Nicholson leaves Balsam Range for solo career

The remaining four members of Balsam Range - fiddle and lead vocals, Buddy Melton; upright bass, resonator guitar, and vocals, Tim Surrett; guitar and vocals, Caleb Smith; and banjo, Marc Pruett – will carry on. Nicholson plays Americana and bluegrass music.

"If you'd asked any member of Balsam Range 15 years ago what the future of this band might be, the answers likely would have focused on simply making music and having fun. We certainly did not think we would become an award-winning band with a huge catalog of recorded music. We were simply five guys from Haywood County, N.C. sharing our mutual love of music. But 15-plus years later, we can lookback and say, what an incredible journey we've had - full of wonderful memories many laughs and special times that brought us closer."

"As with anything in life, change is inevitable," the group said in a statement. "As we come to this place where the roads diverge, we want everyone to know that Balsam Range supports Darren in his new direction, and we remain friends. We also want folks to know, the remaining four of us will continue to pick and sing together as Balsam Range. So, to Darren we say, 'We love you, brother' ... and to each of you, we say, "Thank you for being there!"

Nicholson said he was "very grateful for the last 15 years. Balsam Range has been a huge part of my personal and professional development, as well as a part of my family. What stands out in my mind are the recordings and the songs that seem to have impacted so many people. I feel blessed to have been a part of such influential music, but even with that, the most important takeaway is the incredible people I've been able to meet along the way. In bluegrass, you don't really have fans, but friends; whether it's industry people or folks who enjoy and support the music. These are the connections that motivate you to keep going. I'm really inspired by music and life in general right now."

"It's simply time to start a new chapter. I am looking forward to new releases, recordings and a slew of live performances already on the books for 2023. I just want to say a huge thank you to all who have supported the band and me over the years. I hope to see you all soon."

Nicholson will appear at the next four shows with Balsam Range – Nov. 11 inRocky Mount, N.C. and Dec. 1-3 at Lake Junaluska, N.C. for the Balsam Range Art Of Music Festival.

Balsam Range was the 2014 and 2018 IBMA Entertainer of the Year winner. Their other accolades include IBMA Vocal Group of the Year (2014, 2015), Song of the Year (2011, 2015) and Album of the Year (2013, 2017). The group has released 13 albums.