Former Lumineers Member’s New Solo Work Is About Greeley

The Lumineers announced last week that member Neyla Pekarek was leaving the group to focus on her solo career, and an album inspired by Greeley. 

Prior to joining The Lumineers eight years ago, Pekarek, a cellist, graduated from University of Northern Colorado in Greeley with a degree in Music Education. It's evident that her time in Northern Colorado was influential, as she exits the Grammy-nominated folk rock group to to focus on her debut album inspired by Greeley historic icon, Rattlesnake Kate.

'Pekarek’s debut solo album will be a concept album focusing on the untold tale of Rattlesnake Kate, a legendary hero of the Wild West hailing from Greeley. ' - 303 Magazine

One year ago, while off the road with The Lumineers, she played a few shows with her solo Rattlesnake material, writing on her Facebook page, '12 years ago, I came across the tale of 'Rattlesnake Kate,' a Colorado pioneer woman who was infamous for her DEATH DEFYING encounter with a RATTLESNAKE ATTACK, in which she killed 140 snakes and made a flapper style dress from their skins. I’m delighted to announce I’ll be playing some songs I wrote inspired by her life, in her hometown (and my alma mater) Greeley, CO ...'

You can read more about Pekarek's new album here.