Where Is Former Pentatonix Member Avi Kaplan Now?
Pentatonix ex-member Avi Kaplan decided to leave the group in May to pursue a solo career in music.
Since his departure, the 28-year-old former bassist has already released his own EP, “Sage and Stone” and has dropped his first single with his new solo outfit, Avriel & the Sequoias. While speaking with People, Kaplan shared what it was like leaving the group that helped him rise to fame for the past six years and the worries that his fans won’t accept his new music.
Read: Pentatonix member Avi Kaplan leaves group ahead of tour
“It’s been amazing. Leaving the group and putting out a new EP, I prepared myself for the worst – people either really mad at me for leaving, or really weirded out that I was doing something totally different from what I was doing before. But with the fan base that we have, they really do know who we are as individuals, and I think that’s why they’re such diehard fans. They really know me and where my heart’s at. So when my solo music came out, the most popular opinion was that it really felt like me,” he said.
Kaplan first announced his departure from Pentatonix via a video that they posted on their social media accounts. At the time, Kaplan was joined by all of the other members of Pentatonix, which meant that they already knew about his decision prior to his announcement. “Obviously it’s a big life change, but it’s something that I know was the right decision for me and for the group,” he said.
The singer, who recently recorded his own version of Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” also admitted to suffering from anxiety. This is one of the reasons why he felt the need to write his own music so he could use it as his “drug.” “It’s a huge part of my life and being able to make music that can help people with their anxiety is a huge thing for me. And being honest about it is also really huge because when you’re growing up with anxiety you feel a little crazy,” he said.
Pentatonix released a total of 11 albums throughout their six-year career and still counting.
Avi Kaplan was a member of Pentatonix for six years before deciding to leave in May. Pictured: Pentatonix attend The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on Feb. 15, 2016 in Los Angeles. Photo: Getty Images/Jason Merritt
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