Dianna: Thank you so much Lauren, for taking time to do this.
Lauren: Oh, no problem. Thank you for asking me to do this.
Dianna: Is there ever a time when both of your projects interfere with each other? If so what do you do?
Lauren: Well, it has come very close a few times where we would have had to make some hard decisions but...so far we have lucked out. The timing of everything has worked out more or less for the both of the projects so far.
Dianna: How did you and Chris come up with the idea of starting Electric Valentine?
Lauren: Actually, this band was Chris' idea. He needed an outlet for some of the more dancey electro songs that AKCBD wasn't as into. So we continued in that direction and here we are.
Dianna: You have recently worked with Jeffree Star and Metroid. How was that experience?
Lauren: They are each very different experiences but at the same time we always have fun with both of them. Metroid is fun in the good ol'e beer drinking, party type of way and Jeffree always makes me laugh so we always have a good time. I know Chris really enjoys the recording process with both of them as well.
Dianna If there was specific artist you could work with who would it be and why?
Lauren: I think it would be fun to work with Elton John. Mostly because I have loved his music and admired his piano playing for so many years. I think it would be so fun to sit with him and a piano and sing along and maybe have him teach me a thing or two on the piano. That would be awesome!
Dianna: I noticed you are on tour, any experiences you would like to share?
Lauren: We have been on and off of tour for a few months now and actually Electric Valentine is due back out at the end of July here with Ultra Violet but there was one particular moment that I loved. A Kiss Could Be Deadly was on tour up to the Portland area at the end of May. We were on hwy 5 in Oregon and decided to turn off at a rest stop to take a quick break. It was probably the most beautiful rest stop I have ever been to in the United States. The woods were thick and green and it was misty and peaceful and I loved it. We all hung out a little longer just to enjoy the beautiful break from the road. I think Danny has pictures of it somewhere. Total nature hippie moment!
Dianna: In your band, A Kiss Could Be Deadly, your bassist has left. Have you picked a permanent bass player?
Lauren: We are actually in the process of redeveloping AKCBD as a four piece. I think Chris is going to take over the bass and John and Chris and I will take turns playing the keys at different times. If this all goes as planned, it will be less synth heavy than before.
Dianna: Who are your personal influences?
Lauren: There are two big influences I can name right now. One, vocally is Pat Benatar. She has such an amazing voice. I saw her a few months ago and I just couldn't believe she has still got it. Not that she wouldn't but you know how some singers whose big hits were a few decades ago and over the years they just get rusty. I admire how strong her vocals are after all these years. Two, is Gwen Stephani based on her stage performance. She is so energetic and engaging. I will never forget seeing No Doubt and literally jumping up and down at my seat. She knows how to pump up a crowd and I love that energy!
Dianna: You have played many different genres just in one band (A Kiss Could Be Deadly.) Is there a personal favorite genre of yours?
Lauren: One genre I haven't sang enough of is the bluesy jazzy soulful style such as in the last song on the AKCBD album (Acoustic Romance). I just love going there vocally and I hope some day I get more of a chance to experiment with that genre.
Dianna: In the past you have worked with several artist, is there a favorite in particular?
Lauren: Well, one of my favorites has been Ultra Violet. They are so talented and innovative that I really enjoy working with them. When we (Electric Valentine) and Ultra Violet are on tour in August we will actually be working on a split/collab EP together. I can't wait to see what we end up with. It is going to be fun!