'Ready For Her Name To Be In Lights'

Having grown up in the distant, yet deep shadow of her famous father, Joe Walsh, a longtime member of The Eagles, songwriter/musician Lucy Walsh is finally spreading her own creative wings.

With a debut album in the works, the twenty-four year old surprises audiences by being a grounded and gifted artist in her own right. Her maturity seeps through her lyrics which spring more from self-awareness than star lineage.

A native of Santa Barbara, California, Walsh was only a toddler when her parents divorced. She was raised by her mother and step-father, who encouraged her creative development. By the age of five she knew that performing was her passion. Luckily, her talents were not only nurtured at home, but also at the alternative, European-style Waldorf School she attended.

Aside from the more ethereal artists like Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos and Enya, Walsh was inspired early on by the 1980s pop wave, especially Cyndi Lauper.

Leaving the comfort of her Malibu home at the age of eighteen, Walsh moved to Hollywood and supported herself while networking with other young musicians. She became friendly with Ashlee Simpson who was impressed by her keyboard and vocal talents and asked Walsh to tour with her band in September 2004. Ashlee also helped introduce Lucy to national television audiences through MTV’s “The Ashlee Simpson Show.” After a year playing keyboards on Simpson’s Autobiography tour, Lucy decided it was time to focus on her own music.

After a series of New York showcases, Lucy landed a deal with Island Records, which will release her debut album Lost In The Lights later this year.

The diminutive 5’2” Walsh, with her blonde-haired, green-eyed charm, has already developed an excited and loyal fan base, as evidenced by the many enthusiastic supporters on her MySpace page ( www.myspace.com/lucywalsh).

Taking it from the top and what were your musical influences growing up and how many still factor into your music today? " grew up listening to the Beach Boys, Cyndi Lauper, Cat Stevens, Elvis, the Cars, and tons of classical. The classical definitely stayed with me, I play classical piano and study everyday with a private coach. I am influenced by many artists, I have over 5,000 songs in my ipod."

For the Average Joe who may not have heard of you and was thinking of buying your debut CD, how would you yourself describe your sound? "My music now isn't meant to copy any other artist, I simply make my music to sound the way I like it. It definitely has themes of 1980s/classical. To sum it up, 'Lost in the Lights' is the coolest pop record in the galaxy."

Your album title 'Lost In The Lights' is an interesting choice, but perhaps it originates from a more personal standpoint for you? Is there a theme to it, perhaps? "The title of my debut 'Lost in the Lights' is about the style/vibe of Lucy Walsh...very colorful, vibrant, and quirky. It is about diving into life and not being afraid to experience everything and anything."

Also, please reveal to us some of your greatest childhood (musical) memories - as having Joe Walsh (The Eagles) as your father there must have been a couple of wonderful jam sessions you were witness to?! "My dad was not sober until I was 13, and before then my mom kept me far away from the world of fame. Now my dad and I talk music constantly. We sometimes sit at the piano together and just play back and forth."

How easy (or hard) is it to constantly create a new, vibrant, wanted-by-the-public sound that both builds on and surpasses the musical wonderment's/accomplishments that preceded it within the industry? "I make music I love, and it’s the job of my team to make it commercially successful. On a personal level, I am always working to be the best musician and performer I can be."

Please tell us more about a couple of your own personal favorite tracks on this new debut album and what they mean to you? "I am insanely proud of every song on 'Lost in the Lights' so I can't pick a favorite. At the moment, I'll tell you about my song 'Crash' - sampling from other songs is a guilty pleasure of mine. I took a sample from 'Always Something There to Remind Me' to producer JR Rotem, and together we wrote a whole new song (CRASH) around it. 'Crash' is about a raging good time...Lucy Walsh style."

You have said that you were inspired in your music by the 1980's pop wave, especially Cyndi Lauper. If you were able to ask her one question, what would it be? "I've gotten to know Cyndi Lauper recently, so questions I’ve always wanted to ask her, I did! Her unique style is rad, and she told me she always styled her clothes and hair herself. That was great to hear, because I am the same way."

Indeed, what '80s (and possibly cheesy!) pop/rock song would you love to cover today for a charity record if asked ... and why that one?! "I'm toying with a few song cover ideas...one is 'Turning Japanese' by The Vapors. I've got a few others up my sleeve, all of which are deliciously '80s!"

Did you have a nickname growing up? If so what was it ... and why?! "I've had so many random nicknames throughout my life...Juicy, Pinky, Lovebug, Lu, Sweetpea, Pants, LDubs...don't ask me how!"

Do you have any bad vices that you can reveal here today, perhaps? "Hmmmm, bad vices...crushing on rockstars!"

Lastly, Exclusive Magazine love Penguins ... do you?! "I must say, Lucy Walsh is a fan of penguins. I actually have a pet penguin in my bathtub!"

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk