Layla’s Classic Rock Page

Laylas Classic Rock is one of the first rock music blogs that I started reading and it’s remains one of may all-time favorites. Yes, Barb does a great job reporting what’s going on in the classic rock world, but what sets this blog apart is the amount of heart and soul she pours into her articles. When Barb is excited, you know it (see the I Got Them! article). You also know when she is bummed. Other readers seem to love her as well, the huge number of comments on her articles is awe inspiring. After a few days following Laylas Classic Rock I was convinced that Barb is a very cool rockin’ chick. Read the interview below and you’ll see what I mean…

When did you start the Laylas Classic Rock?

Back in 2005

What was your motivation to start Laylas Classic Rock?

Someone talked me into starting a blog. I insisted I had nothing anyone would be interested in hearing about. She said, just pick something you’re passionate about and see what happens. So, I did!

Has running Laylas Classic Rock changed the way you think about music?

Great question! It has opened up my curiosity to discover new music either from new artists or lesser known artist. Hearing a really talented new band for the first time is exhilarating.

What are your 3 favorite articles/posts you’ve written?

I wrote one on the connection between rock musicians and heroin use that got published in a few other places, I liked that one. None others come to mind - some were more popular but not necessarily favorites.

What makes Laylas Classic Rock different from other classic rock sites?

The people who stop by to comment! I was very flattered by the way the guys from The Ripple Effect described it. They said something like, “Visiting Layla’s is like stopping by the local bar on the way home from work to see what’s going on and talk about music.” The people who comment share my passion for music. They all have an extensive knowledge of their favorite bands and each add their unique personality to the blog when they comment. I feel like we have a little community because many of us read each other’s blogs. It goes beyond music too – when I was dealing with some serious issues with my son recently I felt cared for and encouraged by my “blog family”.

What is the ultimate goal for a classic rock website in your opinion?

To introduce people to some of the great music that is considered “classic rock”.

What has been the biggest challenge for Laylas Classic Rock? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

I’ve never had goals or expectations for any of my blogs so therefore no real challenges. For me its fun, and if it stops being fun it will be time to hit “delete”. Each blogger is unique and has different reasons for starting a blog. I started “Layla’s” with a very casual attitude and wrote whenever and whatever I was thinking about or interested in on any given day. I don’t put too much effort into my words (ha, that’s probably obvious), its more like having conversations with friends. If I felt like I was trying to impress anyone or write a “really good post” I’d freeze up and never write again!

I do have more of a challenge with my blog “Gone But Not Forgotten” because people are always giving me new names to add (which I love, keep it up!). So as soon as I feel caught up, the list grows! But if I kept only one blog, that would be the one. It means a lot to me to give tribute to many of the great musicians who are no longer with us, their music lives on!

Any specific tips you have for newbie bloggers who want to make a music site?

Yes, be yourself and share about what interests you. Visit other music blogs (you can find them via links on other blogs or do a search). I have joined several blog directories but I’d say 75% of my traffic comes from other bloggers. Leave comments, people will come over to see who you are. Most important, have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously. Don’t be afraid to ask other bloggers for help or tips, I LOVE IT when new bloggers ask me, it’s so fun to help someone get started.

What other classic rock websites do you recommend? Why?

Check out the links in my blogs, all other blogs and sites that I like are listed there. I can’t name one because they are all special to me in one way or another (that’s my diplomatic way of saying I can’t stand leaving anyone out so I rather not name any at all!)

What is the best album released in the last 40 years or so and why?

My brain will explode if I trying to answer this one! I think I could make a list of 100 but never narrow it down to one.

What is your earliest classic rock memory or experience?

I will age myself with this, but it was a life changing moment for me. It was 1964, I was 4 years old. My dad and I watched The Ed Sullivan Show together every Sunday. He was in his recliner and I’d sit on the floor next to him. When the Beatles came on stage, even at my tender young age, I knew I there was something important going on and that music made me feel good. I started listening to The Beatles with my dad from that day forward which led to other bands. So I guess I can say I’ve had a lifelong love of rock and roll.

What’s on your current playlist?

“Acoustic Soul” India Arie
“Astral Weeks”, Van Morrison
“Bad Co.”, Bad Co.
“Blood on the Tracks”, Bob Dylan,
“Hot & Nasty Anthology”, Humble Pie
“Kick”, INXS
“Led Zeppelin II”, Led Zeppelin
“Live at the Aladdin”, Prince
“Live Rust” Neil Young
“Neon Bible” Arcade Fire
“News of the World”, Queen
“No Line on the Horizon, U2
“Only By Night”, Kings of Leon
“So Real”, Jeff Buckley
“The Fray”, The Fray
“The Wall” Pink Floyd
“Working on a Dream” Bruce Springsteen