“She’s definitely one of the most exciting and technical female guitar players coming up now. “I had the great pleasure to play with Courtney Cox from The Iron Maidens for the years when I was in that band,” says Strauss. Strauss is part of a legion of younger female shredders who are upholding the tradition of real rock guitar playing, and she praises and admires her peers. And the things that I hope for and aspire to in my life.” “I had to put some fun songs on there that reflected the happier times in my life and the more peaceful and more hopeful times. “I’m pretty easy-going and pretty happy most of the time,” she says. Aggression wasn’t the only aspect of her playing that she brought to the table, although the hard-rock and metal influences are certainly there. Ultimately, Strauss wanted to make an album that encompassed her personality. Some of its high-speed riffs and majestic guitar harmonies contain a distinct power metal vibe. She feels flattered that she has “made something that can appeal to this many people.”Ĭontrolled Chaos balances guitar shred and double bass drum assaults with more overtly melodic and even contemplative compositions. “Honestly, it’s my favorite part of the day, because it’s this great one-on-one time that I get to spend with people.” Her fans range from 4 years old to those in their 60s or older, and they want to learn about her playing. “We just hang, and it’s a great way for me to take a page out of Alice’s book and get to know who is out there coming to see me,” says Strauss. Others ask about playing with Cooper or her recent fitness challenge launched through social media (and connected to her forthcoming e-book, Body Shred: Your Guide to Feeling and Looking Like a Rock Star). Some are musicians who bring guitars and request technique tips. There is an hourlong sit-down and Q&A where fans can ask Strauss questions. This is her first tour doing pre-show VIP meet-and-greets by herself, and she doesn’t simply shake hands and take photos. The 32-year-old guitarist likes to interface with her fans in person. That’s what I try to do with my shows as well.” Not that all artists aren’t appreciative, but it’s really inspiring to see how much effort he puts into making sure each and every person that comes to the concert has a good time. “He is always so appreciative - whether he’s walking around the mall or eating dinner - of all the fans that come to see him. “I think the main thing that I’ve learned from Alice just as a person is putting the fans first,” says Strauss. It has given her the chance to learn from a legendary figure, and not just about music. Her main gig for the last five years has been playing with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Alice Cooper on tour.

So if it’s an opportunity for me to do that, it’s a great thing.” Like, I would have to dress a certain way or dress provocatively, and that’s not what I’m about. “The only time that I would turn down anything would be if I felt like it was inappropriate. “I’m not in the habit of turning down work,” she remarks.

Everybody onstage is giving 110% the whole show. “They’re there to be entertained, and I’ve got a great band on tour with me. People aren’t going to shows to watch a band play the song exactly like the record,” declares Strauss. Her live show is mostly instrumental in nature, combining originals with covers. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart and No. Strauss is in the midst of her first solo headlining tour with a five-piece band - rhythm guitarist Johnny Young, bassist Christopher Dean, keyboardist Katt Scarlett and drummer Josh Villalta - in support of her first solo album, Controlled Chaos, which reached No. Any little kid that wants to have someone to look up to that looks like them has that hero. There are Asian guitar heroes and black guitar heroes and female guitar heroes and gay and lesbian guitar heroes. And there’s a guitar hero that looks like everybody. Now it’s totally normal to have girls in a band or have an all-female band.

“I’ve had a front-row seat to watch this change happen. “It’s not weird to go into Guitar Center to ask for strings anymore,” Strauss tells Billboard while at a New Jersey tour stop.

Female guitar shredders