Copeland - Farewell

Jess, Aaron Marsh & Julia - the Granada, Lawrence, KS, 2010

Copeland is an indie rock band, very passionate with emotional, heart-tugging lyrics. Lead singer Aaron Marsh formed Copeland in 2001, and released their first full length, Beneath Medicine Tree in 2003. In Motion was released in 2005, followed by Eat, Sleep, Repeat, 2006; Dressed Up and In Line, 2007; and You Are My Sunshine, 2008. Copeland announced in 2009 that they were coming to an end, with possibly one more studio album and a spring farewell tour.

Copeland always held a special place. Marsh's voice dances over the flowing guitar and soothing piano. At times, a listener can empathize. Marsh belts out harmonious "ooos" and "ahhs," and Copeland, at time, will explode with heavy riffs and interesting sounds. Light drumming and strategic xylophone with take a listener into the lyrical moment.

Marsh's words will bring about an uplifted spirit; higher self-esteem, determination. They can also bring heartbreak and tears. I couldn't listen to Copeland for about a year. The music and lyrics would dredge up tears. Copeland mentions everything from love lost and gained, respect, closeness, death and healing and even touring.

In Motion
No One Really Wins

Go if you want / Make your way straight to the door / I hope that you'll look back before you go / 'Cause grace looks back before it starts to leave

Kite

Floating and fighting, like a kite on a string / Till you cut through my tether and changed everything / From the sky you looked small, but I loved you the same / So I darted back quickly to spell out your name / And when they say that I'm just a terrible kite / You'll tell them you're proud of my marvelous flight

Dressed Up and In Line
Thanks To You

It's been a long two years/ It's time to smile we've made it this far just like you said / Just like you said we would / There are no more tears / We've used them all so now we'll rely on our laughter, / And the faith that pain brings joy.

We got to spend some time with Aaron Marsh after the show. We discussed his upcoming ventures and what he's looking forward to. He lends his production talents and musical influence to Anchor and Braille, headed by Stephen Christian of Anberlin fame. It was rumored Marsh removed his name from the acoustic project. However, he assured me, excitedly, he wants to continue collaboration. I do believe Christian is gearing for a release soon.

I told Aaron I could spend the evening discussing everything about music and his lyrics and Copeland's impact on my life. But, that evening, after the show, they were on their way to Denver...right into a heavy snow storm. (Copeland hails from Florida.)

After a few pictures and signatures on my new You Are My Sunshine vinyl, I said my goodbyes and we parted. Bittersweet.

Beneath Medicine Tree
Brightest

And I just know that she warms my heart / And knows what all my imperfections are / And she said that I was the brightest little firefly in her jar