NITA STRAUSS Shares The Cringey Advice Given To Her Early On
We’re sharing the insights of trailblazing women in our beloved rock and roll. Our observations suggest we still have a long way to go when eliminating the misogyny behind the scenes in this industry. For example, earlier this year, we reported that Jennifer Batten, the former Michael Jackson guitarist, claimed she was not considered for a role in Ozzy Osbourne‘s band because of her gender.
Despite being Batten’s biggest fan, Nita Strauss has faced her obstacles. Nita Strauss recently told Knotfest’s She’s With the Band, “I had so many people tell me what I needed to do to succeed; “You can’t say you’re dating anybody because you need to appear available”; “You need to show more skin.”
How do industry execs and hangers-on still get away with this subjugation? And these stories are surely only the tip of the iceberg.
“I wanted to be known as a guitar player, and that’s all I wanted to be known for .I started dressing down. I dyed my hair darker… to stand out less. I started touring with heavy bands, wearing a men’s large t-shirt and baggy cargo shorts. In my mind, I wanted to be the guitar player, not the hot chick. But that’s not who I am either, is it?”
“It was a tightrope walk for Strauss to always remain true to herself,” she admits. “I kept getting pulled back and forth between this dichotomy of ‘No, you can’t be the sex symbol.’ And it’s like, ‘No, you want to be a serious musician.’ But the reality is, where I am does not fit into either of those molds.”
Fans don’t have to feel like they have a chance to be respected and attend my shows if they want to be respected and come to my shows,” Strauss said about sharing details of her personal life. It would be great if I could go back and tell my younger self to stop trying to fit into what others tell me I should be and just be myself.”
This is pretty solid advice for any age. Far better than the crap Nita has had to listen to her entire career. Watch Strauss’ full interview with She’s With the Band below.
Nita Strauss is much more than a guitar player—she’s a renowned musician, innovative artist, and powerful force in the music world. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Nita started playing guitar at seven and has become one of the most talked about guitarists in the music industry. She has had the honor of touring with esteemed acts like Alice Cooper and is known for her groundbreaking solos, jaw-dropping shows, and musical masterpieces.
Nita is more than a musician, she’s an inspiration. Whilst constantly pushing the envelope with her music, she has become an icon in the guitar world and is adept at connecting with her fans. Nita is also a staunch advocate for women in music and proudly serves as a guitarist and Ambassador for the global initiative Girls Rock that works to empower more women and girls to pick up instruments and make their own music.
Follow Nita’s journey as she continues to inspire the world with her talent, charm, and larger than life presence. From the studio to the stage, there is no stopping this musical prodigy.
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