Lucy Walsh is carrying on the musical tradition started by her famous father, James Gang and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh.

Lucy is a singer, songwriter and keyboardist who served as Ashlee Simpson’s backing vocalist and keyboardist for her Autobiography tour. She’s now a solo artist signed to Island Records, with her debut album Lost In The Lights being released in 2007.

Lucy was born in Santa Barbara, Calif. She got into the music scene professionally in 2004. The first single off her album will be the song “So Uncool.”

Billboard wrote about her: “(She) isn’t relying on celebrity lineage to get noticed... The first single… owes more to Walsh’s idol, Cyndi Lauper, and ‘80s freestyle than the Eagles. This uptempo, synth-heavy ode to relationship insecurity picks up where top 40 confections like ‘Toxic’ left off. Radio can look to ‘So Uncool’ as a way to fill the dance-pop void created when Britney met Kevin.”

Lucy talked to Savvy about her budding music career:

Savvy: We understand you were trained in piano, voice and music theory, plus it can’t hurt having Joe Walsh around. Does this all add up to you being the real deal rather than just celebrity’s kid taking advantage of name recognition to start a career in show biz?

Walsh: I grew up immersed in the performing arts, I play classical piano as well as my pop stuff. I've studied acting for a long time and danced as a pre-professional ballerina for 10 years.

Savvy: Wow, that is a pretty rounded background.

Walsh: I am someone you will continue to see doing many creative things. Getting my record deal with Island Def Jam was very exciting. As a musician I encounter 'big breaks' and disappointments daily. I've learned that it’s just a process of keeping at it no matter what. Lost in the Lights is my public debut, the first record of many to come.

Savvy: Did you learn a lot about the music business due to father? A lot of new talent can become cynical after coming into it with disillusionment.

Walsh: Showbiz is full of backwards people, but also really good people. You just have to stand up for what you want and keep your circle of friends tight.

Savvy: We have your father’s music on our iPods, but why do your songs deserve a spot next to his?

Walsh: It’s the best pop record in the galaxy!

Savvy: The pop stars on Nebulon 3 might not agree with that. (Laughs)

Walsh: My songs will stick in your head like crazy!

Savvy: Is it true your musical idol is Cyndi Lauper?

Walsh: I’ve always been inspired by her. I remember listening to her when I was a tiny kid and telling my mom I would someday be like her. But I have over 5,000 songs in my iPod so it’s obvious I’m inspired by all kinds of music.

Savvy: What are your songs about?

Walsh: Lost in the Lights, to me, is about diving into life and not being afraid of whatever comes at you. The very first words I sing on the album are perfect to describe me: “I want it all, and all of the time.” Everything I go through in life affects my music. I never stop working on song ideas. I even keep a writing journal in bed with me at night. I write songs about anything and everything: books I read, self-experience, friends experiences, you name it! I wrote/co-wrote most of the songs on my album and worked with some fantastic songwriters. I write lots of songs about boys.

Savvy: Oh yeah?

Walsh: I'm a bit boy-crazy!

Savvy: Nothing wrong with that. What do you hope the future holds for you?

Walsh: My future plans are to make music for the fans, do live shows and then make more music for the fans.

Savvy: What’s the key to being successful in the music business? I mean, you’re a very attractive person, so that can’t hurt, but your talent shines through the image part of it.

Walsh: Those of us who have success as performers do so because there is no one else like us. It is very exciting to get a record deal because I'm basically getting paid to be me! That's what makes it all so fun... I get to pour my personality into my music, videos, and live shows. The Lucy Walsh style is much like the Lucy Walsh sound: quarky, colorful, and over-the-top.

Savvy: Have you had many experiences relating to fans?

Walsh: It’s so exciting to meet fans! Once in a while on tour, a fan somehow makes it onto the tour bus to hang out and starts taking pictures. Its awkward to have to tell them to leave, but I don't mind because that's an absolute no-no. The bus is a musician’s intimate space.

Savvy: Thanks for your time. We look forward to seeing and hearing more from you.

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On the Web:

Myspace.com/lucywalsh

Lucywalsh.com