Copeland: One of the Most Underrated Alternative Bands of Recent Years


copeland
There is a band that many people may not know – but I sure know this band very well. They have influenced my taste in music in such a way that I can’t explain. This Florida-based alternative rock band has made several critically-acclaimed albums and gained many fans because of their distinct sound and heartfelt lyrics, delivered by a genius songwriter named Aaron Marsh. This band is known as Copeland.

Marsh, together with his long time friend and bandmate James Likeness (bassist), started out as an indie rock group back in 2001. After several band member changes, the band have decided to stick with Bryan Laurenson (guitars), Stephen Laurenson (guitars), and Jonathan Bucklew (drums). This move has been very instrumental as it made their sound very unique.

Copeland released their first album titled ‘Beneath Medicine Tree’ after they have signed a recording deal with The Militia Group (an indie record label), which was released in 2003. The theme of this album was said to be inspired by Marsh’s experiences when his girlfriend (at that time) was confined at the hospital and the passing of her grandmom. The songs on the said album was very distinct; guitar-driven, but with hints of piano parts, groovy drum parts, and a vocal style so unique that made the band stand out. Afterwards, ‘In Motion’ was released in 2005. It was also the time when Marsh started to explore the field of mixing and music recording.

In 2006, major label giants Columbia Records gave the band a recording deal. They released their third album ‘Eat, Sleep, Repeat’ and gained more followers. However, in the following year, bassist and co-founder James Likeness left the band to pursue a career in graphic designing. During this time, Marsh has been doing guest appearances on other artists’ albums such as Anberlin and Lydia to name a few. Afterwards, the band left Columbia Records in 2007. In the same year, they released Dressed Up and In Line, an album which contained B-sides of some of their demos, unreleased materials, and remixes of songs that appeared on previous installments.

However, the group released a statement that they will be having a farewell tour in 2009, confirming the rumors of their disbandment. Many fans and supporters are shocked about the news and could not believe that the band will be breaking up after creating great music together. Nonetheless, their last album ‘You Are My Sunshine,’ became the band’s most critically acclaimed and commercially successful record.

After the break up, Aaron Marsh have been working as a producer for other alternative bands such as Anchor & Braille (a side project led by Stephen Christian of Anberlin) and many others. He has also started a group named The Lulls in Traffic, which is a mix of melodic singing and freestyle rap. The Laurenson brothers on the other hand formed an alternative rock group States with Mindy White of Lydia on lead vocals.

Notable Songs by Copeland:
  • Careful Now
  • Walking Downtown
  • Chin Up
  • Should You Return
  • On the Safest Ledge
  • The Grey Man
  • Take Care
  • Pin Your Wings
  • No One Really Wins
  • Love is a Fast Song
  • Love Affair


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