A Course of Action

A Course of Action was formed in 2000 by lead guitarist Jonathan Byrd and original bassist Tony Hawkins after the breakup of their southern rock band from Morganton, North Carolina, Copperhead fronted by singer Neil Carswell.{{cite web |title=A Course Of Tour Biography |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/3848416-A-Course-Of-Action |website=Discogs |publisher=theoryofhinderback |access-date=12 April 2025}}

Originally named Hybrid, Bryd and Hawkins recruited spent three years recruiting a vocalist and drummer which resulted in the eventual additions of lead singer John Culberson, who also had regional success in his former band True To One and lastly drummer Okey Parsons in 2003.{{cite web |title=The Hybrid Band Bio 2003 |url=http://www.thehybridband.com/bio.asp |website=thehybridband.com |publisher=Hybrid |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031218231545/http://www.thehybridband.com/bio.asp |access-date=19 December 2003|archive-date=18 December 2003 }}{{cite web |title=A Course Of Action / Bio |url=http://www.reverbnation.com/artist_1663401/bio |website=ReverbNation |publisher=ReverbNation Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527145226/http://www.reverbnation.com/artist_1663401/bio |access-date=27 May 2013|archive-date=27 May 2013 }}

In 2004 A Course of Action (still-then named Hybrid) launched their own independent record label known as Spire Records and released their self-titled debut album Hybrid that November.{{cite web |title=A Course Of Action & Hybrid Bio & Social Activity |url=https://www.sonicbids.com/band/acourseofaction/ |website=SonicBirds.com |publisher=Brianne E. Boykin |access-date=12 April 2025}}

Their second release with their independent label Spire Records was their January 2006 four song EP titled "Now You See."{{cite web |title=Now You See -EP (2006) |url=https://www.broadjam.com/albums/acourseofaction/now-you-see |website=Broadjam |publisher=A Course of Action |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124210608/https://www.broadjam.com/albums/acourseofaction/now-you-see |access-date=22 June 2022|archive-date=24 January 2022 }} However, not long after the EP's release drummer Okey Parsons left the band. Even though Hybrid, achieved exceptional regional success from 2003 into 2006, with the advent of social marketing the band decided the name "Hybrid" became too broad to brand, and replacing Okey Parsons with new drummer Greg Lucy, the band decided to change their name to "A Course of Action" in late 2006.{{cite web |title=A Course Of Action - Sell a Band 10-1-2008 |url=http://www.sellaband.com:80/acourseofaction/ |website=Sell a Band |publisher=Sheree Burns |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001114858/http://www.sellaband.com:80/acourseofaction/ |access-date=1 October 2008|archive-date=1 October 2008 }}{{cite web |title=A Course Of Action - Who We Are (Bio) |url=http://www.acourseofaction.com/whoarewe.cfm |website=acourseofaction.com |publisher=A Course Of Action |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006055617/http://www.acourseofaction.com/whoarewe.cfm |access-date=30 January 2009|archive-date=6 October 2008 }}

Still releasing music under their own independent label Spire Records, the band's first release under their new name was the single titled "Move On" in November 2006.{{cite web |title=Hybrid / A Course Of Action |url=http://www.sellaband.com/acourseofaction/ |website=sellaband.com |publisher=Sheree Burns |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130050214/http://www.sellaband.com/acourseofaction/ |access-date=30 January 2009|archive-date=30 January 2009 }}

In 2009 drummer Greg Lucy exited the band leading to another search for a new drummer, but quickly replaced him with J. T. Silvestri and immediately began work on their new album with producer Eric Greedy.{{cite web |title=A Course of Action of Spire Records |url=http://www.acourseofaction.com/talktous.cfm |website=acourseofaction.com |publisher=Sheree Burns |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006055448/http://www.acourseofaction.com/talktous.cfm |access-date=6 October 2008|archive-date=6 October 2008 }}{{cite web |title=ACOA New Music Update |url=http://www.acourseofaction.com/acoablog.cfm |website=acourseofaction.com |publisher=ACOA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006055429/http://www.acourseofaction.com/acoablog.cfm |access-date=6 October 2008|archive-date=6 October 2008 }}

After two years of occasional performing local gigs while writing, recording, and posting demos to their ReverbNation page, in March 2011 the band announced their new album "Dark Before the Dawn" would be released independently on May 1, 2011.{{cite web |title=ACOA Artist Profile |url=https://www.last.fm/music/A+Course+of+Action/+wiki |website=last.fm |publisher=ACOA |access-date=12 April 2025}}

The album spawned a single titled “Never There” that charted on Untapped Radio's Top 10 for several months, hitting a peak at the #2 position.{{cite web |title=INTERVIEW: A COURSE OF ACTION – JOHN CULBERSON |url=http://www.rockrevoltmagazine.com/acourseofactioninterview/ |website=www.rockrevoltmagazine.com |publisher=Rock Revolt Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420163908/http://www.rockrevoltmagazine.com/acourseofactioninterview/ |access-date=11 February 2013|archive-date=20 April 2020 }}{{cite web |title=A Course Of Action: Never There (2013 CD single) |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/33682797-A-Course-Of-Action-Never-There |website=Discogs.com |date=21 June 2013 |publisher=A Course of Action |access-date=13 April 2025}}

In December 2011 bassist and founding member Taylor Hawkins announced he would be retiring from the music industry therefore he would be leaving the band, leaving Bryd as the only founding member remaining in the band.{{cite web |title=INTERVIEW WITH JOHN CULBERSON |url=http://www.rockrevoltmagazine.com/acourseofactioninterview/ |website=Rock Revolt |publisher=RR |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807015453/http://www.rockrevoltmagazine.com/acourseofactioninterview/ |access-date=7 August 2014|archive-date=7 August 2014 }}

After some downtime and the search for a bass player to replace Hawkins, in 2012 announced the addition of new bassist Wes Johnson and began touring more heavily in various local establishments,{{cite web |title=A COURSE OF ACTION BAND HISTORY |url=https://museboat.com/responsive/artists/A%20COURSE%20OF%20ACTION.html |website=museboat.com |publisher=museboat Staff |access-date=12 April 2025}} serving as support the opening act for bands like Winger, Eye Empire, Halestorm, Super Bob, and co-headlined the Rockin’ Kids First Benefit in Charlotte, NC, in conjunction with Kids First of the Carolinas.

The group began work on new music in late 2012 throughout 2013, collaborating with music producer, Beau Hill to produce the new album with the goal of releasing their second album sometime the next year.{{cite web |title=A Course Of Action History |url=https://www.reverbnation.com/acourseofaction |website=ReverbNation |access-date=12 April 2025}}

In early 2014 the band uploaded a demo of a new song titled "Who We Are" to their ReverbNation profile which went viral and gained national as well as foreign exposure,{{cite web |title=A Course of Action - Singles: 107 and Who We Are. |url=https://songs-that-should-be-mainstream.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-course-of-action-singles-107-and-who.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJkJIpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsOdUsQOghtCTcpCI0qeIGxBZNLO96PiELM6_OPw6fgrc2QRYbIfH3ej6MHt_aem_wxkN-dxr3zSB81TjxjKXSA |website=Songs That Should Be Mainstream | date=15 October 2013 |publisher=Lilybelle11 |access-date=12 April 2025}} prompting them to release a music video for the demo in May 2014 and uploaded it to their YouTube and ReverbNation channels.{{cite web |title=Rocklahoma -EP |url=https://www.reverbnation.com/1663401/album/80794 |website=ReverbNation.com |publisher=A Course Of Action |access-date=12 April 2025}}

After gaining global exposure with "Who We Are" the summer of 2014 brought the band a significant amount of exposure, getting booked to large music festivals like Rocklahoma, which prompted the band to release an EP titled "Rocklahoma" on May 22, 2014.{{cite web |title=ACOA: Rocklahoma -EP (2014) |url=https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B00N40H0HY |website=Amazon Music |publisher=INgroove Music Group |access-date=12 April 2025}}{{cite web |title=A Course of Action Discography |url=https://www.last.fm/music/A+Course+of+Action/+albums?order=most_popular |website=Last.fm |publisher=A Course of Action |access-date=12 April 2025}} The EP featured four new, previously unreleased songs to capitalize on the national recognition resulting from their performance at the 2014 festival.{{cite web |title=North Carolina Band, A Course of Action, Headed to Rocklahoma 2014 |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/north_carolina_band_a_course_of_action_headed_to_rocklahoma_2014/prweb11752163.htm |website=PRweb.com |publisher=A Course of Action |access-date=11 April 2014}}

2014 seen the band participating in more well-known music festivals such as Carolina Rebellion and on the Wolfman Jack Stage at the Buffalo Chip at the Sturgis Bike Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, opening for Sevendust and Buckcherry.{{cite web |title=A Course of Action to Rock The Legendary Buffalo Chip at Sturgis, SD Biker Rally |url=https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/389627/a-course-of-action-to-rock-the-legendary-buffalo-chip |website=24-7 Press Release |publisher=Sheree Byrd |access-date=11 July 2014}}{{cite web |title=BackStage LA Introduces STAR 1 RECORDS New Rock Group "A Course Of Action" |url=http://www.backstagelosangeles.net/id60.html |website=BackStage: Los Angeles |publisher=BackStage LA Staff |access-date=10 March 2015}}

Throughout 2014 the band continued to gain national recognition for their song "Who We Are" that resulted in A Course of Action being nominated for "Best Rock Band" in the 2014 Carolina Music Awards ceremony.{{cite web |title=Carolina Music Awards Rock Compilation, Vol. 1 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/song/who-we-are-mt0052663119#appearsOn |website=Allmusic |publisher=Carolina Music Awards |access-date=13 April 2025}} For their nomination, the Carolina Music Awards included the band's hit-song "Who We Are" on their compilation album that featured music by the artists and bands who received a nomination for that years awards ceremony.{{cite web |title=Carolina Music Awards Rock Compilation, Vol. 1 tracklist |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/carolina-music-awards-rock-compilation-vol-1-mw0002901392#trackListing |website=Allmusic |publisher=Allmusic Staff |access-date=13 April 2025}}

In a summer 2014 interview, singer John Culberson stated during an interview that the group would finish out 2014 touring, providing support and opening for the bands Saving Abel, Tantric, Something Clever, Saliva, Hed PE, and Nothing More.{{cite web |title=Tantric, A Course of Action, Beyond The Fade, Something Clever at Amos Southend |url=https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto%2F%3Ffbid%3D776512499047079%26set%3Da.205273322837669 |website=Internet Archive |publisher=Something Clever | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413054955/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto%2F%3Ffbid%3D776512499047079%26set%3Da.205273322837669 |access-date=6 June 2014| archive-date=13 April 2025 }}

On January 21, 2015, the band revealed they signed a record deal with Star 1 Records, with distribution by INgrooves and owned by Universal Music Group.{{cite web |title=Nationally Acclaimed North Carolina Hard Rock Band A Course Of Action Signs With Star 1 Records |url=https://www.prlog.org/12418252-nationally-acclaimed-north-carolina-hard-rock-band-course-of-action-signs-with-star-1-records.html |website=PR Log |publisher=STAR 1 RECORDS |access-date=26 January 2015}}

In April 2015 the band announced the first single from their second album would be titled "Beautiful" and posted the demo version to their ReverbNation page for fans to stream for free. During a live concert opening for Puddle of Mudd in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on April 17, 2015, the band announced during their show that their new single was officially sent to radio stations as their new single.{{cite web |title=Puddle of Mudd, A Course of Action, Failure Anthem at Ziggy's - April 17th, 2015 |url=https://www.reverbnation.com/show/15368704 |website=Reverbnation |publisher=INgroove Music Group |access-date=17 April 2015}}

In May 2015 the band announced their new album "Treason" would be released on June 8, 2015.{{cite web |title=Local rockers 'A Course Of Action' to go nationwide with new album Treason |url=https://hickoryrecord.com/life_entertainment/the_buzz/local-rockers-to-go-nationwide/article_fc9ed2dc-0546-11e5-8ef1-cffbef3e0466.html#.VWeNHm2fQKo.facebook |website=hickoryrecord.com |date=28 May 2015 |publisher=Hickory Record Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250412105329/https://hickoryrecord.com/life_entertainment/the_buzz/local-rockers-to-go-nationwide/article_fc9ed2dc-0546-11e5-8ef1-cffbef3e0466.html#.VWeNHm2fQKo.facebook |access-date=28 May 2015|archive-date=12 April 2025 }}{{cite web |title=Hickory Daily Record – CD Release Coverage |url=http://acourseofaction.com/2015/05/28/hickory-daily-record-cd-release-coverage/ |website=acourseofaction.com |publisher=ACOA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317212039/http://acourseofaction.com/2015/05/28/hickory-daily-record-cd-release-coverage/ |access-date=17 March 2016|archive-date=17 March 2016 }} With the announcement the band also announced a series of tour dates to promote the album and its new singles, which included performing at the 2015 Rocklahoma music festival{{cite web |title=A Course of Action at Rocklahoma 2015 |url=http://www.teenviewmusic.com/interviews/ive-been-listening-to-slayer-since-i-was-younger-than-you-interview-with-a-course-of-action-at-rocklahoma-2015 |website=TeenView Music |publisher=Zoe Adler |access-date=25 August 2015}} and the 2015 Carolina Summer Craft Beer and Music Festival Tantric at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds on June 13, 2015.{{cite web |title=Event: Carolina Summer Craft Beer & Music Fest |url=http://wsfairgrounds.com/events-calendar/ |website=wsfairgrounds.com |publisher=Winston-Salem Fairgrounds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428120215/http://wsfairgrounds.com/events-calendar/ |access-date=28 April 2015|archive-date=28 April 2015 }}{{cite web |title=Tantric / Super Bob / A Light Divided / ALMOST KINGS / A Course Of Action Dixie Classic Fairgrounds - June 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.reverbnation.com/show/15563414 |website=ReverbNation |publisher=Bandsintown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250412234825/https://www.reverbnation.com/show/15563414 |access-date=13 June 2015|archive-date=12 April 2025 }}

A music video for "Beautiful" premiered on the band's official YouTube channel on August 14, 2015.{{cite web |title=Beautiful by A Course of Action (Official Music Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YPWLuLkijE |website=YouTube |publisher=ACOAction | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209052940/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YPWLuLkijE |access-date=14 August 2015| archive-date=9 February 2016 }}

Treason spawned three singles in total which were "107", "Beautiful", and "Who We Are" the ladder being the band's biggest hit.{{cite web |title=The Veer Union Heat Up Charlotte's Amos' Southend With A Course Of Action |url=https://crypticrock.com/the-veer-union-heat-up-amos-southend-charlotte-nc-3-10-16-w-bobaflex-artifas-bridge-to-grace/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJiB9lleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgrdpl3dXiIO14RJ3CjdqTPXPbGG7LTYtXorrnsJkyDod5Pq4HH4cqIHPaqJ_aem_eHAwD2GRptFgATqs3bYOeg |website=Cryptic Rock | date=22 March 2016 |publisher=Patricia Jones |access-date=22 March 2016}}

On April 27, 2016, it was announced lead guitarist and founding member Jonathan Byrd and bas player Wes Johnson would be leaving the band, opting to retire from the music industry or release solo material.{{cite web |title=Jonathan Bryd & Wes Johnson announce departure from A Course of Action |url=https://www.facebook.com/acourseofaction/posts/pfbid02pNcbUn5sCSv9SDeUqpdqMGDWcB2hHs2b3vNUo6qVqwx18XG5zEenxwobqVDx7R76l |website=Facebook |publisher=A Course of Action |access-date=27 April 2016}} However, in a Facebook post in the following hours and days after the announcement lead singer John Culberson and drummer J. T. Silvestri stated they will keep the band going and willbe searching for new bandmates. As of 2025 (9 years after the initial announcement) the band has been totally inactive and their social media pages has not been posted from since May 2016, indicating the band is on an indefinite hiatus.{{cite web |title=Singer John Culberson, Drummer JT Silvestri Announce They Will Continue 'A Course Of Action, Begin Search For New Guitarist And Bassist |url=https://www.facebook.com/acourseofaction/posts/pfbid02W2UHRywuAd9V7XurphN3V36Rckv6VsUnWkViA8H3bGYx8oErRjrfBNJiYhrqkpwxl |website=Facebook |publisher=John Culberson |access-date=9 May 2016}}{{cite web |title=Remaining A Course Of Action Members Post New Update About State Of Band |url=https://www.facebook.com/acourseofaction/posts/pfbid034ovoSddw1bjVnLZ9AnMzfmSP2oxoaqiQz8qchPALQDN6sDgBjGaic87ZiSYAxjSml |website=Facebook |publisher=A Course Of Action |access-date=19 May 2016}}

The band's sound blends elements of hard rock, post-grunge, and alternative rock. They are known for strong melodic hooks, harmonized guitars, and emotive lyrics. Influences include classic and modern rock acts such as Alice in Chains, Tool, Sevendust, and Alter Bridge.{{cite web |title=Album Liner Notes - Dark Before the Dawn by A Course of Action |url=https://cdbaby.com/cd/acourseofaction1 |website=cdbaby.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413145830/https://cdbaby.com/cd/acourseofaction1 |access-date=13 April 2015|archive-date=13 April 2015 }}

• John Culberson – lead singer, rhythm guitar (2003–2016){{cite web |title=A Course of Action Band Manager Sheree Bryd Describes Her Job |url=https://www.music2deal.com/us/EsG_5FuGUgHUAGfrhD7Cpl9yhUs_?locale=en |website=music2deal.com |publisher=Sheree Byrd Management |access-date=13 April 2025}}
• J. T. Silvestri – drums (2009–2016){{cite web |title=A Course Of Action "Who We Are" |url=https://muzicnotez.com/magazine/2013/10/a-course-of-action-who-we-are/?srsltid=AfmBOorXzsXeBauS0RRPuDSYMkMA3TL-P1kXxTCLC3bY4uxSt7iZVJ3n |website=MuzicNotez | date=7 October 2013 |publisher=MuzicNotez Staff |access-date=15 October 2013}}

• Jonathan Byrd – lead guitar (2000–2016){{cite web |title=Jonathan Byrd – Lead guitar and founding member of A Course Of Action & Copperhead |url=https://sromag.wordpress.com/tag/copperhead/ |website=SROmag |date=29 August 2013 |publisher=Nikki Savannah |access-date=29 August 2013}}
• Wes Johnson – bass guitar (2012–2016){{cite web |title=North Carolina Rocks With A Course Of Action |url=https://www.mtsmanagementgroup.com/2013/10/north-carolina-rocks-with-a-course-of-action/ |website=mtsmanagementgroup.com |publisher=MTS Management Group |access-date=12 April 2025}}
• Tony Hawkins – bass guitar (2000–2011){{cite web |title=A COURSE OF ACTION - Biography |url=https://rockunderground.tv/?page_id=2417 |website=RockUnderground.TV |publisher=We'RE nOT NoRMal |access-date=12 April 2025}}
• Greg Lucy - drums (2006–2009){{cite web |title=A Course Of Action: General Info |url=http://www.myspace.com/acourseofactionmusic |website=MySpace.com/ACourseofActionMusic |publisher=A Course Of Action |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131202356/http://www.myspace.com/acourseofactionmusic |access-date=31 January 2009|archive-date=31 January 2009 }}
• Okey Parsons - drums (2003–2006){{cite web |title=Hybrid (rock band) drummer "Okey Parsons" Release Credits |url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/15971328-Okey-Parsons |website=Discogs |publisher=Hybrid |access-date=13 April 2025}}

• Hybrid (2004){{cite web |title=Hybrid - Hybrid (2004) on Spotify |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/3xwwo76EkqDPKxUVS2HGXd |website=Spotify |publisher=Spire Records |access-date=12 April 2025}}

• Dark Before the Dawn (2011){{cite web |title=A Course Of Action: Dark Before The Dawn (2011) |url=https://www.iheart.com/artist/course-of-action-590080/albums/dark-before-the-dawn-14394707/ |website=iHeart |date=3 June 2011 |publisher=A Course Of Action |access-date=12 April 2025}}
• Treason (2015){{cite web |title=Treason, is officially scheduled to be released on 6/8/15 through a global distribution agreement with InGrooves, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group |url=http://acourseofaction.com/2015/05/08/ingrooves-releases-treason-june-8/ |website=acourseofaction.com |publisher=A Course Of Action |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318160056/http://acourseofaction.com/2015/05/08/ingrooves-releases-treason-june-8/ |access-date=8 May 2015|archive-date=18 March 2016 }}

• Now You See (2006){{cite web |title=Now You See -EP by Hybrid (Jan. 2006) |url=https://www.broadjam.com/albums/acourseofaction/hybrid |website=broadjam.com |publisher=Broadjam.com Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805034906/https://www.broadjam.com/albums/acourseofaction/hybrid |access-date=5 August 2021|archive-date=5 August 2021 }}

• Rocklahoma (2014){{cite web |title=A Course Of Action - Rocklahoma (2014) on Musicfy |url=https://musify.club/release/a-course-of-action-rocklahoma-2014-1160693 |website=Musicfy |publisher=INgrooves Music Group |access-date=12 April 2025}}

• "Move On" (2006){{cite web |title=A Course Of Action - Moving On (New Single November 2006) |url=https://airplaydirect.com/music/ACourseOfAction/ |website=Airplaydirect.com |publisher=airplaydirect.com Staff |access-date=12 April 2025}}
• "Never There" (2013){{cite web |title=A COURSE OF ACTION - NEVER THERE (SINGLE) |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/33682797-A-Course-Of-Action-Never-There |website=Discogs |date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Jon Bryd |access-date=22 June 2013}}
• "Beautiful" (2015){{cite web |title=A Course Of Action – Beautiful (Single) |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/33644889-A-Course-Of-Action-Beautiful |website=Discogs |date=17 April 2015 |publisher=Star 1 Records |access-date=13 April 2025}}
• "Who We Are" (2015){{cite web |title=A Course Of Action - Who We Are (CD Single) |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/33645183-A-Course-Of-Action-Who-We-Are |website=Discogs |date=13 June 2015 |publisher=theoryofahinderback |access-date=13 April 2025}}
• "107" (2016)"{{cite web |title=A Course Of Action: 107 -SIngle |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/33652851-A-Course-Of-Action-107 |website=Discogs.com |date=6 January 2016 |publisher=Star 1 Records |access-date=6 January 2016}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.facebook.com/acourseofaction A Course of Action on Facebook]

{{A Course of Action}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Course of Action}}

Category:Alternative rock groups from North Carolina

Category:American hard rock musical groups

Category:American post-grunge musical groups

Category:Musical groups established in 2000

Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2016