After kicking off its headlining tour on April 2, Florida-based indie-rock band Copeland will make a stop at the Picador, 330 E. Washington St., at 6 p.m. today along with This Providence, Paper Route, and Brooke Waggoner.
Copeland is currently promoting its new album, You Are My Sunshine, which was released last October, and February’s iTunes exclusive The Grey Man EP. The collection features tracks found only on the vinyl edition of You Are My Sunshine and two music videos from the album.
Before releasing four full-length albums and touring for eight years, Aaron Marsh (vocals, piano), Bryan Laurenson (guitar), Jon Bucklew (drums), Steven Laurenson (guitar), and Dean Lorenz (bass) came together through other projects.
Thinking back to Copeland’s beginning, Marsh can definitely see a progression in the band’s sound from when it started to where it is today.
“The first records were pretty straight ahead pop-rock records with direct lyrics,” Marsh said. “Now the lyrics are more cloudy. The music is more mood-driven.”
When it comes to standing out from other indie bands, Copeland’s goal is to do what’s true to the band and break away from the trends as much as possible, Marsh said. Copeland’s approach to writing songs gives the band an edge, he contends; by first focusing on nailing down a strong melody, he knows the rest of the elements willcoalesce.
“Melody is always the core of putting a song together,” he said. “Melody is what makes a good song. Lyrics are tailor-made to melody. I don’t have a book of great quotes to share with the world.”
With the release of You Are My Sunshine, Copeland is excited to hit the road to meet up with its fans and perform. The current tour throughout the East and Midwest goes through April, and the band will head overseas before the year is over.
Copeland has performed at the Picador before, and general manager Chris Wiersema said there’s a noticeable difference each time the band comes through the area.
“Each time it comes, it expands its crowd and reputation,” he said. Copeland is “definitely a live band,” he said, and the relationship the group establishes with the crowd allows the audience’s energy to elevate the show.
No matter where Copeland is performing, the band’s goal is always to give the crowd a good time. Marsh recognized the effect music has in serving as a way for listeners to break away from the everyday.
“Music is a real powerful thing,” Marsh said. “It makes a good escape. We want [the audience members] to forget their bad days or money troubles and just enjoy themselves.”