Josh Joplin Group was an Atlanta, Georgia-based rock band led by singer-songwriter Josh Joplin. Initially a trio, Joplin hired Geoff Melkonian and Jason Buecker to accompany him to play shows together. They simply called themselves Josh Joplin Band. In late 1995 they began pre-production on their first album together. Recorded at Furies Studios with producer Ed Burdell, Projector Head was released, January 6, 1996. Based on local critical success and some airplay on local radio Joplin, Buecker, and Melkonian, began touring vigorously, starting in the south, continuing through the northeast, and beyond.
Boxing Nostalgic was their self produced sophomore effort. It was released April 6, 1997 to a sold-out show at the Cotton Club The album introduced piano to their sound and Allen Broyles who played on the record would join the band that same year. The band continued touring and opening shows for Jump, Little Children, Five-eight, The Innocence Mission, Ben Harper, Nathan Sheppard, Kitty Snyder, among others.