(CelebrityAccess) The Lumineers’ Neyla Pekarek has reportedly exited the band and has launched her solo career with a concept album.

Pekarek, who played cello in the band, has an album coming out inspired by Rattlesnake Kate, born Katherine McHale, who killed 140 rattlesnakes protecting her infant son in the home state of the Lumineers, Colorado. Pekarek spoke of McHale as a feminist icon in an interview this summer; the album is expected to arrive on S-Curve next year.

“They say when a snake sheds its skin, it is a sign of rebirth, transformation, and new beginnings,” Pekarek said in a statement. “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.”

“Every band is like an organism – it continually grows, changes & evolves,” added the Lumineers. “These changes aren’t always easy but are an unavoidable part of life. After writing, recording and touring the world together for the past eight years, Neyla has made the decision to leave the Lumineers in order to pursue her solo career. We wish her nothing but the best going forward.”

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