BM: What were your first experiences of the Blues?

Layla: My first experiences with Bues Music came at an early age. My father played Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters at home. I remember hearing the scratchy old sounds of the vinyl on the turntable and falling in love with the music..

BM: Who were the influences on your musical career?

Layla: There have been many influences on my career and music. Many friends and family who have helped me along the way, as well. But major musical influences are: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Waits. Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Muddy Waters, etc.

BM: What’s next in your musical career?

Layla: I am heading out to some great gigs in Canada and Europe this summer. Really looking forward to recording another album next year. And I have just finished my first book, a short collected works of poetry. I have been writing since I was very young,

BM: Do you think Blues is making a comeback?

Layla: Blues always rides the wave it seems. It goes up and down in mainstream popularity. However there have always been and always will be a great number of hardcore blues fans out there who support the Blues.

BM: What makes a good gig for you as a performer?

Layla: A good gig, is one where my voice is healthy and working for me. Where the fans are ready to listen and enjoy, and the band is excited to play. Where the soundman knows his stuff, and the equipment all works right, haha...But truly, a gig is a gig, and it's all in your perspective whether or not it was a "good" one....there is always something to be learned from every gig.

BM: What instruments do you play?

Layla: I play very basic acoustic guitar, some harmonica and even smaller bit of Piano. My voice is my main tool and instrument of choice.

BM: If you had the opportunity to play with any blues artist dead or alive live on stage who would it be?

Layla: Hmmmm, any blues artist?? Well, for the deceased that would have to be Muddy Waters.....and for the living I would also LOVE to work with BB King and Derek Trucks....and if I could choose to work with someone alive or dead, who was not a "blues" artist persay, then that would definitely be Frank Zappa.

BM: What other styles of music have you drawn inspiration from?

Layla: I love ALL music, and have definitely been inspired by all genres, but definitely jazz, rock, psychedelic and folk come to mind, as major influences besides the Blues.

BM: You are a singer/songwriter. What drives your song-writing?

Layla: My life and my experiences drive me to write, and express myself. It has been therapeutic for me to have my music and writing to help me through the bad times.

BM: How would you like to see music change over the next 10 years?

Layla: I am not sure that I expect anything from music, persay. But I hope that more people will find their way out of the house, away from the television set, and off the computer, to get BACK outside enjoying the world, the people around them and LIVE MUSIC. Music can be a true healer in your life.

BM: If you weren’t a musician (in a band) what would you be doing?

Layla: I would probably have focussed solely on my writing if I were not singing full time.