After releasing four albums and touring around the world the past 10 years, Lakeland-based foursome Copeland? has decided to call it quits. Their farewell tour with I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business, Person L and Deas Vail kicked off at the beginning of March in North Carolina and will end at The Social in Orlando April 11. REAX caught up with the band’s guitarist, Bryan Laurenson, who discussed some of his fondest memories with the band and the possibility of another album before they part ways.

REAX: After ten years of playing music together, what made you guys decide to call it quits?
Laurenson: It was a decision that took a lot of time to work through. We had had a great run and there was an element of “quitting while you are ahead” to it. We had hit our pinnacle several years earlier, and we didn’t want to slowly fade away. We all have families now to support. Ending things now gave us the control as well as the opportunity to plan a farewell tour.

REAX: Which of the five albums you’ve released is your favorite?
Laurenson: That’s really tough. They are all so different and each have a different place in my heart. If I had to choose, it might be a close fight between In Motion and You Are My Sunshine.

REAX: What are some of your favorite memories from recording and touring together?
Laurenson: The recording process was always Aaron and my favorite part of the band. Each record has loads of memories attached to it. Getting to meet so many amazing people while touring has also been such a blessing.

REAX: Which songs have you enjoyed playing live the most?
Laurenson: “You Have My Attention” and “Sleep” are probably my favorite to play live.

REAX: You’ve chosen to end your tour in the States at The Social, a venue you’ve played a lot over the years. What is this venue’s significance and why did you want to play your last couple shows there?
Laurenson: We are all big fans of the Social, both in performing there as well as seeing shows there. We’ve all been going there for over a decade (before it was even called The Social). It’s a very intimate venue and it sounds great. In general, we prefer the vibe of playing smaller rooms versus big ones. When we have the option to play two nights at a smaller club over one night at a larger one, the smaller club option usually wins.

REAX: What made you decide to go back to Japan in May? Have you played O-East and Club Quattro before?
Laurenson: Going overseas is always an amazing experience. Japan has always treated us so well and we wanted to be able to say goodbye in a proper fashion. We’re excited to see all our friends over there. We’ve played Club Quattro before and it is a very fun venue to play at.

REAX: What’s it been like touring with I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business, Person L and Deas Vail? How have they made this tour different than others?
Laurenson: We have known the guys in those bands for many years now. They are amazing dudes and it was a bit of a no-brainer to take them out. We wanted to tour this last time with bands that were fun to hang out with, and whose music we love to watch each night.

REAX: Will you guys release another album before everything is all said and done?
Laurenson: We definitely have not ruled out the option of another record. I can’t imagine it happening too soon, but if the songs are there, I would assume there will definitely be new Copeland material somewhere down the line.

REAX: What’s next? Will you continue to pursue careers in music with other bands or solo efforts?
Laurenson: I can’t imagine any of us not being involved with music one way or another. Aaron will continue to produce other artists at his new studio in Lakeland, as well as pursue some new projects of his own. Stephen and I have been writing songs together for awhile now, and will be announcing a new project of our own at some point.