Otep Shamaya may have retired from music in 2024, but the former Otep vocalist isn’t done creating.
Shamaya has revealed that she is currently working on new music, though the material will take her in a direction that differs from the nü-metal style that made her known to fans around the world.
In a social media post shared on August 9, Shamaya addressed the growing number of people asking whether she had started making music again. Her answer was an emphatic yes, while also making clear that she has no intention of simply recreating her previous work.
She wrote: “hi. many are asking if I’m making new music. YES. I am. Not in the old genre. But same message, mood, atmosphere. I’m proud of all my albums & everything I contributed to that space. But it’s changed, I’ve changed and new creative terrain was necessary for my creative engine & my sanity. The new music explores my recent battles with mental & emotional health, growing up Queer, fighting for equity & equality & the ghouls who want to destroy us, being a fighter, a survivor & living authentically.
“Some will hate it, they want the girl who goes grrrr, others will love it, but I have to stay true to my self. My words have always mattered most to me & that’s my focus now. Centering the message, the lyrics, the meaning ? I have one demo near completion. I was thinking of releasing it but I dunno, needs some minor changes to the mix, etc. But my ppl are telling to wait. It’s hard bcz I’m just really excited. No clue where my passions will take me except I know it will be armored with joy Love & respect to all xx #otep xx”
The revelation comes after Shamaya appeared to have closed the door on her musical career.
Back in 2024, the singer began selling off her extensive collection of music and stage equipment. Among the items she listed were autographed guitars from tours and recording studios, a drum kit, stage lighting, smoke machines and stage monitors.
Fans quickly wondered whether the equipment sale signaled the end of her career. Shamaya eventually confirmed their suspicions, responding to those questions with a definitive statement: “Yes, I’m retiring. For real. For good. My reasons will be given before year’s end. Thank u to my real ones”.
Shamaya has not revealed the specific genre of her upcoming material, but she has explained that the new songs will continue to carry the same sense of purpose and atmosphere that characterized her previous work.
