Hiroshima, a band that helped define Asian American identity, will take a hiatus following the release of a new album. The band announced the sudden decision to no longer tour and no longer record together in a statement posted on January 10, 2019.
“So, because of our busy schedules we decided to take an indefinite break and to focus on our individual things to try our best to find our collective way in new music and life,” the statement reads. “For now we’ll be releasing new music in the near future. Please stay tuned. And we’ll keep you posted.”
The band did offer some explanations for the sudden end to their career. In an open letter about the band’s decision posted on Twitter, lead guitarist and vocalist Jeremy C. Baker wrote, “All good things must come to end. It was a good 4 years and we are grateful for the time that we were able to share with you. We’ve been learning and growing together and in many different ways. We hope we gave you some new ideas. We’ve been listening to each of you and we’re truly grateful for your patience. We are thankful for our time together and for the songs that we shared together. We are humbled by the fans that have supported us and we’re excited for the new things that we will continue to work on.”
Baker and his wife, Rachel, are parents to two children.
This is not the first time that the band has said goodbye to fans. In November, the band announced its fourth and latest album, The Human Factor, would be released on February 6. The band’s original album, titled Hiroshima, was released in 2013, following successful sold-out tours, including a headlining tour, a sold-out North America tour, and a U.S. arena tour.
“You’re already our home, but this is a place you can come back to, and always,” Baker wrote after announcing the album’s release. “But it’s not enough to live on. It’s not enough to be content here. You have many homes. Where does the real home lie? Does it lie in Hiroshima?”
“You’re already our home, but this is a place you can come back to, and always.”
In a 2015 interview on NPR’s