by Former Evanescence guitarist Jen Majura recently opened up about her decision to step away from touring. She criticized the current state of the music industry in a statement shared on Ibagenscast.
Majura explained that her decision stems from multiple factors, including how the industry has shifted its focus away from musical talent toward superficial content and social media metrics.
“It’s a combination of a lot of things. A.I.-related developments. Press, do not tell me I quit because of A.I. It’s A.I.-related developments. You have to hear all the words, and social change, to finish the sentence,” she said. “All of that, if I just compare to how my drive and my view of music and musicians — and I call it the scene, not the business, has been when I started out as a teenager compared to now, it’s just very different. And I just said ‘no’ to playing the hamster wheel circus game.”
The guitarist expressed particular frustration with how social media has prioritized appearance over artistry.
“It’s like the less you wear, the more clicks and likes you get. And whenever I see something like that — not mentioning any names, but somebody simulating a blowjob while using a talk box to cover a song where, who knows if she played, and gets millions of likes, I’m out. I’m sorry. It should be about talent, passion, ideas, creativity, music. It not be about superficial crap like that,” Majura continued. “The more I saw things like that — it’s all about the makeup, it’s all about the less clothes you wear, it’s all about the sexier you look, it’s all about like faking. Dude, I got sick over the years with that.”
She described how this environment affected her own behavior and ultimately led to her decision.
“There was a certain point in time where social media likes meant more than talent to companies, labels. And that was pretty much the point in my head where I said, ‘I don’t wanna be part of this anymore,’” she said. “I have to, like, what? Eat canned corn for a week and then shit a poop into the toilet, film it and post it and get millions of likes? I don’t wanna make an idiot out of myself just for generating likes to get the interest of people to listen to my creation.”
Majura clarified that she hasn’t quit music entirely. She rather needs a break from the pressures of being in the spotlight. She’s been in the music industry for 25 years and is considering behind-the-scenes roles such as tour management. The guitarist emphasized that she deserves a more settled period in her life after years of touring and performing.
Majura’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in her musical career. Her career has spanned multiple bands and projects across Europe’s metal scene.
Ibanez reported that the German musician began her musical journey at age six with piano before switching to guitar at eight. She later mastered drums, bass, trumpet, and saxophone. She formed an international touring career with the German metal band RAGE in 2006. She performed at major European metal festivals including Wacken, Hellfest, and Graspop.
Wikipedia noted that Majura joined Evanescence in 2015, filling the guitarist position left by Terry Balsamo. She remained with the band until 2022. During her seven-year tenure with the Grammy-winning rock band, she contributed her guitar skills and vocals to the group’s live performances. She was known for her vibrant stage presence and musicianship.
Beyond her work with Evanescence, Klotz AIS highlighted that Majura has been involved in various musical projects. These include joining German band Knorkator as a guitarist in 2012, briefly serving as bassist for Equilibrium in 2014, and participating in the AC/DC tribute band Black Thunder Ladies at Wacken Festival. She has also released solo albums, with her most recent being “InZENity” in 2017. She runs a music school in Germany.
Rock 92.9 stated that Majura announced her departure from the music industry in June 2025. She cited the growth of AI and shifts in the music industry as contributing factors to her decision. This announcement represents a significant turn for the accomplished musician, who has dedicated over two decades to performing and touring across the international metal and rock scene.
