Josh Joplin isn’t one to dwell on past glories, but there was a time when he was chasing songs worldwide. In 2001, his breakout single "Camera One" became the first independently released song to hit #1 at Triple A Top 40, landing Josh Joplin Group on Artemis Records—a label that boasted acts as varied as J. Mascis, Warren Zevon, The Pretenders, and, yes, the "Who Let the Dogs Out" hitmakers, The Baha Men. ("Camera One" may not have unleashed any canines, but it did land a spot on the cult classic tv show Scrubs.)
Joplin followed with The Future That Was (2002), produced by Rob Gal (Magnapop, Rock-a-Teens), and later earned critical praise for Jaywalker, Among the Oak & Ash, and Devil Ship. Now, after years of collaborating with friends and fellow musicians, he returns with his latest album, GpYr ("gap year"). Spin Magazine says GpYr is "a collection of pop-infused gems that, with help of producer Lorenzo Wolff (Taylor Swift’s Midnights and Folklore), captures the raw energy of Joplin’s earlier works...but with the musical and lyrical layers of the older, wiser musician Joplin has become." More than just a record, GpYr is a sonic scrapbook—a story of four friends who, over one unforgettable summer and autumn, came together for a mission: to rescue Seely from a therapeutic boarding facility in remote New England. In saving her, they saved each other.While the Josh Joplin Group will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Useful Music—the album some say started it all–it’s Joplin’s “new album that reminds us all of how far we’ve come.” (Spin Magazine)
Jeffrey Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
Throughout his three-decade recording career, Gaines has maintained an impressive standard for soul-searching, introspective lyrics and catchy, uplifting melodies. Since bursting on the scene with his self-titled 1992 debut album, the charismatic singer-songwriter-guitarist has built a beloved body of recordings that’s won him a large and deeply devoted international fan base. He has sold out theaters and clubs throughout North America and Europe. With his compelling live performances gaining high respect, Gaines was asked to join tours as support act for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in Europe, Tracy Chapman, and Stevie Nicks with Sheryl Crow, among others.
Gaines landed his first record deal shortly after graduating from high school, and in 1992 released his widely acclaimed debut album Jeffrey Gaines. The eponymous disc won massive amounts of critical and audience acclaim, spawning the hit “Hero in Me.” Somewhat Slightly Dazed (1994) and Galore (1998) further expanded his audience. Interview magazine described Gaines’ work as “soul-searching” and “refreshingly free of jargon, sentiment or cliché.”
In 2001, Gaines’ release Always Be yielded a surprise hit in his deeply felt interpretation of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”; 2003’s Toward the Sun attracted even more critical accolades, with Mojo praising the “soul-folkie’s sexy growl” and The Boston Globe declaring that “Gaines’ soulful, wounded vocals make a case for his being one of pop’s finest singers.” Toward the Sun was followed by a pair of live albums, the 2004 CD/DVD Jeffrey Gaines Live and 2012’s Live in Europe, which reflected the deep and abiding rapport that Gaines has with his fans. In 2018, Gaines released his eighth studio album, Alright. The album was recorded in Los Angeles with Chris Price, Val McCallum and Elvis Costello’s Imposters, Pete Thomas and Davey Faragher.
"The biggest pleasure I derive from this is playing live," Gaines notes. “There’s nothing more satisfying for me than a good live gig. I’m in control, but the audience can take it to a place that’s higher than I can imagine. When I show up for a live gig, I don't need much, there's no rider. It’s just, turn it on, let the audience in, and we'll do the rest. It’s the best job anyone could ever have.”
With more than a quarter-century of recording and performing under his belt, Jeffrey Gaines is enjoying life and music more than ever. “Nowadays, I know what the job is about so there’s nothing to stress about," he says. “I know that there’s people out there who want it, so I have the opportunity to extend their experience. I guess I could lay my albums all out and see that they tell a story, but personally I prefer to keep looking forward.”
