Today is a sad day for music

I almost cried today. My morning twitter check revealed the following information from @copelandband.


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Dear friends,

We have come to an extremely difficult decision. It has come time for us to move on from Copeland and follow other paths in our lives. We are absolutely grateful to have been able to make music for as long as we have. In the last 9 years we've been able to see parts of the world that we never dreamt we would see. We have shared the stage and built friendships with immensely talented artists. We've been afforded the opportunity to make 4 records that we're extremely proud of. Most of all, we feel honored that people have cared so much for our band and for our art. We appreciate every listener who has allowed our music to be a part of their lives. We want to offer our deepest thanks to every individual who has supported us on this ride. It has profoundly impacted our lives.

To put your minds at ease, we assure you this is not a bitter break up. We all individually feel Copeland has run its course in our lives and it’s time for us to pursue what is next. We couldn’t end things without a proper goodbye, so we are planning a final farewell tour in the US this coming Spring, as well as one final jaunt around the world to some of our favorite countries. We are really excited about seeing you all one more time, and we hope it turns out to be the best Copeland tour ever.

It has been discussed and we are not ruling out the possibility of recording one more album sometime in the future. However, this spring tour will be our last.

From the bottom of hearts, thank you for all of your love and support.

Aaron, Bryan, Jon & Stephen

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It is a sad day indeed. Copeland has given me so much inspiration over the years. From the days of Beneath Medicine Tree, where I was made fun of for listening to music that was "too emo". Then to In Motion where everyone realized that Aaron Marsh's vocal abilities were more than incredible. Next we had Eat, Sleep, Repeat. This album, like all my other favorite albums, was my least favorite at first. Because it was different. But now it ranks in my top 10 all time. Even the B-side that came next, Dressed Up and In Line was amazing. How does a band make a B-sides album that is better than full length productions of most other bands? They did more than justice to The Police cover, and Thanks To You is one of my favorite songs. Finally, when I thought nothing better could come, I was surprised again by You Are My Sunshine. The lyrics to Chin Up are so good. There is a very high level of grace and passion in Aaron's voice. It cannot be matched by anyone.

So even though they are ending, and giving us time in advance to take it in, I am still somewhat distraught. I know that every band must break up sooner or later. And 9 years is a long time. I just hope that each member continues to follow their hearts with music. I hope they realize the true gifts they have and the inspirations that they are. I have no doubt that they will, and they do.

Even though I never met any of the members, I fell like I have. There's only 3 bands out there where I feel like I connect with every word. Copeland is one of them. I pray that they come near me so I can see them one last time. And I pray that they make one last album for me to add to my soundtrack of life.

In conclusion, I would like to thank each member. Even though the chances are slim anyone will read this. Thank you for being there when times were great. Thank you especially for being there when times were not so great. I cannot count how many rough patches of my life have been won over by your music. Thank you for inspiration. Thank you for giving me hope. Thank you for giving me peace. Thank you for beautiful music. And thank you for changing my life. Even though you won't be around much longer, you will always be a constant soundtrack in my life. Thanks for everything. Follow your heart. Follow your passions. Keep making music in some way shape or form. God has given you a gift that very few people have. God bless.