Winner Takes All (featuring Alice Cooper)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins "Winner Takes All," the electrifying track by Nita Strauss featuring the legendary Alice Cooper, from her album The Call of the Void—not Controlled Chaos, which was her 2018 debut. This song, released in March 2023, is a powerhouse collaboration that showcases Strauss’s virtuoso guitar riffs paired with Cooper’s unmistakable shock-rock vocals. Strauss has shared that working with Cooper, her longtime boss and friend, was a dream come true. She aimed to blend his signature style with a heavy, modern rock backdrop, creating an anthemic track that screams intensity. In a post on X, Strauss called Cooper one of her favorite people and announced the song’s release with infectious excitement, noting it was streaming on all platforms. The track was a deliberate nod to their years of onstage chemistry, with Strauss lending her shredding prowess to Cooper’s music since 2014, and now flipping the script to feature his voice on her own creation.

Behind the scenes, "Winner Takes All" came to life as part of Strauss’s sophomore album, which she crafted with a focus on collaboration. In interviews, she revealed that Cooper was her top choice for a vocal feature, a goal she set from day one of the album’s planning. The song’s release coincided with her return to Cooper’s touring band in 2023, after a brief stint with Demi Lovato’s ensemble, making it a celebratory reunion. Fans got an extra treat when Cooper interviewed Strauss about their duet on his syndicated radio show, Nights With Alice Cooper, diving into the song’s creation and their shared musical bond. The track’s heavy riffs and soaring chorus have made it a standout, with outlets like Revolver Magazine praising its ability to merge Cooper’s classic vibe with Strauss’s modern edge. It’s a song that captures the thrill of victory, perfectly suited for the Zoo Crew’s high-energy vibe.

Nita Strauss, born on December 7, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, kicked off her musical journey at just 13, diving headfirst into heavy metal guitar. Her passion for the instrument led her to leave high school in her junior year to pursue music full-time, touring with her band Lia-Fail, which included future world champion boxer Mikaela Mayer. Strauss honed her craft in the Los Angeles music scene, initially gaining recognition as a member of The Iron Maidens, an all-female Iron Maiden tribute band, where she performed as "Mega Murray." Her big break came in 2014 when she joined Alice Cooper’s band, recommended by Cooper’s former bassist Kip Winger. This gig catapulted her into the spotlight, showcasing her electrifying stage presence and technical skill. Strauss’s career expanded with stints alongside artists like Jermaine Jackson, Femme Fatale, and Demi Lovato, but her solo work, starting with Controlled Chaos, cemented her as a trailblazer, earning her the title of the first female rock solo artist in 32 years to hit number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

Beyond her music, Strauss is a fitness enthusiast, sharing her passion through her Body Shred fitness challenge and e-book, and she’s a regular on the covers of magazines like Guitar World and Guitar Player. As the first female Ibanez signature artist with her JIVA10 guitar, she’s broken barriers in the industry. Zoo Freaks can connect with her on her official website, follow her shredding adventures on Facebook, catch behind-the-scenes glimpses on Instagram, and join her real-time updates on X. Fans can also dive into communities like the Nita Strauss Fan Club on Facebook, where supporters share their love for her music and live performances. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let "Winner Takes All" fuel your inner freak!