Seth James to Leave The Departed

seth-jamesSinger, songwriter, and guitarist Seth James has announced today that he has decided to leave The Departed, a band he helped form with former members of Cross Canadian Ragweed Cody Canada and Jeremy Plato. He will continue to play with the band until his final show at the legendary Texas venue Gruene Hall on November 23rd. James is/was considered the co-frontman of The Departed, swapping the lead singing and songwriting for the band with Cody Canada.

“After three years of great times and great music, I have decided to take a step down as a band member of the Departed,” James told his fans. “It has been an unbelievable ride and I am so grateful for the support and love along the way. My last show will be November 23 at Gruene Hall. I look forward to supporting these guys alongside you as they continue down the road.”

Seth James was a noted performer before he joined The Departed, releasing a solo album in September of 2009 called That Kind Of Man. The Departed was originally known as Cody Canada and the Departed and was formed after the breakup of Cross Canadian Ragweed in September of 2010. Cody Canada formed the new band with Seth, Jeremy Plato, keyboard player Steve Littleton, and Drummer Dave Bowen, who would later be replaced by Chris Doege.

Cody Canada and the Departed put out This Is Indian Land in June of 2011—an album of all covers from Oklahoma songwriters. On November 13th, 2012, The Departed released their first album of original material called Adventüs that included numerous songs written and primarily sung by Seth James. The album marked a departure from the bands country influences for a more rock sound. Both Departed albums charted in the top 20 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart, and the band is considered one of the premier acts in the Texas/Red Dirt scene.

“Please know that the love and admiration that we all have for one other continues,” The Departed posted on their Facebook page in respond to Seth’s announcement.  “As for the Departed…we will continue on with ‘Some Old, Some New and Maybe A Cover Or Two’. No one will be standing in Seth’s place, but The Departed will be coming to your town soon as a full force, rocking 4 piece. Old songs, current songs and new songs will be in the set each night.”

“No one will be standing in Seth’s place,” says Cody Canada. “There is no need to try to replace one of the best guitar players ever.” Canada also says that after Seth’s departure, the band will include more songs from Cross Canadian Ragweed. Canada is set to release an acoustic album called Some Old, Some New, Maybe A Cover Or Two recorded at Third Coast Music in Port Aransas, TX in late November.

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