Singer Avi Kaplan Says Goodbye To Pentatonix

A MESSAGE FROM AVI Hello everyone. If you haven’t yet watched the video then these words might come as a shock to you. If you have watched, know that this is exactly what I would have said in the video, if filming it wasn’t one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do. This morning, I announced that I will be taking a step back from PTX. I’ve struggled with this decision a lot. It has been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life. Before I explain why, I want you all to know that the past 6 years have been the most unbelievable years of my life. The things we’ve accomplished, the places we’ve seen, the people we’ve touched with our music… It surpasses anything that I could have ever dreamed up for my life. I believe one of the big reasons why we have been so successful and accomplished all that we have is because of the unbelievably fast pace that we keep. Throughout my journey with PTX, this pace has always been a struggle for me. It’s been hard for me not to be with my family and friends when I need them or when they need me. It’s been hard to not be able to escape into nature when I’m feeling overwhelmed or just need some time to myself. Through all of this, I’ve done my best and I’ve kept pushing myself to keep up. Really, the reason why I’ve been able to push so hard and for so long has been because of you guys. You all have inspired me and lifted me up every single day and, for that, I am eternally grateful. I do love you all so very much, but I’ve come to a point where I just can’t keep up anymore and I would never want to inhibit any type of success that we have because I truly do believe in everything that we’ve done and everything that they will do. I just know that I can no longer continue at this pace and so I have to do what’s best for the group and I have to do what’s best for me. I do want you all to know that I’m still going to be doing music and I’m going to be doing it with my whole heart. I will ALWAYS do my best to lift others up with my voice. I hope that you’ll all support my decision and that you can understand where I’m coming from. And regardless of anything, I just want to thank you for all that you’ve given to me. I have been so unbelievably blessed and humbled to be a part of all your lives in any way and I wanted you to hear this from me. From my voice. And from my heart. I love you all deeply and I thank you for everything. Truly. And just so you know, I will still be performing at all of our announced shows, so come say hi and give me a hug. I love hugs. Avi #PTXForever
Posted by Pentatonix on Friday, May 12, 2017

By Emily Surpless/May 12, 2017 1:49 pm EST

Everyone's favorite a cappella group will soon be short one member.

Pentatonix released a video on Facebook on May 12, 2017, revealing that member Avi Kaplan has decided to leave the group.

"This decision is something I've been struggling with a lot," Kaplan states in the recording, as he sits alongside his fellow bandmates. "It's been one of the toughest decisions I've had to make in my entire life. I've decided to take a step back from Pentatonix."

"Before I tell you guys why I'm doing this, I want you guys to know that these past six years have been the most unbelievable years of my life," the 28-year-old, tearing up, continues. "All the things we've accomplished, all the music we've made, and the people that we've touched with our music, it far surpasses anything I could have dreamed for my life."

Kaplan goes on to explain that the fast-paced nature of Pentatonix has been difficult for him, stating that it'd been hard on him not to see his loved ones due to his busy schedule. He adds that he also didn't want to slow down the rest of the group or inhibit their success in any way.

In the video's caption, the singer said, "I do want you all to know that I'm still going to be doing music and I'm going to be doing it with my whole heart. I will ALWAYS do my best to lift others up with my voice."

He also noted that he will still perform at all of the group's announced shows.

Kaplan already seems to have started on a new project, Avriel & the Sequoias. He released the music video for "Fields and Pier" in late April 2017. According to PopMatters, his debut EP, Sage and Stone, is scheduled for release on June 9, 2017.