News

Cellist Alexandra Lawn Leaves Ra Ra Riot

2:20 p.m. · February 10, 2012 · by Andrew Martin

After six years as a founding member of Syracuse, N.Y.'s Ra Ra Riot, cellist Alexandra Lawn has decided to leave the band. She took to their Tumblr account to break the news with the following statement:

While this is not a ‘goodbye’, the time has come for me to leave Ra Ra Riot.

Thank you for the wonderful 6 years— so many beautiful places visited, with incredible fans & close friends made along the way.  I will carry on what I have learned from each and every one of you in future endeavors, whether it be music, becoming a pilot, or the next Iron Chef.

Playing music with Rebecca, Milo, Wes, Mathieu, John, Kenny, Gabriel, and Cameron has provided some very special opportunities in my life, alongside all the talented and amazing bands that have shared the stage with us throughout. I have learned so much from all of you, and most importantly, you have have taught me to strive every day to be a better musician and songwriter.

much love,

Alexandra Lawn

So does this mean we'll be seeing her as a participant on Food Network's The Next Iron Chef? Or is she just busting our balls? Probably the latter. But getting back to business, guitarist Milo Bonacci and the rest of the band responded to her departure. Their statement is far longer than Lawn's, so I've provided some snippets of it below while the rest is here.

Allie’s decision to leave the band reflects a true sense of self-awareness and is a testament to her continuous quest for contentment. Taking active control over your destiny is a sign of strength, and I am happy for Allie that she is pursuing whatever it is that she is looking for.

It was by chance that Allie and I ended up in a band making music together. Unknowingly at the time, we’d come to effectively alter the course of each other’s lives in countless ways. I feel very fortunate that we got to play music together in the first place and I consider myself lucky that we have spent the better part of the last six years doing so. For that, I am grateful.