Northlane Vocalist Explains ‘Life Changing Decision’ To Quit Band

17 September 2014 | 9:41 am | Staff Writer

Vocal exhaustion played a part

Adrian Fitipaldes fronting Northlane. Pic by Caleb Manintyre

Adrian Fitipaldes fronting Northlane. Pic by Caleb Manintyre

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Former Northlane vocalist Adrian Fitipaldes has explained that vocal exhausted was behind his shock decision to quit the band.

The Sydney post hardcore band shocked their legion of fans over the weekend with the news that Fitipaldes was leaving at a time where the world appears to be at their feet. Amid the search for a new vocalist (the band have been inundated with submissions), the departing singer has issued a statement on his “life changing decision”.

“Long story short, for the majority of my career in Northlane I had been experiencing severe vocal issues,” he said. “My voice had fully blown out more times than I could count and overtime has reduced my vocal endurance to the point where any screaming at all takes a toll on my voice.

“With the busy touring schedule Northlane has it became increasingly difficult to manage the situation and started becoming a real source of stress physically and mentally for myself. Sadly it got to a point where I wasn't able to enjoy the dream we had worked so hard to realise.”

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Reflecting on his time in the band he said, “I am thankful for all the wonderful and crazy experiences we shared together on the road. Being in Northlane directly influenced the person I am today and I am proud of who I've become. These past years have been crucial in the development and transition from my teenage life into adulthood.

“I am and will continue to keep active creatively, I will be releasing more of my poetry, photography and possibly my own music in the near future as well. Though above all my own happiness and well being is my main focus at the moment.”

During his time with the band Northlane had shot from Sydney favourites to one of the country's biggest rock bands, debuting at three on the ARIA Albums Chart with Singularity. Earlier this year they completed their own mini-festival Free Your Mind and a deal between their label UNFD and US-based Rise Records has opened up new opportunities for their promising US career.

Meanwhile, submissions to become the band’s new vocalist are open for the next fortnight and in their words – “if you're thinking of submitting, make sure you take your time and send us the best demo you possibly can!”

To apply you need to record vocals over either Quantum Flux or Dream Awake, taken from their instrumental deluxe edition o their latest record Singularity, and email a video and recording of yourself performing to nlsubmissions@weareunified.com. Full details here.

Read Fitipaldes’ full statement below:

I understand that the news of my departure from Northlane is a huge shock to everyone, so naturally I wanted to briefly explain why I decided to make this life changing decision.Long story short, for the majority of my career in Northlane I had been experiencing severe vocal issues.

My voice had fully blown out more times than I could count and overtime has reduced my vocal endurance to the point where any screaming at all takes a toll on my voice. With the busy touring schedule Northlane has it became increasingly difficult to manage the situation and started becoming a real source of stress physically and mentally for myself. Sadly it got to a point where I wasn't able to enjoy the dream we had worked so hard to realize. 

When I look back on my years in Northlane I am thankful for all the wonderful and crazy experiences we shared together on the road. Being in Northlane directly influenced the person I am today and I am proud of who I've become. These past years have been crucial in the development and transition from my teenage life into adulthood. 

I am and will continue to keep active creatively, I will be releasing more of my poetry, photography and possibly my own music in the near future as well. Though above all my own happiness and well being is my main focus at the moment.

Northlane will continue as a band without me and I have no doubt they will continue to achieve even greater feats of creativity and songwriting. I wish my brothers all the best in their future endeavors. This isn't the end but rather a new beginning for everyone.

I want to thank the band, my family and friends, everyone at UNFD, everyone who I was able to meet during my travels, including all the supporters who made it out to the shows to help me shout out the lyrics and move to the music. I'm eternally thankful for all of you. Your love and support was and has always been a continuing source of inspiration.

This isn't goodbye, rather I'll see you all later. Follow your heart, chase your dreams and do what's makes you happy, life is too short to live any other way.

Peace and love for all.

- Adrian Fitipaldes