American popsters Sixpence None The Richer call it a day.

NASHVILLE alt pop team Sixpence None The Richer have decided to call it a day.
Lead singer Leigh Nash and guitarist/principal songwriter Matt Slocum made the announcement in the March issue of CCM magazine. "We write to say that after much soul-searching, we have decided to no longer continue as the band Sixpence None The Richer. After 10 years of music, we are closing up shop and moving on. We have enjoyed being a part of your lives." Anticipating questions of "what's next," Nash and Slocum wrote, "Well, there's not really a definitive answer to that question. I, Leigh, have become a mother and plan to focus on family life for a while. I, Matt, am taking some time to travel the world and may go back to school."

Barry Landis, president of Word Label Group, talked about Sixpence's global impact.
"Sixpence, both as a band and as individuals, are very special to us," Landis told Christian Music Today. "They've been at the forefront of influencing pop culture and have inspired millions of fans worldwide." Landis also seemed to leave the door open for a possible Sixpence return when he said, "I can't picture a music environment without some contribution, either individually or collectively, from them. We look forward to seeing what lies down the road for Leigh and Matt as they continue to impact lives and art around them."

Word Records are to release a new Sixpence None The Richer CD of songs that didn't make it on to the group's last release, 'Divine Discontent', which Christian Music Today named the Best Album Of 2002. The new CD, due in late 2004, according to a Word spokesman, will also include songs from different compilations Sixpence has appeared on.