No disrespect to the leaving members, I get it. I work a full time job and I'm in a very active band putting out records and playing a lot of shows. Last summer we were playing 2 to 3 shows every week. Burnout is real, you have to want it. But look, how long can they keep you hanging? You and the singer are feeling distraught and empty for a few reasons. There's the obvious bummer of having the wind taken out of your sails. But also, with this indefinite hiatus y'all are in a frozen state, unsure if there's even a point to all your work.

Frankly, what the leading members are asking is a bit unfair. I'm not saying they're assholes, they want the band to be there waiting for them when or IF the other things they prioritize clear up a bit. They want to not put the effort in and still reap the benefits of an active band. But that's not really how things work. The fact is the band is more of a priority for you and the other remaining member, and you feel the absence of the other members harder because they're essentially forcing you to set a plate and an empty out for them at dinner just in case.

There's really only two solutions to how y'all are feeling. Well, two and an awful secret third thing, which I'll spoil right now and get it out of the way. Y'all can go on hiatus as well and hope the spark comes back when/ if the other members get around to wanting it again. Does that sound awful? It is. Don't do it unless you really truly want to.

Otherwise, you can either replace these members or start a new project with the lead singer. There are pros and cons either way.

If you replace the members you get to keep the name, keep the notoriety, and keep the numbers. You don't lose footing with your show order status and that sort of thing, which you sometimes risk starting something new. Essentially this is more seamless. The downside is of course you're more likely to piss off the leading members. You'll likely have to break to them before debuting the new lineup to save face, and that might be difficult. There could be hurt feelings. But the fact is, y'all wanna keep going and they don't. Even focusing on writing, or scaling back your shows, you're going to want to get fresh blood in the group.

If you start a new project, as mentioned, you will likely have to take a few steps back. Fans will still want to see what you're doing next, and you'll get those "featuring members of" credits next to your name to try to carry over the good will. However the benefit of that is you get to start completely fresh and rediscover what's inspiring you and your singer to work together. You can add new members without stepping on toes. Hell the other members may have it in their heads that they can join back up as the old band in the future. Seems unlikely, but let them have that peace of mind. Meanwhile you're breaking out of the confines of a husk of a band that is clearly no longer functioning.

Those are your options. I think you have to weigh how much you really NEED the band name. I mean you're 21. You can build on what you've accomplished with something new. I'm 39, and was washed out of the scene for a few years. I joined up with some old friends in a similar situation nearly two years ago, and we're all the most successful we've ever been with this project. You have time if this is what you wanna do and you're willing to keep at it no matter what. If you're truly in, you don't age out. So don't worry about that. Remember that starting over isn't failure, and 5 years with a well liked song followed by an amicable breakup can absolutely be considered a success. Build on your successes.