Demi Lovato, the talented singer who started her career as a child star on the popular TV show Barney and Friends, has come a long way in her music journey. From being a Disney Channel sensation to embracing a new sound in her music, Demi’s career has been full of growth and change. In 2022, she released an album titled Holy Fvck, which surprised many of her fans by introducing a rock and metal vibe that was different from her previous music. Guitarist Nina Strauss, who toured with Demi on this album, recently spoke about Demi’s true passion for rock music, calling her “the real deal” and a “metalhead at heart.”
Nina Strauss, who is known for her work with Alice Cooper’s band, took a break from her regular duties to tour with Demi Lovato. She shared her thoughts with Metal Hammer magazine, explaining that Demi’s move into rock music was not as big of a change as it might have seemed. Nina said, “It wasn’t as big a departure as I thought it would be. Demi made a really cool rock album, so they hired a rock band to do a rock show.” This simple explanation shows that the transition from pop to rock wasn’t as surprising as it may have appeared. For Nina, it was clear that Demi had already been deeply connected to rock and metal music long before the release of Holy Fvck.
Demi, known for her powerful vocals and emotional depth in her songs, has always been interested in a variety of music genres. But what many people may not know is how much she has been drawn to the world of metal and rock. Nina explained that Demi often listens to heavy bands and is passionate about the genre. “I’d walk past her dressing room and she’d be listening to Megadeth,” Nina shared. Megadeth is a well-known thrash metal band famous for their intense sound and complex music. Nina also mentioned that Demi introduced her to a deathcore band called Bodysnatcher, showing how much she truly connects with the heavier side of music. According to Nina, Demi is “the real deal” when it comes to her love for rock and metal music.
Demi’s fans, who have supported her through many different phases of her career, embraced her new musical direction. Nina explained how Demi’s fanbase is incredibly loyal, saying, “Her fans are so dedicated, they’ll follow her whatever she does.” This loyalty shows the strong connection Demi has with her fans, who have been with her since her early days as a child star. Despite the dramatic shift from her previous pop and pop-rock style to a much heavier sound, her fans were excited to see her explore this new genre.
However, the rock and metal world is not always so welcoming of changes in the music style. Nina expressed some frustration about how some rock and metal fans react to their favorite bands trying something new. She explained, “The thing about the rock and metal world – which I love and is my home – is that it’s a bunch of whiny, complainy babies.” This comment reflects how many fans can be quick to criticize bands when they experiment with new sounds or change their style. For some rock and metal fans, if a band deviates from their usual sound, the reaction can be harsh and negative. Nina gave an example of Metallica, one of the biggest bands in the world, whose newer music has still been criticized by some fans. “Metallica are the biggest band in the world and people still s*** on their new stuff,” she said, highlighting how even the most famous bands face criticism for evolving their sound.
Despite these criticisms, Nina believes that there should be more acceptance of musical evolution. She pointed out that people in the music industry often have an intense desire to “protect” their music genre, sometimes to the point of rejecting outsiders or new influences. She said, “I think a big part of that is because everybody feels like they have to protect our scene and keep it safe – no external people can get in, which I think is crazy.” According to Nina, this mindset is limiting and unnecessary. She believes that music should be open to everyone, no matter what genre an artist starts in. “If a pop artist wants to make a rock album, great. If a rock artist wants to make an R’n’B album, great. Music is for everyone,” she said, making it clear that creativity should be celebrated, not restricted by the genre labels.
Demi Lovato’s move into the rock and metal world is an example of how an artist can grow and try new things without being held back by their past work or the expectations of their fans. While some people may resist changes in their favorite music styles, the openness to new genres and sounds can lead to exciting and fresh music. Artists like Demi prove that it’s okay to break free from what’s expected and embrace new creative paths. Nina Strauss, who has worked with many rock legends, fully supports Demi’s decision to explore rock music. She sees it as a natural and authentic expression of who Demi is as an artist.
In conclusion, Demi Lovato’s journey into rock music shows how artists can change and evolve while staying true to their inner selves. Her fans, who have followed her throughout her career, have been supportive of her new direction, just as rock fans should learn to appreciate the growth of artists in all genres. By embracing change and innovation, music becomes more inclusive and dynamic, offering a wider range of sounds and experiences for everyone to enjoy.