Keyboardist Matt Bayles has left Minus The Bear. Bayles, who has been with the band since it's inception, has left due to his other career as a producer. The increasing demands of a touring band "forced him to make a decision" and Bayles will now focus on studio work full-time.

Matt's last album with the band was 2005's Menos El Oso.

The band is not stopping however, with plans later this month to join These Arms Are Snakes, the Blood Brothers, and The Crystal Skulls on January 28th for the Vera Project's 5-Year Anniversary Party at The Showbox in Seattle, WA. Besides the show, the band is planning to shoot a video for their new single, "Pachuca Sunrise" and will touring with Appleseed Cast and The Crystal Skulls in the lead up to their headlining slot on SXSW.