2 Founders of Grammy-Winning Music Act Announce Exits

Maverick City Music has been a big name in Christian gospel music for years. The group started small but grew fast, winning many awards and touching hearts with their songs. Recently, two key members, Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore, said they are leaving. This news came out on October 6, 2025. Both shared their thoughts on social media.

Via Yahoo 

Naomi talked about how the group changed her life and how she is ready for new things. Chandler called it bittersweet but said he is excited for what comes next. Their exits mark the end of one chapter but the start of others. Fans are sad but supportive. 

History of Maverick City Music

Maverick City Music began in 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay started it as a way to bring worship leaders together. They wanted to make music that felt real and connected people to God. At first, they recorded live worship sessions. These were simple gatherings where artists sang and played freely. The group did not follow strict rules like many bands. Instead, they focused on community and honest expression.

Via Wikipedia

Their first big release was Maverick City Vol. 1 in 2019. It got attention for its fresh sound. Soon, they put out Vol. 2 and then Vol. 3 in two parts. These albums mixed gospel, worship, and modern styles. Songs like “Promises” and “Jireh” became hits. “Jireh” talks about God providing, and it resonated with many listeners. The group worked with other artists, too, like Elevation Worship on Old Church Basement in 2021. That album topped charts for Christian and gospel music.

Over time, they released more projects. Kingdom Book One came out in 2022, followed by a deluxe version. They also did The Maverick Way and its complete volumes. In total, they have 11 live albums, seven extended plays, and many singles. Their music often comes from live events, capturing raw energy. This approach helped them stand out in the industry.

Via AZCentral

The group won their first Grammy in 2022 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album with Old Church Basement. The next year, they got more wins. Breathe won for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Kingdom Book One Deluxe took Best Gospel Album. Songs like “Fear Is Not My Future” and “Kingdom” also earned awards. These honors showed their impact on music. 

Key Members and Their Roles

Maverick City Music is a collective, meaning many people join for different projects. But some faces became well-known. Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore were founding members. They helped shape the sound from the start. Naomi brought strong vocals and songwriting skills. She often led worship with passion. Chandler added his voice, piano, and guitar. He wrote songs that felt personal and deep.

Via YouTube Music

Other members included Brandon Lake, who left earlier. He commented on Naomi’s post, sharing memories. The group also featured artists like Dante Bowe and Aaron Moses. Each person added their style, making the music diverse. 

Founders Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay guided the vision. They wanted a space where creatives could belong and make music for God. The collective’s setup allowed flexibility. Members could do solo work while being part of the group. This helped them grow. But it also meant changes could happen, like these exits.

Via Christianity Today

Naomi Raine’s Background

Naomi Raine was born on April 9, 1987, in New York. Her full name is Naomi Raine Solomon. She grew up in a family that loved music and faith. Her parents, Lawrence and Marissa Felder, taught her to spread the gospel through song. At just two years old, Naomi sang in her first concert. 

By seven, she wrote her first song. Music came naturally to her. She pursued singing and worship leading. Naomi became known for her powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Before Maverick City, she worked on her own music. She released projects that showed her talent. 

Via Forbes

Her style mixes gospel with soulful elements. She aims to lead others in worship and share God’s love. Naomi is married and has a family. She balances her career with her personal life. Her faith guides her choices. She often talks about learning from life’s ups and downs.

Naomi Raine’s Contributions to Maverick City

In Maverick City Music, Naomi shone as a vocalist and writer. She helped create songs that became anthems. For example, she featured on “Jireh” and “Promises.” Her voice added emotion and strength. Fans loved her energy in live performances. She co-wrote tracks that touched on themes like trust and healing.

Via Lead Worship Well

Naomi’s presence helped the group appeal to women and diverse crowds. She brought joy and authenticity to sessions. Her work helped win those Grammys. Without her, some albums might not have felt the same. Naomi reflected on the journey starting in a shed. They sang their way to awards. She said it changed her life forever. The highs and lows taught her about God, people, and herself.

Naomi Raine’s Solo Career

Even while in the group, Naomi built her solo path. She released Back to Eden in two parts. Then came The Journey in 2022. This album explored faith, identity, and mental health. It was personal and honest. More recently, she put out Jesus Over Everything, live from Las Vegas. These projects show her growth as an artist. 

Via Daily Sun

She writes and sings about real struggles and victories. Her music helps people feel connected to God. Naomi plans to keep writing, singing, and leading worship on her own. She sees this as a new chapter. God gave her the go-ahead to step out individually. Naomi decided to leave after much prayer and thought. She believes God is calling her to pursue music alone. It is not an end, but a beginning. 

Chandler Moore’s Background

Chandler David Moore was born on March 21, 1995, in Charleston, South Carolina. He grew up in a church led by his father. This sparked his love for music and worship. Chandler plays piano and guitar. He sings with a style that blends gospel and modern sounds.

Via Relevant Magazine

He started as a background vocalist for Travis Greene. This gave him experience in the industry. Chandler is known as a modern-day King David for his heartfelt worship. He travels to lead sessions and share his gift. Chandler is married and values family. His faith shapes his life and music. He talks about being real and vulnerable in songs.

Chandler Moore’s Contributions

Chandler poured his heart into Maverick City. He co-wrote and sang on key tracks. “Jireh” features his voice prominently. He brought energy with his instruments, too. His style helped the group reach younger audiences. Chandler’s lyrics often focus on feeling human and understood. 

Via Peer Magazine

He compared leaving to saying goodbye to a child. That shows how much he invested. Chandler helped win awards and build the collective’s name. His presence made sessions powerful and moving.

Chandler Moore’s Solo Career

Chandler released Feelings in 2020 as a solo project. It showed his personal side. Then came Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles last year. These works highlight his talent outside the group. He plans to keep making music that helps people. His dream stays the same: share stories and connect with listeners. Chandler is ready for this next phase.

Via Praizemusic

The last two years were scary for Chandler. He focused on what matters in life and career. This led to his bittersweet choice to leave. He felt grateful for the community in Maverick City. They made music that helped people experience God. But now, he steps into a fresh vision. The transition is hard, but exciting.

Fan Reactions

Fans shared mixed feelings online. Many sent well-wishes. One fan told Chandler they love his voice no matter what. They wished him happiness and faith. Brandon Lake, a former member, commented on Naomi’s post. He said it brought tears and memories. He misses her. On social media, people posted about the news. 

Via Billboard

Some were shocked, others were supportive. They believe God has plans for everyone. The exits sparked talks about the group’s future. Losing two founders changes things. Naomi and Chandler were core voices. Their absence might shift the sound. But the collective has many artists. They can bring in new ones. The group faced challenges before, like other exits. Yet, they kept releasing music. 

Future Prospects for the Group

Maverick City might focus on new collaborations. They have a strong catalog to build on. Upcoming projects could feature different members. The founders’ vision of community stays. They can adapt and grow. With past success, they have a solid base.

Via CCM Magazine

Naomi looks forward to solo ministry. She will write and lead worship independently. Her excitement shows promise. Chandler aims to share his story through music. He wants to help people feel less alone. Both will likely release more work soon. Their time in the group prepared them. Fans will follow their journeys.

Discover Why 2 Founders Left the Grammy-Winning Group

Maverick City changed worship music. They made it inclusive and real. Naomi and Chandler helped with that. Their exits show artists can grow personally. The collective inspired many. Young worship leaders look up to them. This shift might encourage others to pursue individual paths.

Via Yahoo

Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore’s exits from Maverick City Music mark a big moment. The group started humbly and achieved much. Their music touched lives and won awards. Now, as they move on, new doors open. Fans cherish the memories and look ahead. God’s plans unfold in unexpected ways. The story continues for all involved.