Copeland is an American rock band formed in 2001 by the singer, pianist Aaron Marsh (who also plays guitar) with his friend, the bass guitarist and backing vocalist James Likeness, in Lakeland, Florida.
Aaron Marsh and Bryan Laurenson signed a record deal with the independent label The Militia Group in 2002 and released their first album, Beneath Medicine Tree, a year later. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, they performed at the annual Cornerstone Florida Festival in Orlando, Florida. In Motion, Copeland's second full-length album, was released on March 22, 2005. It was produced by Matt Goldman and Aaron Marsh, and mixed by Ken Andrews. The early copies of In Motion included a four-song acoustic EP (a compilation of lo-fi versions of songs from In Motion itself), as well as "Beneath Medicine Tree".
2006 to 2008
Beneath Medicine Tree has a heavy medical theme. Aaron Marsh stated that the lyrics in this album were inspired by the hospitalization of his girlfriend and the death of his grandmother. The album booklet includes photographs of hospital scenes by then-bass guitarist James Likeness.[1] Marsh says that, "With Beneath Medicine Tree, I wanted to make a record that moves people," while "With In Motion, I wanted to make a record that makes people move."[2]
Columbia Records announced their signing of Copeland in a press release dated November 14, 2006.[3] The band announced that they had officially left the label on September 6, 2007.[citation needed]
On July 18, 2007, James Likeness announced his decision to no longer be a part of Copeland. He cited pursuing a career as a graphic designer (a field in which he has a college degree) as a chief reason in his decision.[4]
About a year after Eat, Sleep, Repeat, they released Dressed Up & in Line on November 20, 2007. It is composed of B-sides, remixes and rarities.[citation needed]
The band's fifth studio album, Ixora, was released in November 2014. Marsh, who produced at his Lakeland, Florida, studio, The Vanguard Room, reunited with Bryan Laurenson, Stephen Laurenson and Jonathan Bucklew for the album.[citation needed] This was followed by the release of Blushing on February 14, 2019.[5]
Christianity
Although claimed by some to be a Christian band, Marsh has said that they are not. He said, "It's not our nature to have religious connotations. We are not a ministry band. We have some people in the band that are Christians, but that is not a focus of our band."[6] "We have no agenda in our band other than art."[7]
Band members
Current members
Aaron Marsh – lead vocals, keyboards, piano, guitar (2001–2010, 2014–present)
Bryan Laurenson – lead guitar (2001–2010, 2014–present)
Stephen Laurenson – rhythm guitar (2014–present; touring 2006–2010)
Current touring musicians
Drew Stoutenburg – drums (2022–present)
Former members
James Likeness – bass guitar, backing vocals, acoustic guitar (2001–2007)
Thomas Blair – rhythm guitar (2001)
Rusty Fuller – drums (2001–2004)
Jonathan Bucklew – drums (2005–2010, 2014)
Former touring musicians
Bobby Walker – bass guitar, backing vocals (2014–2021)
