To the shock of local and worldwide fans, Emblem3 — the band with roots in Sequim — announced one of its members, Drew Chadwick, is embarking on a career as solo artist.

On their website on June 20, the band said they regret the news that, “Drew has decided to move forward in pursuit of his solo career and will no longer be with Emblem3 or joining us on The Fireside Story Sessions (the band’s current tour).”

Remaining founding members Wesley and Keaton Stromberg, also of Sequim, said they were sad to see Chadwick go but consider him a brother.

The band also announced news of a solo album by Chadwick and a special announcement through his social media this Friday, June 27.

“I love you and Wes/Keaton,” Chadwick wrote on Twitter. “Lets all stay united. Stay tuned in for June 27.”

On June 22, Chadwick wrote, “Excited to share new stuff … (It’s) about heart. I don’t care about being famous or rich with money. Just truthful with myself and the world.”

Emblem3’s current concerts will continue, the band said, including stops at the Oregon State Fair on Aug. 24 in Salem and Evergreen State Fair in Monroe on Aug. 25.

“We know many of you may be concerned about what this means for Emblem3, but I can assure you this is just the beginning,” Wesley Stromberg wrote on the band’s website. “Me and Keaton started this band when we were 9 and 11 years old and we will continue making music for our fans … And who knows, you may also start seeing some very familiar faces popping up.”

Emblem3 rose to national attention by placing fourth in 2012 on the show “The X-Factor.” They released their debut album “Nothing to Lose” last July and toured with pop icon Selena Gomez’s Stars Dance Tour on Nov. 12 in Key Arena in Seattle.

Emblem3 recently independently released “Songs from the Couch, Volume 1” digitally.

For more information on the band, visit facebook.com/EmblemThree and on Chadwick, visit twitter.com/truechadwick.