Lisa Marie steps out from shadow of Elvis

Until word went out that Lisa Marie Presley was making a record, nobody gave much thought about whether Elvis Presley's only child could sing.
But with a record in the works, people actually became curious about what she might sound like. The answer came in April with the release of "To Whom It May Concern" (Capitol Records). "Not like Elvis" was the short answer, and it was echoed in her early live performances: on NBC's "Today" show, CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" and at halftime of game one of the NBA finals.
The album, a solid pop-rock effort, won her grudging respect and sales of more than a half-million copies (meaning that two members of the Presley family have earned gold records). And after the maximum exposure that comes with being Elvis' daughter, her career has taken a more conventional turn. She's on a concert tour as the opening act for singer-songwriter Chris Isaak, who has been known to cop an Elvis pose.
Making the music
Presley talked by phone about the music she makes and the music she listens to.
Q. What's on your disc player lately?
A. Right now, Audioslave. I also like Beck's new album a lot. Jeff Buckley is never very far away, and Pink Floyd.
Q. Who besides your father do you remember hearing and thinking, "Wow, I want to do that"?
A. Possibly Pat Benatar, back when I was a young teenager. She was the first real strong female who broke out with an operatic rock voice. Plus she had this kick-ass thing going on, and I liked that.
Q. Do you play an instrument?
A. Not well enough. I used to play drums, and I can play a little guitar and piano -- enough to write songs. I was self-taught on drums and had piano lessons as a kid. Somebody was there to coach one way or another. It was more avoidance of singing than anything else.
Q. When you were married to Michael Jackson, did you ever talk about music or try make music together?
A. Never. I wasn't interested then at all.
Q. What does your mother, Priscilla Presley, think of your record? And how about the Graceland faithful?
A. I think she's very supportive, but also shocked. Didn't know I had it in me, that type of thing. The big-time Elvis fans, some of the religious ones, are offended at my language. Other than that, I've not heard much. A few are p----- off at me, but that was inevitable. I mean, if cursing is gonna offend someone, then they're really gonna be offended by me.