Earlier this year, VIAL unleashed their fifth album, Hellhound. Now, bandleader Taylor Kraemer is departing the Minneapolis-based punk outfit.
On Instagram, Kraemer shared a statement explaining that she "had to do what was right for me and my wellbeing" after seven and a half years in VIAL. However, she concluded, "I do not plan to stop making music, and will be in the studio very soon to record new tunes." Here's what she wrote in full:
Hey guys, Taylor here.
I've recently made the massive (and equally scary) decision to take a step back from VIAL. After 7.5 years as a founder of the band, co-lead vocalist, one of the lead songwriters, bassist, keytarist, social media manager, and wearer of many other hats, this comes as much of a shock to me as I'm sure it does to you. Ultimately, I had to do what was right for me and my wellbeing. I need to be spending more time focusing on my health, family, friends, cats, community, and, as of recent, obtaining my MBA.
I'm grateful to my bandmates for the years of great memories we spent on the road together. I sincerely cherish every second I spent getting to know each and every VIAL listener at our shows and at our merch booths, I wouldn't trade these moments for the world. I'm so glad I could write so many songs that touched so many lives and helped people find community and belonging.
I do not plan to stop making music, and will be in the studio very soon to record new tunes. If you'd like to follow along my journey, I'm on Instagram @taykrae and TikTok @Taylor.Kraemer
Love and kisses! Pisssssss
Taylor Kraemer