Lakeland's Copeland calling it quits

Sad news from Lakeland, as one of the region's top pop-rock bands, Copeland, has decided to call it quits.

"It has come time for us to move on from Copeland and follow other paths in our lives," the members wrote in a statement on their MySpace blog. "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."

The band was pretty successful by Central Florida standards, signing to Tooth & Nail and headlining national tours. With a warm and gentle sound that calls to mind Travis, The Fray and Sparklehorse, they attracted fans from around the world. Their most recent album, 2008's You Are My Sunshine, debuted at No. 48 on the Billboard Top 200, and it reached No. 11 on the Alternative Albums chart.

Singer Aaron Marsh was also a fixture behind the scenes, producing albums by other local artists, including Pemberley, Woodale and Anchor & Braille, the side project of Anberlin's Stephen Christian.

Copeland is also the answer to a trivia question: Who were the headliners at the first official concert by Paramore? (That's what Hayley Williams says, at least.)

The band said they wouldn't dream of splitting without a proper farewell, so expect an announcement about a major spring tour sometime soon. "We are really excited about seeing you all one more time, and we hope it turns out to be the best Copeland tour ever," they said.

Here's hoping they decide to come to Tampa one last time.

Click here for the full announcement.

-- Jay Cridlin, tbt*

Comments

[Matt]

Who?