"Evanescence's former guitarist, Jen Majura, bids adieu to the music scene, attributing her departure to advancements in Artificial Intelligence"
Metal Icon Jen Majura Bids Farewell to Music Industry Amidst AI and Society Changes
Jen Majura, the ex-Evanescence guitarist and renowned metal shredder, has announced her departure from the music industry. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she cites the evolving landscape of music fueled by AI and societal changes as her primary reasons for stepping away.
Majura's musical journey began with Knorkator (2012-2014) and Equilibrium (2014), eventually leading to her join Evanescence in 2015. She contributed to two studio albums and a series of tours before parting ways in 2022. Since then, she's appeared on former Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini's 2023 solo album, Invisible Signs, and formed a new band, How We End, with ex-Nervosa vocalist Diva Satanica.
However, Majura has recently revealed her decision to leave the music industry, expressing concerns about the industry's future. "After careful observation of the music industry, AI-related developments, and changes in society, I've decided to step away," she stated in her post.
She further adds, "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. I’ve been fortunate to collect an amazing amount of beautiful experiences, tours, shows, travels, and moments. I am grateful for every bit of that, but the world has changed."
Though Majura doesn't explicitly mention her motivators, she seemingly anticipates a negative influence of AI on the industry. Recent reports suggest that major labels are currently in negotiations with AI firms over a deal that will see their artists' work used in AI training, potentially without their knowledge or input.
Legendary guitarists like Jimmy Page and Brian May have voiced their concerns against such practices. Page has expressed his views on the proposed UK law changes that would require artists to opt-out of AI using their music for training, while May believes that unauthorized use of copyrighted works by tech giants could jeopardize the future of the music industry.
Majura's post does not rule out a potential comeback, but she expresses her disillusionment with the music industry's current state, stating, "I just can't identify with today's attitude and values anymore."
While AI-generated songs remain a contentious issue, some musicians embrace AI as a tool to assist them. AI technology is used in various innovations like the Spark 2 to help guitarists create unique tones, overdrive pedals that regenerate continually, and guitar tutors who advocate for AI's potential to revolutionize teaching methods.
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Sources:1. Udio and Suno in AI Music Licensing Talks with Major Labels [Variety]2. AI Music Licensing: Navigating the cloudy terrain of AI and copyrights [Music Business Worldwide]3. Universal Music, Warner Music and Sony Enter into AI Music Copyright Talks with Udio and Suno [The Verge]4. Indie Songwriters Speak Out on AI Music App Deal [Billboard]
- Jen Majura, known for her expertise with guitars and presence in the metal genre, has expressed concerns about the impact of AI and societal changes on music, leading to her departure from the industry.
- Majura's departure follows her contributions to Knorkator, Equilibrium, and Evanescence, and recent collaborations with Mike Mangini and Diva Satanica.
- AI-generated music remains a contentious issue, with some musicians like Jimmy Page and Brian May voicing concerns, while others like the the developers of the Spark 2 and AI guitar tutors embrace its potential for creating unique tones and revolutionizing teaching methods.
- Recent reports suggest that major labels are currently negotiating with AI firms over using artists' work in AI training, sparking debate among musicians about the future of the music industry and the rights of artists.
