Josh Joplin

NarrowMoat is a production company founded in 2015. Josh who shed his musical pseudonym, has produced two independent films, About Colonia and The Murphys. About Colonia, directed by, Eduardo Shlomo Velázquez, was screened and lauded with awards in the short film and Spanish language categories at several international film festival's.

In 2008, Joplin formed a new band called, Among The Oak & Ash. The self-titled debut record prominently features Garrison Starr, Bryan Owings and Brian Harrison, who also co-produced it. Brian also co-produced the following two Among The Oak & Ash albums, Devil Ship and A Skeptics Gospel (unreleased) before his untimely death at his Nashville studio on February 18, 2014. Among The Oak & Ash's self-titled debut album was released on June 16, 2009 through Verve Records. It was named WNYC's as an Album Of The Year 2009 by John Schaeffer on his program, Soundcheck. Devil Ship, is an album of original songs re-imagined in the folk tradition from the perspective of other characters in some of America's most famous tunes. The album features performances by Lucy Wainwright Roche, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Paleface, and Rachael Hester

Born in Washington, DC, Joplin grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. His family relocated to Columbia, Maryland. when he was 13. Josh attended Sandy Spring Friends School and learned from his headmaster in the 7th grade how to play guitar. He quit the school's Community House program in the 9th grade and finished the year at Hammond High School. He briefly returned before dropping out of high school altogether. At the age of 16, Joplin successfully passed the GED and earned his Maryland high school diploma.

Earth and Other Things is a 5 song Ep independently released on 9th Grade Records in 2013. It remains his last effort in the recording studio under the name Josh Joplin. It was recorded at Mercy Sound Studio in the Lower East Side of New York City by producer/engineer/guitarist, Matt Chiaravalle. Matt and Josh also worked together on Useful Music.

In 2004, Joplin was still living in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn across the street from his then neighbor, Dan Zanes (The Del Fuegos). Dan hosted impromptu stoop concerts for the children (and adults) on the block. Joplin stated being deeply inspired by these intimate events. When Joplin recorded Jaywalker, he wanted ways to mimic the joy he witnessed with Dan and company by recording the record with the friends and people he grown up with. including the headmaster who taught him guitar. Jaywalker was released on August 23, 2005, Jaywalker Eleven Thirty Records.

Artemis Records. re-released Useful Music in 2001 and scored its first and only number one hit at Triple A radio with "Camera One", which was produced by Modern Lover and Talking Head, Jerry Harrison. The band made its television debut that year, appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman followed by Late Night with Conan O'Brien. The song was also featured in Scrubs, Dawsons Creek, Party of Five, Roswell, as well as others.

Joplin moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1998. He continued to tour and play with Josh Joplin Group as well as solo shows. The band followed the success of "Useful Music" with "The Future That Was", produced by Rob Gal (The Rock-A-Teens). It was recorded at Adam Schlesinger and James Iha’s studio, Stratosphere Sound. Though it received much more critical acclaim, it had very little commercial success. Josh Joplin Group disbanded in December 2003.

He recorded his last 7" vinyl for Sleepless Nights, I Love Janey (But Janey Loves The Grateful Dead) It was produced by Ed Burdell (Magnapop). Members of The Mirthmakers and Joybang backed Joplin on the recording. He began playing music for a while with Ani Cordero on drums and her friends on bass, but he finally emerged with his lineup. In 1995, Geoff Melkonian (bass/viola/vocals, and Jason Buecker drums/vocals) founded the Josh Joplin Band. They released Projector Head and Boxing Nostalgic as a trio, later adding Allen Broyles on piano/organ/vocals. Shawn Mullins signed the quartet to his own SMG Label. He produced the original version of Useful Music. Shortly after its release, Jason Buecker was replaced on drums by Ani Cordero, then Eric Taylor. Deeds Davis was added on lead guitar and the band made a slight name change: Josh Joplin Group

His interest in folk music began in earnest after hearing Bob Dylan's The Times They Are a-Changin', and Phil Ochs' Gunfight at Carnegie Hall. Josh recorded an Ochs cover ("I Ain't a Marchin' Anymore") on his first record, Facts of Fortune for Sleepless Nights Records, a DC record label, founded by Mr. Issa (Diao) of Good Clean Fun. He also released his first 7-inch: Present For Hitler and later. Geoffrey Himes gave Joplin his very first notice, in the Columbia Flier, in 1990.

Inspired very much by William Least Heat-Moon's travelogue Blue Highways and Woody Guthrie's Bound for Glory Josh picked up his guitar and left home in a 1976 VW Camper Van and spent two years on and off the road, before settling in Denver. His first professional job in music was as the runner for folk/blues legend, Dave Van Ronk's concert at Swallow Hill Music Association. They hired him later the same year to open for Bill Staines.

Josh Joplin (born Joshua David Blum, January 1, 1972) is an American singer, songwriter, music and film producer. He founded the band's, Josh Joplin Group and Among The Oak & Ash. His song Camera One was the first independent release to hit #1 at Triple A radio. His song "Blue Skies Again", was recorded by Jessica Lea Mayfield for her Nonesuch debut, Tell Me. Pitchfork, praised it as, "simple, infectious chorus make it a standout...it's also a sunny, reassuring song." Josh has toured extensively in North America, Europe, and Australia, and has recorded 10 full-length records, 2 Ep's and two, 7" singles.