When I met the band in the summer of 2013, I was 29 years old. For many, that would be a little too old to commit yourself to sleeping on couches, sitting in a cramped van for 6 hours a day, and receiving very very little in the way of financial compensation. But I felt something when we all played, when we talked, and when we laughed. I knew these were my guys and this is something I should be a part of. I am so grateful that today, I don't have to talk about something that I passed up in order to pay some bills on time. I get to talk about what an absolute dream come true it has been for me to travel around with the boys, playing our music these last 7 years.

As I prepare for my next chapter in life, fatherhood, I think back on what we accomplished together and it really does feel like a dream. Knocking on Broadways door? Driving through the Canadian Rockies in February, playing a show in each new Province as we went? Did that actually happen? Did we actually fly from Toronto to New Orleans to play one song!? It didn't always make perfect sense, but so what? We were always happy to give it a try, and I'm so glad that I did. Writing songs and performing for you all has been the greatest pleasure of my life and I'll never forget it. I can't thank everyone enough for the support and encouragement over the years. You allowed me to play music for a living, which I realize is something so many musicians will never get to experience. I'm so proud of what we did and I hope everyone continues to support Parsonsfield in the future, as I surely will.

Rock on, keep in touch, thank you so so much

—Erik

I feel so lucky to have been in Parsonsfield for so many years. My entire adulthood thus far has been spent making music with these guys, and we've had countless incredible, weird and hilarious experiences that I never could have dreamed of. From getting an entire audience in Alberta to fist bump with me, to sleeping in a van with my feet in a backpack, we've been through quite a lot together. However, I need to be honest with myself and with all of you that my heart simply isn't in this band the way it was when I joined in 2012. Because of that, it's not fair to Chris, Antonio, or any Parsonsfield fans for me to stand on stage and not give it my all. It would only bring the band down and I have no doubt that Chris and Antonio will kick ass as the best version of this band yet. I look forward to drinking a beer with you all in the crowd and watching them, hopefully someday soon.

If you'd like to stay updated on my next music ventures and life in general, feel free to follow @max.shakun on instagram and Max Shakun on facebook.

—Max