Kelcey Ayer, co-founder of Local Natives, has left the band to explore solo ventures

Ayer is the first member to leave the band since bassist Andy Hamm left in 2011. In their joint statements, both Local Natives and Ayer were amicable, and said that he will be joining them on the road in support of their companion studio albums,Time Will Wait For No One, But I’ll Wait For You.

"A big theme of Time Will Wait For No One, But I’ll Wait For You is being there for one another, and part of that is accepting change... We started making music together when we were teenagers, our bond is so much deeper than just bandmates; we have a true family love between us. While we’re of course sad to see our very talented and wonderfully weird friend go, we’re supportive of his decision to step away from Local Natives to focus on other projects. We’re excited to see what lies ahead for Kelc and wish him nothing but the best.

Endings are also new beginnings. For the four of us, this next chapter gives us a chance to reimagine what it means to make music together, and ultimately has deepened our commitment to Local Natives. Any impasse or threshold in life can feel like you’re on shaky ground, but it can also be a creatively generative time. We’re working on new music, we’re psyched about the future of LN, and can’t wait to share the next chapter when the time comes."

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In his own statement, Ayer, who released a solo album seven years ago under the moniker Jaws of Love said: "Feels pretty surreal to be saying this to you all, but after 20 years of playing with these guys, I’ve decided to leave Local Natives. This isn’t a decision that I’ve come to lightly. I’ve spent more time with this band than I’ve been alive without it. People ask me all the time what it’s like, and I have to pause and gather myself for the extensive list: we’re creative collaborators, business partners, live performers, sometimes arch-rivals, most-of-the-time giggly teenagers, and despite not being blood-related, it’s felt as close to a family as I think you can get."

Adding that he may be the band's John Frusciante, he continued: "They are above all else my brothers. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys. The highest highs and lowest lows, all dealt with compassion, camaraderie, awe-inspiring talent, humility, character, joy, and steadfast loyalty. I’d kiss them if I was more sexually attracted to them and my wife would allow it. I don’t think the Eagles can say that. You have a lot to learn, Eagles."