One would be hard pressed to find a more popular lesbian musician in San Diego than Lauren DeRose. With all her musical creativity and her raw passion for life she is without doubt an amazing individual. Her music reflects an array of emotions mixed with tremendous talent and she has long been a staple of the queer music scene in San Diego. She plays to full houses and her rapport with her fan base is personified by the interaction of her audiences as they dance back and forth to her songs and scream the lyrics back to her. Full of energy on and off stage, she is a natural entertainer. Lauren DeRose stopped by The Gay and Lesbian Times to discuss everything from her new projects, to Linda Perry, Popsicles and LaDyPaRtS.

GLT: So where are you from and how did you end up in San Diego?

LDR: I am originally from Amsterdam, New York. I went to college at Berkeley College of Music in Boston, MA. Moved to Los Angeles, hated it, went to a open mic night in San Diego, and never left.

GLT: How old are you, and how long have you been playing music?

LDR: I am 27 years old and I have played some type of music or instrument since I was 8 years old.

GLT: Where do you get your character?

LDR: Well, I was raised by my mother. But I’m a split down the middle of my father’s personality and my mother’s. Also I am sure that all of the horrible and wonderful experiences of my childhood molded me into who I am. But I also believe I was born with the ultimate intention to please and to make it my purpose in this life to make sure everyone was happy.

GLT: Favorite Popsicle?

LDR: Those popsicles that are red, white, and blue. Rocket Pops, maybe? Just ‘cuz if I can’t finish it I can give it to my dog Bravo.

GLT: Favorite beer or beverage?

LDR: Bloody Mary Inferno.

GLT: Would you prefer to listen to Robert Johnson or Marvin Gaye?

LDR: Ooh. I enjoy them both, but I believe I connect with Robert Johnson. You know, “The Blues.”

GLT: Hell yeah!

GLT: Queen or Bowie?

LDR: Fuck you. You know I can’t choose.

GLT: Laugh! Me neither. Too tough!

GLT: What is your favorite band of all time?

LDR: That is tough.... The Smiths. Jeff Buckley, Linda Perry. Sorry, that is three, but I cannot choose.

GLT: What is your favorite type of music?

LDR: It really doesn’t matter what type of music or genre it is, as long as it makes you feel.

GLT: Do you have any fancy way of stringing your guitar that is unique to you?

LDR: When they don’t break or go out of tune ever....that would be unique to me.

hahah.

GLT: Laugh!

GLT: So, I have heard that you keep in contact with Linda Perry, is that true?

LDR: Well, we have messaged each other a couple of times on Face book.

GLT: How often do the two of you talk and about what mostly?

LDR: I made a few comments on her Face book and she recommended a few bands she thought I would like. She was totally on the money.

GLT: Do you find her attractive, or more of a mentor? I suppose both is also

possible?

LDR: Hahaha.....well, I never thought about it before, but after I met her I was

really taken about how pretty she is. I mostly look up to her. A woman taking control in a male dominated business—that is rad!

GLT: That it is!

GLT: Is there any chance of the two of you dating?

LDR: No, I am pretty sure Katie Kelly and Clementine Ford would not be pleased.

Haha.

GLT: Do you think that we can expect a collaboration of some sort between the two of you soon?

LDR: I hope one day I could fulfill that dream. That is something I definitely want

to do. My mom would be proud. haha.

GLT: Is that something that you have discussed with her?

LDR: No, but I would hope to.

GLT: How would you describe your music?

LDR: Happy suicide.

GLT: What is your favorite song of all time?

LDR: Too hard dude... so I am just gonna say....‘Little boxes,’ the theme song to

“Weeds”.

GLT: What is music for you?

LDR: It is a lifeline...a best friend. I understand it and it understands me.

GLT: What are you most passionate about?

LDR: Performing live.

GLT: How did you face fear on stage or about success?

LDR: The one and only thing I am not afraid of is the stage. It is the only time I feel calm and ‘normal’. I fear that I won’t make a difference. My personal success rests on making people feel.

GLT: I have heard that you have traveled around a lot. Where is your favorite

place to go or be?

LDR: I love San Francisco and New York, but I think Boston will always be my

favorite place; it is where my REAL life began.

GLT: Where is your favorite place to play music?

LDR: At a packed house party or a huge ass venue....hah.

GLT: Do you have any new music projects that you are working on?

LDR: Yes, I am a drummer in the brand new all-girl punk band called

LaDyPaRtS. I have also started a jokester band with my partner in crime

Kate “The Scallywag” Ballenger, and a couple of our funny friends. It is

called Tonypail.

GLT: Which of your songs do you like the most and why?

LDR: That is like saying you like one of your children more than the other.

GLT: Laugh! True!

GLT: Would you consider your music political?

LDR: Nope....not yet anyway.

GLT: Do you think being a women and queer affects your exposure and musical content?

LDR: ABSOLUTELY!! We still live in the fucking dark ages. It is pathetic.

To get a show outside of the gay community, once everyone knows you are

gay, is equivalent to starting a new high school and finding a place to sit at

lunch. Ridiculous, but things are turning around. I just wish people weren’t

so afraid of us. ahaha.

GLT: What makes you most upset about the gay community?

LDR: Sometimes I feel like everyone acts like they are sheep. I don’t feel like people always do what they want to do. I feel they follow the herd and let everyone else make their decisions for them because maybe they are too afraid to realize what they really like to do, where they like to be, who they want to surround themselves with, etc... Sometimes I feel like the gay community can be just as narrow minded as the other communities that usually give the stink-eye too.

GLT: What would you like to see from the GLTimes? Honest.

LDR: I would like to see the current events that are happening in our town. More art, music and things that appeal to women, would be cool.

GLT: Where would you like to be musically in the next few years?

LDR: Not here! Ha! Hopefully on tour, a big tour and for a long time!

GLT: Do you paint or draw? Are you an artist in other mediums?

LDR: I draw comic strips about the ridiculous encounters I have everyday.

GLT: Same.

GLT: How many different colors have you dyed your hair?

LDR: Have you ever seen a dog throw up after he or she ate a box of crayons?

That many colors.

GLT: Just that many? I would have thought twice that amount, laugh!

GLT: When did you start wearing your signature hat and why?

LDR: I have always loved hats. I wore them a lot when I was little. Now I work at

a hat store, so I have endless choices. Plus, it keeps my brains from falling

out, wink.

GLT: If people want to learn more about you and your music where can they go?

LDR: www.myspace.com/laurenderose or hit me up on Face book.

GLT: Are there any venues you play weekly?

LDR: I do host an Open Mic Nite at Bourbon St. every Thursday from 7-10 p.m.

GLT: Where can people buy Lauren DeRose Swag and CD’s?

LDR: COME TO THE SHOWS!!!!!

GLT: Well, Lauren, we all adore you and we really appreciate

you making time for us.

LDR: Woot, woot. Thank you, Mwah!