The music of Otep the band probably wouldn’t stand out in the pack at a heavy rock music festival — it’s competent aggressive nu metal — if not for vocalist/frontwoman Otep Shamaya.
She’s a force of nature — intense and almost frightening open. She’s spoken frankly about her childhood experiences with violence, sexual abuse, and incest. Also a writer, poet, and visual artist, she’s involved in a host of progressive politic issues including animal rights (she’s a vegan), marriage equality (she’s a lesbian), and environmental justice.
She’s the kind of artist that fans form intense bonds with and believe that she is speaking/singer about their lives and thoughts and feelings. A line like “Imperfections will keep you unique” from “Perfectly Flawed” seems like a lifeline to many young women — and men — trying to come to grips with their own despair, self-doubts and self-loathing.
Hydra, her latest musical manifesto, was released in January. She’s also got a new book of poetry. And she regularly shares her thoughts on her blog.
Otep will be at Peabody’s with Stolen Babies, New Year’s Day and Lydia Can’t Breathe opening.
Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 day of show.
https://www.facebook.com/otepofficial
Photo by Michael Mora