The Lumineers have announced that longtime cellist/vocalist Neyla Pekarek has officially left the band to pursue a solo career. Her debut solo album called "Rattlesnake" will be out in early 2019.
In a statement about this MAJOR change Neyla said: "They say when a snake sheds its skin, it is a sign of rebirth, transformation, and new beginnings. Eight years ago, I answered a Craigslist ad to be in a band. In those eight years, we were nominated for two Grammys, we met President Obama, and we saw just about every dark, dingy green room this big, beautiful planet has to offer. I am incredibly grateful for these experiences and opportunities, but it is time to shed my skin; it is time for a new adventure.”
The band's statement about her departure: "A band is like an organism - it grows, changes & evolves. These changes aren’t easy but are an unavoidable part of life. After writing, recording & touring the past eight years, Neyla has decided to leave the Lumineers to pursue her solo career. We wish her nothing but the best."
This one's definitely going to take some getting used to, but of course we're hoping for the best for both Neyla and The Lumineers and can't wait to see (and more importantly, hear) what's next.
Photo: Tricia Gdowik