Grammy-winning worship collective Maverick City Music is losing two of its members. According to Billboard, Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine announced their exits from the group on Monday. Both artists shared statements on social media about their departures and what’s next for them.
Here’s more on Moore and Raine’s exits.
Moore reflects on ‘scary’ last two years leading up to his departure
In Moore’s statement, he opened up about the “scary” past few years and how they led him to his decision to leave the gospel group.
“These last two years I’ve been locked in on what really matters…in my life and my career,” he wrote on social media. “It’s been scary at times, but it’s also been full of fresh vision and real excitement about the future. With that, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to end my relationship with Maverick City Music. When we started Mav, I was grateful to have community and belonging while fulfilling my dream of making music that would help people experience God. And we did that…in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”
Moore explained that this transition “isn’t easy” and compared it to “saying goodbye to your own kid.” Though he said it’s difficult, the singer noted that he’s excited for what’s to come.
“The dream hasn’t changed. I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone,” he wrote.
In 2020, Moore released his solo project Feelings. He followed it up with Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles, which released last year.
Raine said that God is calling her to pursue music ‘individually’
Raine wrote on social media that she came to the decision to leave Maverick City Music “after a lot of prayer and consideration.”
“Being a part of Mav truly changed my life! What started as a group of folks singing in a shed has turned into something I could’ve never even imagined! … And now I believe God has given me the green light to step into what He’s calling me to do individually. Still writing. Still singing. Still worshipping and leading others in worship – just on my own. … This isn’t really an ending, but a new beginning. A new chapter. I’m excited about the music, the ministry, and the purpose ahead. God’s not done yet,” she wrote.
According to Parade, Brandon Lake, a former member of Maverick City Music, commented on the post: “Gosh reading this just brought back so many memories and filled my eyes with tears. Love you so much. Miss you tons!”
Raine has released several solo projects, including the two-part project Back to Eden, The Journey in 2022 and more recently Jesus Over Everything (Live in Las Vegas).
Founded in 2018, Maverick City Music is best known for gospel hits like “Promises” and “Jireh,” Billboard reported. Their albums Old Church Basement (with Elevation Worship), which was released in 2021, and The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol. 2, which dropped in 2022, earned the top spot on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums and Top Gospel Albums charts.