 1995|work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> and had finished performing a German festival in Cologne, when Green Day burned their drums on stage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~ckaestne/concerts.xhtml|title=Every Concert Ever|date=August 17, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/blumfeld|title=Concert Archives: Bizarre Festival Line Up 2001|date=August 17, 2001}}</ref> The band has also appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Panel (Australian TV series), The Mike Bullard Show, Viva TV (Germany), MTV, VH1.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Owens|first=Clay|url=https://www.stardem.com|title=The Pursuit Of Happiness|date=January 11, 2008|work=The Star-Democrat}}</ref>

In June 2002, Josh Joplin began working on demos for songwriter turned producer, Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger. Schlesinger was tapped to produce the group's sophomore Artemis release. He recorded 12 songs acoustically at Stratosphere Sound, (owned by Schlesinger and James Iha).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/513906/a-studio-a-smashing-pumpkin-can-call-home/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005033155/http://www.mtv.com/news/513906/a-studio-a-smashing-pumpkin-can-call-home/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 5, 2016|title=A Studio A Smashing Pumpkin Can Call Home|last=Hiatt|first=Brian|website=MTV|date=April 30, 1999}}</ref> And although the timing didn't work out for the two to work together, Josh and the group, sans Davis, did end up recording ''The Future That Was.''<ref>{{Cite news|last=Scarrone|first=John|title=Future That Was' One Of 2002's Best|date=January 7, 2003|work=Poughkeepsie Journal}}</ref> with Atlanta producer, Rob Gal and engineers, John Holbrook and Rudyard Lee Cullers<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rob-gal-mn0000828329/credits|title=The Future That Was|last=Gal|first=Rob|date=August 1, 2002|website=All Music}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/john-holbrook-mn0000226375|title=The Future That Was|last=Holbrook|first=John|date=August 1, 2002|website=All Music}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rudyard-lee-cullers-mn0000527241|title=The Future That Was|last=Cullers|first=Rudyard Lee|website=AllMusic|date=June 1, 2002}}</ref> at Stratosphere. On this record, the musical styles were similarly varied, ranging from slow piano- and acoustic guitar-driven pop to upbeat keyboard- and electric guitar-based rock.

''The Future That Was'' received critical acclaim<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?id=5165&name=Josh+Joplin+Group|title=Robert Christgau Dean Of American Rock Critics|last=Christgau|first=Robert|date=September 9, 2003|website=Robert Christgau}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Goings On About Town|date=November 18, 2002|magazine=The New Yorker}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/josh-joplin/josh-joplin-group-the-future-that-was/|title=The Future That Was Review|last=Moye|first=Jay|date=April 1, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Knodel|first=Lisa|title=The Future That Was (Rocked!)|date=October 4, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Eldridge|first=Richard|title=Joplin Letting A Little Optimism Be Heard|date=September 23, 2002|work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Fuller|first=Cam|title=Joplin's Insight Raises The Flesh|date=April 10, 2002|work=Star Phoenix}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Leslie|first=Karl|title=Josh Joplin Group Future That Was Review|date=November 28, 2002|work=St. Cloud Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thepitchkc.com/josh-joplin/|title=Josh Joplin|last=Kreicbergs|first=John|date=October 31, 2002|website=The Pitch}}</ref> but it sold poorly and Artemis released dropped the band from their contract. Artemis released two singles from the album, "I Am Not the Only Cowboy" and "Wonder Wheel," but neither one took off. In the fall of 2003, the band announced that it was breaking up and would play its final two shows in Atlanta in December of that year.

In 2023, the Josh Joplin Group reunited to release the album ''Figure Drawing'' on Joplin's own label, NarrowMoat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Josh Joplin Group: {{!}} Daily Vault |url=https://www.dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=11630 |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=www.dailyvault.com}}</ref>

The band released the album ''GpYr'' on April 4, 2025 on the label Missing Piece Records.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Josh Joplin Group |url=https://www.missingpiecegroup.com/josh-joplin-group |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Missing Piece Group |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Discography==

===Josh Joplin Band===

*''Projector Head'' ** Release Date: January 6, 1996 ** Label: Self-released *''Boxing Nostalgic'' ** Release Date: April 6, 1997 ** Label: Self-released *''Useful Music'' ** Release Date: May 25, 1999 ** Label: SMG Records

===Josh Joplin Group=== *''Useful Music'' ** Release Date: January 23, 2001 ** Label: Artemis Records, Sony Music (Europe), Epic Records (Australia, South Africa) *''The Future That Was'' ** Release Date: September 24, 2002 ** Label: Artemis Records *''Figure Drawing'' ** Release Date: March 29, 2024 ** Label: NarrowMoat * ''GpYr'' ** Release Date: April 4, 2025 ** Label: Missing Piece Records ** Featuring: "Goodbye Berlin," "One More Someone," "I'm With Gorillas"

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:American pop music groups