Ladyfest Ten Week • A chat with La La Vasquez

Have you played any previous Ladyfest events?

This is our first appearance at a Ladyfest event; we haven’t been together that long so it’s pretty unsurprising. We are really privileged to play because of what it represents, and it let’s us celebrate what Ladyfest has achieved over the last ten years.

Who you are looking forward to seeing the most?

I wouldn’t single out a particular band I want to hear. I just want to soak up the atmosphere of the event, the community and the support.

When did you first become aware of the Ladyfest movement? What does it mean to you?

I don’t recall a time that I became first aware of it. I guess when I started getting into girl-punk I started to read up on it. I think it kind of means everything as without it who knows where music would be for women today? I reckon the Spice Girls wouldn’t have even existed. Girl Power.

What would you say to someone who argued that Ladyfest is irrelevant these days?

I would say that maybe it could be argued that there is less segregation as there is more respect for women in the arts, but that is due to Ladyfest so let’s celebrate what it has achieved. And it definitely isn’t still totally gender neutral so let’s keep going.

There has been a clear re-emergence of a lot of obviously riot grrrl-influenced music over the past couple of years. What do you think are the reasons behind this, and who do you think is doing it well?

I just think that women are listening to riot grrrl and are inspired, and I think that has been the case for the last ten years. I support every woman who is getting up and playing music and I don’t think it’s necessary to say who is ‘doing it well’ – that is not what riot grrrl is about. It’s about the expression.

How much has riot grrrl influenced your own music? In terms of style, aesthetics and/or politics?

I wouldn’t really say style, but we are women making music so I guess we will always have female vocals and can’t help that. However, we very much have a DIY mentality and don’t care if we aren’t the best musicians. If us playing encourages other girls to pick up guitars then it’s all worthwhile.

Ladyfest isn’t just about music but about celebrating all forms of female creativity. Do you have any other creative talents that would suprise your fans?

Merida is an awesome illustrator and Rachael is a Lecturer of the Arts. They are both very talented, I hope it rubs off on me.

If you could curate your dream Ladyfest lineup, who would you include?

Kleenex, Shop Assistants, Delta 5, Brilliant Colors, Grass Widow, Flatmates, Flowers, Finally Punk, The Raincoats, Thee Dead Clodettes, Modettes, Au Pairs, Skinned Teen etc etc etc etc.

What do La La Vasquez have planned for 2011? Any news on an LP?

We have two more 7” singles to come on M’lady’s Records and Sex is Disgusting, respectively, and a mini CD on Savoury Days. LP? Maybe.

La La Vasquez play the Sunday at Ladyfest, an all-day feast of music kicking off at 3pm at The Relentless Garage. The Sunday lineup also includes: Trash Kit, Wetdog, Viv Albertine, Tender Trap, Peepholes, Madam, Jane Weaver, Mary Epworth, Catherine A.D. and Marianne Lee.

A Sunday ticket will set you back a very reasonable £15, or you can get a full weekend music pass for a mere £10 extra. All tickets available here.

Tagged la la vasquez, ladyfest london 2010, ladyfest ten week