Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/6/06
BY ED CONDRAN
CORRESPONDENT

When Lisa Marie Presley performed at The Stone Pony in July 2003, she had an epiphany.

Presley realized that the crowd came out for her melodic pop-rock and didn't come to the show to catch Elvis Presley's daughter, Michael Jackson's ex-wife or another act that shared the bill with her.

"I realized that I actually have my own fans," Presley said about her first headline gig. "I looked out at all these people and they were singing my songs right along with me. They knew the words. It's a lot more fun to play for people who are interested in your music, so I don't have to try to win over people who are sort of just in a spectator type of way sitting there just staring at me."

Three years after the release of her debut disc, "To Whom It May Concern," Presley, 38, who returns tonight to the Pony, is more than a curiosity. The most celebrated progeny in rock history has honed her skills as a singer/songwriter. "Now What," her 2005 sophomore effort, proves that Presley has some potential. She followed the lead of Pink and co-wrote with Linda Perry of 4 Non Blondes fame.

Most of the provocative tracks from her most recent disc require Presley to play the cool, bad girl, which is perfect for the sensual performer with the sexy growl.

The well-written and over-produced tunes might have yielded hits for Presley many years ago, but there isn't much of a market for such alt-rock numbers these days — and she is aware of the scenario.

"So many girls, especially if they're over 30 and they're not doing rap or serious pop, it's real tough," Presley said. "If you're a female singer/songwriter in the rock realm or alternative, you're not getting a lot of love right now."

It also didn't help that Capitol Records didn't give "Now What" much support.

"I took it kind of personally just because it's not doing as good as the first one, nor did it get marketed worth a ****," Presley said.

She is going to make a third Capitol album, but don't expect her to play new songs tonight.

"I'm going to finish this year out and tour, and then we're doing the third record," said Presley. "I just want to make sure that it's done properly. I'm writing, but it's nice to get some inspiration going out live."

Presley isn't sure what the future holds, but she promises that she'll never exploit her family name or become a novelty act.

"What this has always been about and what it will always be about is making my own way," Presley said. "I'm not capitalizing on anything. I'm doing my own thing. That's what I'll always do."

Thanks chick...nice read!!!!

Thanx girl! I'm SO glad Lisa stays true to herself. Love her raw honesty. LISA ROCKS!!!!

Thanks for the article...She seems such a nice person...A true person !!!

Good Article!! thanks 4 posting

Great article!! Thanks for posting!!

bravo!!! great stuff!!

Great read....I just love that girl....Lisa just do what you do baby cause you ****ing rock!

Thanks for sharing- Luved it

SHE ****ING ROCKS!!!