Rising Star in the Guitar World
In recent years, Nita Strauss has emerged as a prominent figure in the world of female guitarists, her reputation growing immensely.
Yet, despite her rising fame, she still finds herself starstruck by her guitar hero, Steve Vai.
Their friendship has flourished, marked by musical collaborations that showcase their shared passion for the instrument.
Strauss regards Vai not just as a mentor, but as a source of inspiration and encouragement, cherishing his generous support throughout her career.
Inspiration and Role Models
During a recent interview at Guitar Summit 2024 with Rock Antenne, Strauss opened up about the heartfelt emails and articles Vai sends her, showering her with praise for her work.
She described these gestures as both surreal and touching, highlighting how they motivate her as she forges her path as an emerging artist.
Strauss has often credited Vai’s unforgettable performance in the movie Crossroads as a pivotal moment in her journey with the guitar.
Watching him play at just 13 years old ignited a profound passion within her, a spark that transformed her outlook on music entirely.
His magnetic presence on stage fueled her ambition to master the guitar herself.
Having Vai’s encouragement is a tremendous boon for Strauss, but she also emphasizes the importance of role models, particularly for young women in the music industry.
Reflecting on her own experiences, she acknowledges the scarcity of prominent female guitarists during her formative years.
Among the few who truly inspired her was Jennifer Batten, renowned for her work with Michael Jackson and her collaborations with Jeff Beck.
Batten’s explosive performances alongside legends of the industry left an indelible mark on Strauss.
Witnessing Batten shred on stage fueled her dreams, pushing her to create similar opportunities for aspiring musicians in the future.
Balancing Solo and Band Roles
Strauss is careful to downplay the notion of being labeled as a “female guitarist.” For her, the focus lies in her artistry and skill.
She values being part of discussions that highlight exceptional players, preferring to be recognized for her talent rather than being compared to others based on gender.
Interestingly, Strauss recently found herself navigating a reshuffling of guitarists within Alice Cooper’s band.
As she embarked on her solo tour, she needed to step away from Cooper’s U.S. tour, which allowed her predecessor, Orianthi, to return.
However, Orianthi faced an unfortunate injury and had to back out, leading to Gilby Clarke stepping in just days prior to the tour’s launch.
This wasn’t the first time Strauss had to balance her solo ambitions with her role alongside Cooper.
In 2022, she paused her participation to perform with the incredibly talented Demi Lovato, a decision that Cooper fully supported.
Reflecting on the revolving door of guitarists, Cooper expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with many talented musicians, acknowledging that Strauss is expected to return for the next tour.
Throughout her journey, Nita Strauss is not just making waves in the world of music—she is also empowering and uplifting those around her.
Her story is a testament to how a path toward greatness is illuminated by support, inspiration, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passion. Nita Strauss’s Super Bowl journey exemplifies the heights she can achieve when combining her talent with a commitment to inspire others.
As she takes the stage, she not only showcases her extraordinary guitar skills but also serves as a role model for aspiring musicians everywhere.
Through her dedication and perseverance, Nita proves that with hard work and the right mindset, dreams can turn into reality.