Copeland (band)

Copeland
Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	2001 in Lakeland, Florida, United States
Founder	Aaron Marsh, James Likeness
Headquarters	Lakeland, United States
Products	Music albums, singles

Copeland is a rock ensemble originating from the United States, founded in 2001 by vocalist and pianist Aaron Marsh alongside bassist and backing vocalist James Likeness in Lakeland, Florida.

Formation

In 2002, Aaron Marsh and Bryan Laurenson joined forces with the independent label The Militia Group, leading to the release of their first album, Beneath Medicine Tree, in 2003. From 2004 through 2006, they made annual appearances at the Cornerstone Florida Festival held in Orlando. Their sophomore album, In Motion, was launched on March 22, 2005, with production credits to Matt Goldman and Aaron Marsh and mixing by Ken Andrews. Initial copies included a four-track acoustic EP featuring stripped-down versions of songs from In Motion as well as selections from their debut.

2006 to 2008

The debut album, Beneath Medicine Tree, is deeply influenced by medical themes drawn from Marsh’s personal life, including his girlfriend’s hospital stay and the passing of his grandmother. The album’s booklet showcases hospital imagery captured by bassist James Likeness at the time. Marsh characterized this album as designed to evoke emotional responses, contrasting it with In Motion, which sought to encourage physical activity.

Marsh extended his collaboration to other artists such as the Morning Of (on The Way I Fell In), Underoath (on They're Only Chasing Safety), Anberlin (on Cities), and Lydia (on Illuminate).

In November 2006, Copeland signed with Columbia Records but parted ways with the label by September 2007. On July 18, 2007, James Likeness exited the group to focus on a career in graphic design.

After releasing Eat, Sleep, Repeat, they followed up with Dressed Up & in Line on November 20, 2007—a collection comprising B-sides, remixes, and rare tracks. Their final album before their initial disbandment was You Are My Sunshine, issued in 2008 through Tooth & Nail Records, culminating in a Farewell Tour.

2014: Reunion, Ixora and Blushing

November 2014 saw the release of their fifth studio album, Ixora. Marsh produced this record at his own Vanguard Room studio located in Lakeland, Florida, reuniting with Bryan Laurenson, Stephen Laurenson, and Jonathan Bucklew for the project. Subsequently, they unveiled Blushing on February 14, 2019.

Christianity

While occasionally categorized as a Christian group, Marsh has clarified that this label does not apply. He explained, "Religious themes are not inherent to our identity. We are not a ministry band. Although some members are Christians, faith is not central to our music." He further stated that their band’s sole purpose centers on artistic expression without any underlying agenda.

Band members

Current members

Aaron Marsh – lead vocals, keyboards, piano, rhythm guitar (2001–2010, 2014–present), bass guitar (2007–2010, 2014–present)
Bryan Laurenson – lead guitar (2001–2010, 2014–present)
Stephen Laurenson – rhythm guitar, keyboards, piano, synthesizer, programming (2014–present; touring 2006–2010)

Current touring musicians

Drew Stoutenburg – drums (2022–present)
Trey Stanley – bass guitar (2025–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, 2014–2015)

Former touring musicians

Bobby Walker – bass guitar, backing vocals (2014–2021)
Jordan Butcher – drums (2015–2021)

Other endeavors

Copeland has been a supporter of the nonprofit organization To Write Love on Her Arms.
Marsh partnered with Stephen Christian of Anchor & Braille and Anberlin to produce the debut album Felt, which was released on August 4, 2009.
Beginning in 2010, Marsh initiated a musical project named The Lulls In Traffic.
Bryan Laurenson's initial musical group was Last Kid Picked, based in Annapolis, Maryland.
In 2009, Bryan Laurenson and Stephen Laurenson joined forces with Mindy White (formerly of Lydia) to create the band States.
In 2022, Copeland appeared at the Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee, performing alongside the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra.

Studio albums

Beneath Medicine Tree (2003)
In Motion (2005), reached No. 115 on US charts
Eat, Sleep, Repeat (2006), peaked at No. 90 US
You Are My Sunshine (2008), attained No. 48 US
Ixora (2014), charted at No. 93 US
Blushing (2019)

Compilation albums

Dressed Up & in Line (2007)
Revolving Doors (2022)

Extended plays

Know Nothing Stays the Same (2004)
Sony Connect Sessions (2005) – included as a bonus disc with early copies of In Motion
Best Buy Exclusive Bonus Disc (2006) – bundled with initial releases of Eat, Sleep, Repeat sold at Best Buy
The Grey Man EP (2009)

Split releases

Copeland & Pacifico (2001)
The Pale/Copeland (2003)

Instant live recordings

Copeland collaborated with Instant Live to issue 21 limited-edition CDs from their 2005 tour featuring Daphne Loves Derby, The Spill Canvas, and Melee.