In March Otep Shamaya told the Deseret Morning News she was looking forward to the release of her third album, "Ascension."
Now, more than two months after the announced release date, she still is looking forward to seeing the album in record stores.
It has been put on hold because her record label, Capitol Records, has been involved in a merger with Virgin Records, which has created The Capitol Records Media Group. As a result, all of the people who worked with her — and her self-named band, Otep — have been laid off.
But Shamaya has faith things will work out.
"I'm excited about the album," Shamaya said by phone from the road, near Sauget, Ill. "It is some of the band's best work. I do know we have people working on getting it out. And we're ready for it to be released."
Shamaya and her band — guitarist Karma Cheema and drummer Brian Wolff, along with veteran bassist "Evil" J. McGuire — have been on the
road playing old and new material. "I love playing live. To see the music come alive is important to me and to the art. I mean, if I weren't a musician, I'd probably be an activist of some kind. Art has allowed me to express my views and help others."
Shamaya said she has always been drawn to art with a message. "There has to be some meaning in the art for it to mean something to me — political, socio-economic. That kind of art has always appealed to me. And that's something I wanted to do."
Being a female hard-music artist has always been a challenge for Shamaya, but she's proved herself time and again. "There are still a lot of people who don't think a woman can be a powerful force in the metal industry. It's just the business we're in. But when they hear what I'm doing or see what I can do, it changes a lot of people's minds.
"The problem with record companies right now is the fact that they want things in a box or a category so they can market it. I've always been one to be different."
In addition to her music, Shamaya has published a book of poetry, "Caught Screaming," which is available at lulu.com.
And she is looking forward to publishing another book. "I like the creative process. Writing is a very safe place for me. I can express my deepest thoughts. I was living a life of isolation before I was in the band. And art has been a way for me to get in touch with others. And if my lyrics or music can help others who need to tell people what they've been through or help people come to grips with abuse or other issues, then so be it."
If you go
What: Otep, Separation of Self, No Escape, The Miranda Project
Where: In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West
When: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
How much: $12
Phone: 467-8499, 800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com