From the moment her parents gave her the names Layla (from Derek and the Dominoes) and Michelle (from the Beatles), they unwittingly doomed their poor daughter to a life of obsessively studying rock & roll –and dominating trivia night at the local bar. As a child raised on the Fab Four, Zeppelin, and the Stones, young Layla’s musical tastes differed significantly from that of her schoolmates – but that’s okay, New Kids on the Block sucked, anyway. After graduating from Auburn University, she tried her hand at being a legitimate journalist in the TV news biz, but the siren’s melodic call was simply too strong; it beckoned to her like a flame to a moth, and she soon conceded that a life of hanging backstage with rock stars was infinitely superior to chasing tornadoes and covering city council meetings. It was a choice she has never regretted. Layla is a doting wife, the exhausted mother of two rambunctious little boys, and the owner of two sweet dogs who constantly beg to go out only to scratch at the door to be let right back in.

Layla Factoid: Layla is a huge baseball fan, and has attended a game in all 30 MLB ballparks. Her favorite experience was watching the Cubs at Wrigley, and her least favorite experience, coincidentally, was watching the White Sox at US Cellular Field.

What is the best concert you have ever attended? Paul McCartney, twice, in Toronto and New Orleans. He played 3+ hours both times — no breaks. Maybe there is something to that vegetarian diet of his….
What is your favorite Wings band? The Beatles
What was your most memorable day on the job? When Hurricane Ivan came through East Alabama in 2004. I took turns going live over a 36-hour period, keeping everyone informed about its projected path, as well as tornado warnings and power outages. It was the first time (and probably one of the only times since) that I felt like what I was saying might actually matter to people’s safety and well-being.
If you weren’t playing music what would you be doing? The Stay-at-Home-Mom thing. Except – bless my heart, I’m a terrible housekeeper. I’m a great cook, but I hate doing dishes. Laundry isn’t my favorite, either. Alas, all those little boy Underoos ain’t gonna wash themselves….
If you had your own band what would the name of it be? Wingardium Levio-SAH
What is something about yourself that no one else knows? I have always secretly resented that, as an Auburn fan, I can never wear houndstooth.
Is the name you go by your real name? It’s on my birth certificate and everything!
What is your favorite spot in Auburn? The lemonade counter at Toomer’s. I’m also pretty partial to hanging out on the AU campus and pretending that I’m still young enough to be there.
What is your favorite movie? Forrest Gump, Pirate Radio, and basically anything with a good soundtrack. Also, Field of Dreams makes me misty-eyed – every dang time.
What one word describes you best? Feisty!
What is your favorite restaurant? I could seriously eat at Momma G’s every single day. Gimme a freshly-steamed Momma’s Love and a cold Yuengling, and I’m one happy camper.
What is your favorite movie quote? “I’m an American citizen and I don’t give a hootenanny damn about your nitpicking limey laws. I intend to broadcast from this ship 24 hours a day until the day I die…and then for a couple days after that.” -Philip Seymour Hoffman in Pirate Radio