Ex-Evanescence guitarist quits music due to influence of AI
Former Evanescence guitarist Jen Majura has revealed that the impact of artificial intelligence in the music industry has led her to step back from her career.
In a short statement on Instagram, Majura revealed that “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.”
The musician worked on the 2017 album Synthesis and the critically acclaimed The Bitter Truth with Evanescence. In 2022, she stepped back from the band. At the time, she reiterated that the decision was out of her control, but wished the band luck in the years ahead.
In her new post, Majura addressed her fans, who should be familiar with her worries around the intermingling of Artificial Intelligence and music. She stated, “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 confidently lean back in peace.”
The guitarist reminisced about “beautiful experiences, tours, shows, travels and moments” that she remains grateful for, but “the world has changed.” She insisted, “I can confidently make up my mind to stop. 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 now days. I just can’t identify with today‘s attitude and values anymore.”
She then revealed four tracks written over a decade ago alongside guitarist Dennis Hormes, as a gift to fans. Addressing other artists grappling with the impossibility of Artificial Intelligence in an already overlooked and underfunded area, Majura wrote, “I wholeheartedly want to wish all the ambitious and remaining ‘creators’, young and old, all the best. With time, the meaning will become clearer.”
This announcement comes as hip-hop producer Timbaland has launched a new artificial intelligence entertainment company, Stage Zero, and announced the creation of a new AI artist. TaTa, the non-human artist, is the first of many personas launched by the company.
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