Nita Strauss took her first steps into the musical world at an unusually young age, setting the stage for a life that would be anything but ordinary. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Strauss embarked on her first tour at 15, an adventure that included an encounter with a tornado in Tornado Alley—a testament to her indomitable spirit.
The Early Years
Growing up in a musical household provided Strauss with a supportive environment. Her father, a former guitarist with the ’70s band Jiva, instilled in her a deep appreciation for music. “It wasn’t just about being on the road; it was understanding the lifestyle that comes with touring,” she shares.
As a young teenager, Strauss dabbled in various instruments, starting with drums and bass, before her father introduced her to the transformative power of the guitar. Jessica Batten, Michael Jackson’s guitarist, and her dazzling performance at the 1993 Super Bowl, inspired Strauss to follow her dream.
First Steps as a Performer
At 13, Strauss took on her first professional gig, fronting a local band called O.D.A. that participated in a Battle of the Bands. Her experiences in these competitions eventually won her an opportunity to play several shows on Warped Tour with Lia-Fail, a band she formed with three other girls. “It was tough, but it gave me invaluable experience,” she recalls.
From Female Metal Supergroups to Worldwide Tours
Following her time with Lia-Fail, Strauss continued to build her career by performing with diverse acts, including Megadeth’s tribute band The Iron Maidens, Jermaine Jackson’s band, and, notably, Alice Cooper’s tour band. Her partnership with Alice Cooper provided her with an international stage and fame, although it was a trying time. “You’re going to see the world, you’re going to get paid and you’re going to get stitches,” Cooper famously pledged to his band members. These words weren’t empty; Strauss recalls getting Stitched on stage and even being licked by Cooper’s snake, Wanda.
Overcoming Substance Abuse
While working with Alice Cooper, Strauss struggled with alcoholism, a habit she developed early in her career to fit in with the older musicians. It was her partner, Josh, who recognized the severity of her addiction and encouraged her to seek help. Despite feeling overwhelmed and conflicted about giving up the lifestyle that had granted her success, Strauss made the decision to get sober in 2015.
Attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings made her too nervous, so she took a more self-directed approach to recovery. Her journey to sobriety has been challenging, but she remains committed. “Sobriety is what you do when no one’s looking,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in maintaining long-term health.
Moving On to Demi Lovato
After leaving Alice Cooper in 2022, Strauss joined Demi Lovato’s tour. “Demi’s a metalhead at heart; she turned me onto awesome deathcore bands,” Strauss says, highlighting the musical compatibility between herself and Lovato. The autonomy she enjoyed working with Lovato offered a fresh perspective and eliminated the gatekeeping typically found in the rock and metal scenes.
Breaking Barriers: Achievements and Representation
Strauss became the first female solo artist to reach number one on Billboard’s Rock Airplay chart with her 2021 single “Dead Inside.” This milestone, combined with her signature guitar model with Ibanez, underscores the underrepresentation of women in rock and her role in breaking these barriers. “Music is for everyone,” she advocates, emphasizing inclusivity and breaking down the elitism within genre bubbles.
Awarding the Spotlight to the Underrepresented
Strauss’ tours and collaborations frequently feature women in various roles, from performing to technical crew, a stark contrast to the male-dominated norm. Her commitment to representing diverse voices in music extends beyond performance into the business side of the industry. “Representation matters and it’s inspiring to see women being elevated in all parts of the touring world,” she notes proudly.
Encouraging Future Generations
One of Strauss’ most fulfilling aspects of her career involves being a role model for young aspiring musicians. “It makes everything worthwhile when my Instagram gets a comment from someone saying their daughter asked for a guitar for her birthday,” she says. Strauss’ path from a tornado-chasing teenager to a respected guitarist and performer serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians across the globe.
Legacy and Impact
Strauss has achieved numerous milestones throughout her career, but her true victory lies in her steadfast dedication to the craft of music and her advocacy for inclusivity. Her solo album, The Call of the Void, available on Sumerian, is an extension of her personal and professional journey.
Her contributions to the industry are vast, ranging from hitting the Billboard Rock Airplay charts to mentoring young musicians. Strauss’ story is one of perseverance, integrity, and the power of music to bring people together, irrespective of their background.
