Drummer Bitch was lucky enough to ask Lay Lay from the band Von Iva a few questions in a recent interview. Read on...

Drummer Bitch: How long has the band been together and where did you all meet?

Lay Lay: We've been together for close to four years now. It took us about a year to get our sound together so really we've been playing live for about three years.

Elizabeth and I played in a band together prior to Von Iva called Clone, I actually played keyboards in that band, and we started Von Iva along with Bex who is the keyboard player now in VI. We met Jillian when a good friend and musician Jessie Eva (Autonervous) told us that she knew the perfect person to front our band. Elizabeth went to a party and saw Jillian perform with a crazy noise synth drag queen band and was blown away. so we quickly stole her and began plotting a way to take over the world.

Drummer Bitch: When did you start playing drums and who were some of your main influences that got you beatin those things?

Lay Lay: Honestly I hadn't sat down and seriously played drums until Von Iva formed. I suppose its always been in me, but up until 4 years ago I was playing keys and before that bass. I feel lucky that I have actually been on sort of a musical journey and had the confidence to switch over to such an involved instrument, but I think that if you can dance, than chances are you can play drums. At least the sort of beats that I am interested in. Hats and snare disco
groove shit.

One reason why I was interested in playing drums was the challenge to play what I had been hearing in my head for all the years I had been playing other instruments. I guess just to find a way to express myself in another arena that would help make Von Iva's sound a little different from other bands out there. I also get into the whole physical aspect of playing, I like to hit hard! If I don't feel like puking after a show than it most likely wasn't a good one!

Drummer Bitch: I am a huge clash fan. If you could pick a couple of all time favorite bands or albums who and/or what would they be?

Lay Lay: As far as my inspiration and influences I really love Billy Cobham, Jaki Liebezeit (Can), Keith Moon, Terry Mason (New Order), and Shelia E when she was dirty in the Eighties! Currently, I have The Juan Mclean in heavy rotation.

Drummer Bitch: So having loved Seven Year Bitch back in the day, I heard you snagged their bass player right? Is Von Iva your first band or have you played in any before this?

Lay Lay: Well, Elizabeth and I played in Clone together before VI, and together we decided to form VI to change directions and get a bit more dance oriented. As I mentioned I played bass in a band when I first moved here 11 years ago and also played keys before sitting down at the drum kit.

Drummer Bitch: Last one. Having toured all over the U.S., Japan, etc. What would you say your favorite city or venue would be?

Lay Lay: The Knitting Factory in NYC is amazing and we had a blast playing there. Also loved Boise, Idaho, can't remember the venue. We have plans for Europe in the summer so I am sure the best is yet to come!