Jen Majura, previously the guitarist for Evanescence, has revealed her decision to “step away” from the music industry. Her move comes from a desire to prioritize personal well-being and engage in “healthier and better things” in her life.
On Tuesday, June 10, Majura shared her reflections on social media, detailing the reasons behind her choice. “Dear friends, I’m gonna make this as brief as I can: After careful consideration, observing what’s going on in the music industry, AI related developments and change in society I’ve come to the conclusion to step away,” she wrote.
She explained that this decision has been a long time coming. “Some of you have heard me talk about this quite a while ago. Instead of wasting another year of my life constantly hoping for new energy, drive and creativity, I’ve reached a point in my life where I can confidentially lean back in peace.”
While expressing profound gratitude for her career, which included “an amazing amount of beautiful experiences, tours, shows, travels and moments,” Majura indicated a fundamental shift in her perspective. “I am grateful for every bit of that, but the world has changed. I can confidently make up my mind to stop.” She clarified that this might not be a permanent exit from music, but for now, her focus is elsewhere. “I am not saying that I will never create any music again, whether recorded or live — but for now I feel there are healthier and better things to fill my life with good vibes and not deal with the overwhelming amount of ridiculousness that comes with the music industry nowadays. I just can’t identify with today’s attitude and values anymore.”
Majura offered encouragement to her peers, extending her best wishes to “all the ambitious and remaining ‘creators’, young and old.” To her dedicated fanbase, she conveyed heartfelt appreciation: “To you, the fans, I wanna give you a giant virtual hug and say THANK THANK YOU for all your support, love and faith throughout these years of me being an active touring musician, I am grateful.” As a parting musical gesture, she announced the release of four previously unshared demo tracks, collaborations with guitarist Dennis Hormes from over a decade ago, which she rediscovered and felt “are too good to not be shared.”
Majura‘s departure from Evanescence was publicly announced in May 2022. At the time, Evanescence issued a statement: “It has been a very special chapter in the band with our dear friend Jen Majura, but we have decided it’s time to go our separate ways. We will always love her and support her, and can’t wait to see what she does next! We are so grateful for the good times and great music we made all around the world together.”
Prior to this recent announcement, Majura released two solo albums, Jen Majura in 2014 and InZENity in 2017. Following her departure, Evanescence‘s current lineup, featuring Emma Anzai of Sick Puppies on bass and Evanescence’s longtime bassist Tim McCord on guitar, made its live debut in June 2022 in Athens, Greece.
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