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Joshua Popejoy Live At Manayunk's Grape Room

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Missouri native Joshua Popejoy knows what it means to be dedicated. A music professor by day and a singer/songwriter by night, Joshua is doing what he loves and he's enjoying every minute of it.

One of his latest songs titled "Wake Up," is about his girlfriend.

"I used to have realistic dreams about her not being there when I woke up," he said. "It took me a while to realize that maybe I should write a song about it."

Needless to say, Joshua enjoys writing songs about life – his life. Many of his songs are comforting and reflect everyday struggles and personal relationships many people experience.

Joshua grew up in a musical family, learning how to play the piano and sing at an early age. By the time he finished high school, he knew he wanted to make his living as a musician.

Despite being a trained trombonist, his heart lies with his guitar.

"When you're playing a musical instrument with a symphony, you're one of 50 doing what the conductor tells you, when he tells you," said Joshua. "With this, I write what I want and I sing what I want and it's more liberating. I picked up guitar as a way to remember why I enjoy music," he said.

In 2004, the artist moved to Philadelphia where he started his own band. Joshua was able to fit quite well in the Philadelphia music scene, pulling large crowds when he performed at local venues like the Tin Angel and the Philadelphia Convention Center.

With his classically trained poise and an edgy rock style, Joshua Popejoy is definitely one of the city's most admirable local artists. He brings a style to the industry that is easily respected and that is conveyed through songs like "Just One Thing" and "Unlike Me". He believes that it is the balance between classical and modern, and rock and pop that make his music appealing.

"You want something to get stuck in the person's head. That's how you know it's good," said Joshua.

Watch the video...

To view a complete listing of Philadelphia's local talent, CLICK HERE.

Reported by Crystal Cranmore, CBS Philly

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