Profile:　Leisha Hailey
Born in Okinawa, Japan in 1971 and grew up in the United States from the age of 5. Once she graduated high school, Hailey moved to New York to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After completing her education, she made her way into the field of music - most notably as part of the indie rock duo, The Murmurs. In 1994, Hailey appeared in the cult hit, lesbian film, "All Over Me" and promptly became an icon within the American lesbian scene. In 2004, after an end to the band, she took on the role of journalist Alice Pieszecki in The L Word. In 2007 she returned to her musical roots as part of the electro-pop duo Uh-Huh Her. Hailey is currently preparing to star in a spinoff of The L Word, sure to bring more attention her way.

--After The Murmurs split you hadn't been in a band for a while. How does it feel to come back to music after five years?

Well, it's been thrilling for me because I was a bit scared at first. I had to go through this great learning curve all over again. I felt like I was reentering a world that I once knew - and I had to find out if I loved it still. I was scared that maybe I wouldn't love it, maybe it was an accident that it happened the first time. I didn't know what to expect, but it's been amazing.

--You didn't know whether you'd ever come back to music?

After my last band (The Murmurs), I never thought that I would do it again. I thought of it as just a time in my life - a chapter - that would close. I didn't expect to miss it as much as I did. I was very surprised by that.

--I heard that you called Camila and initiated the idea of a band. What motivated you to ask her?

I had tried writing together with some people over those five years, just for fun, but I never thought of starting a band again till I met Cam. Something just felt very right. I went to see her play, too, and I thought, "This is great!" So I called her up and asked her if she wanted to play together. I figured we could write some music and, if it went well, try to start a band.

--So, you instinctually knew from the beginning?

Yes, it was instinct. That's exactly what it was.

--It's often said that both of you are close friends and I think that really shows in your interviews and live performances. You both have a very cool energy between you, which is interesting because you appear quite different. Though, at the same time, I think you do look alike.

Really? There is definitely a connection. It's very strange because we're so different, but we create a perfect circle together.

--Yes, that's a great way of putting it. What do you like most about Camila?

I like that she's sort of mysterious. You don't feel like you get to know her right away and I can be like that. I like that there are challenges ahead. I feel like I'm investing in something that doesn't reveal itself right away, and that's good for me now. I get the sense that there are surprises ahead. I like the energy we have together, and I think she has a great singing voice.

--How has your experience with the Murmurs affect your work in Uh Huh Her?

I grew up in the Murmurs. I learned a tremendous amount about life when I was in that band. I learned to never take things for granted. I learned that you need a partner in your band, because things can get very difficult. It's almost like having a teammate, and I like the partnership of a band because it's good to know that you're not alone. I could never be a solo artist. I'm not interested in that, because a band is all about going through all the ups and downs together. I learned a lot about that in the Murmurs and I carry those lessons with me.