Curtis Rempel, of the brotherly duo High Valley, announced he is leaving the group to pursue a new business venture with his wife, Myranda. In an announcement posted to social media on Friday, June 11, Curtis, along with his band member and brother, Brad Rempel, shared their own statements about his exit.
In his statement, Curtis wrote about dreaming of being in his older brother’s band as a child and cited the things he experienced as a member of the duo, such as playing the Grand Ole Opry and touring internationally. He went on to explain that, during quarantine, he and his wife discussed taking a step away from the music industry and pursuing a different passion. This led to the opening of their new business, Curt + Myr Co., which sells handcrafted furniture, home goods and leather products such as wallets and belts.
“On the road and touring with High Valley is the only life I’ve ever known since I was 15 years old,” wrote Curtis. “It has always been my older brother Brad’s passion, and during quarantine my wife and I have had some amazing time to discuss our own passions, dreams, and goals. We began to think of things we could start from the ground up and build together.”
Rempel also added that he and his wife have moved back to their hometown of Alberta, Canada to begin their new exciting venutre. He then went on to thank his team, their fans, and Brad, and stressed that Brad will continue on with the band as they make new music.
“I look forward to seeing where Brad and the rest of the band take High Valley in the next few years as they continue touring and recording new music,” he wrote. “I wish them all the best and hope that they always wear my handcrafted belts on stage!”
In the same post, Brad Rempel wrote his own statement concerning the exit of his brother, Curtis. He expressed gratitude for the experiences he shared with his brother and supported Curtis in his new venture.
“Our mantra has always been ‘faith, family, and country music.’ And so I fully support any member of our band who wants to step out in faith and do what they know is best for their family,” wrote Brad. “I wish Curtis nothing but the best, and I promise to keep at least one extra mandolin on the bus next time we’re in Alberta… just in case he feels like joining us on stage.”
High Valley signed as a major-label country act in 2015 and saw radio success in the US and Canada with songs such as “Make You Mine,” “She’s with Me,” “Grew Up On That,” and others.