After a whopping 17 years at the forefront of iconic alternative rock band Death Cab For Cutie, lead guitarist and producer Chris Walla has announced his departure from the group. His exit comes after a decision to focus his creative energies towards other avenues. Walla formed the group alongside frontman Ben Gibbard and bassist Nick Harmer, who are now the only original members holding the fort. Together they produced seven albums, six EP’s and toured the world multiple times. Their blend of fragile alternative rock paved the way for what is now commonly known as ‘emo’, winning millions of fans worldwide through their melancholy songs that were often composed of lush instrumentation and unorthodox instruments.
With Walla [L} leaving the group, only two original members will remain. [Getty/Jason Kempin]
But with Walla clearly tiring of the band’s direction, where will Gibbard and Harmer go now? Despite Gibbard, who also fronts the cult indie-electro band The Postal Service with Jimmy Tamborello, acting as the group’s main songwriter, Walla’s contribution to the band cannot be overlooked. He has played an integral role in producing and engineering each of Death Cab’s albums as well as lending his production skills to records by Tegan & Sara, The Decemberists and Hot Hot Heat. With Walla absent, Death Cab will have to seek outside help for future efforts. But the group are currently sitting on a fully completed album that has yet to see release- produced in part by Walla, and which will also see the departing guitarist touring to support the release. To ease the band in to an existence without Walla’s guidance, Death Cab employed co-producer Rich Costey for outside input.
Continue reading: Chris Walla Leaves Death Cab For Cutie, Where Do They Go Now?
Zooey Deschanel and Jacob Pechenik at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards in August 2014.
