She's only 19-years old, but already singer Lara Johnston, (pictured) has the talent, confidence, and formidable stage presence of most musicians nearly twice her age.

That's because Johnston, who grew up in Novato, California, has performed with artists like Michael McDonald, Tower of Power, Huey Lewis & The News, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson among others. She was also a contestant last year on MTV's music show "Rock the Cradle."

And having a famous father like Tom Johnston--lead singer and co-founder of the iconic, rock/pop band "The Doobie Brothers"-- doesn't hurt either. But this promising young singer says she's eager and determined to blaze her own musical trail.

N2Entertainment.net caught up with Johnston who was taking a break from her studies at the University of Southern California. We talked about her leap into the music industry, juggling college and a music career, her upcoming album, having a famous father, her biggest musical influences and her all time favorite Doobie Brothers song. Read on to find out what else Johnston had to say.

Q. You're working on your debut album. Who are some of the musicians you've collaborated with and what kind of music can we expect on it?

A. I've recorded a few songs with Makeba Riddick who has written songs for Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton and Rihanna. She's been great to me as a mentor and just overall supporter. I'm just now thinking about what type of music to include on the CD. It will definitely have a pop vibe, but some soul and R&B flavor to it too.

Q. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

A. My father kept soul and blues music on in the house all the time. He listened to Little Richard, James Brown, Taj Mahal, Bo Diddley, Elvis Presley and Al Green and so many others. A lot of what he listened to has rubbed off on me. I'm also a huge fan and have been influenced by Chaka Khan--who I absolutely love--,Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. I'm also into gospel music. In terms of contemporary music, I really like Christina Aguilera. I think she's an amazing, powerful singer who is so underrated.

Q. What artists do you currently have on your i-Pod?

A. Beyonce, Elton John, Justin Timberlake and I'm really loving this new band I discovered from the UK called Noisettes.

Q. Do you feel any added pressure to succeed particularly since your father—Tom Johnston—is such a music legend and what was his reaction when you told him you wanted to pursue singing?

A. I really don't feel much pressure because my father and I have talked about the music industry quite a bit. He's told me pretty much what I can expect. I'm obviously a different person than my dad. He definitely wants me to do well and he works with me to develop my talents. When I first told him about making a career of this he asked me if I was nuts. (Lots of laughter). He let me know right away how hard I would have to work at it. He was stern, but still inspirational and supportive.

Q. How do you respond to some people who may say that you are simply riding your dad's coattails?

A. There's always that stigma attached to kids of musicians or any other celebrity that follows in their parents footsteps. It's to be expected I guess. I know that people on the outside will see the whole nepotism thing. And while I don't want to exploit that, I am very, very proud of my father, but I intend to make my own way. Besides, even if I'm half as successful as he is, that would be a monumental achievement for me. I'm sure it would be one that would also make him very happy. I love to sing. I've been singing since I was a little kid. This is what I want to do. My dad just happens to be a great singer and musician too. Oh, well. (laughter).

Q. You mentioned you and your father have talked about the music industry. What sort of advice has he given you?

A. He just tells me how completely different the music business is today than when he was in it. And he says it's not entirely for the better. He knew then what he had to do to make it back in his day. Things aren't as clear cut now for musicians starting out. He gives me tips and advice on developing my voice and tells me to always be sure of myself. He believes too, that I need a big company like Disney or something behind me because it can be a very tricky business now with so many record labels out there. I'm learning from everything he tells me.

Q. You're a freshman at USC. Was it your decision to go to college and how's it going?

A. My dad's big thing was that no matter what, I had to get an education. It was important that I had a fall back plan. I got accepted in NYU and UC Berkeley but I chose USC. I'm a Trojan now. (She laughs). It's actually great. I'm enrolled full time and am majoring in Popular Music. It's a new curriculum they have at the Thornton School of Music. I really love it.

Q. Is it difficult juggling your rehearsals and performing with school?

A. It can be a bit hectic, but I'm doing pretty good handling both so far.

Q. We know about your father, but is your mother a musician too?

A. No. She's not in show business, but she's amazing. My mother has supported me and been my music coordinator since day one. She is very intelligent and knows the ins and outs of the business. She's a big, big inspiration to me.

Q. Is it true that when you were only 2-years-old you sang "Listen to the Music" with the Doobie Brothers?

A. When I was a kid my dad would take me to many of their shows. The last song they would perform was "Listen to the Music." I would wander out there on stage with the tambourine. It's been a tradition.

Q. What's your father up to these days and is there any chance of another Doobie Brothers reunion tour anytime soon?

A. He does a lot of touring. In fact, he's finishing up a tour in Japan. He still goes non-stop. He does about 100 shows a year. Most of the group members get together and perform. What's even more exciting is Patrick Simmons, John (McFee) and all the original members are working on a new album which should be out in spring 2010.

Q. Are your father and Michael McDonald close friends?

A. Yes. They get along really well. There's lots of good vibes between them. They actually do some shows too.

Q. Haven't you also performed with Michael McDonald?

A. Yeah. In 2007 I did a charity concert for Tony LaRussa's (St. Louis Cardinals baseball coach) Animal Rescue Foundation at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. I performed two duets with Michael (McDonald) and we were backed by a sizzling gospel choir. It was an amazing show. We received a standing ovation afterward. Michael McDonald is such a very cool, and nice guy. I love singing with him.

Q. Any chance of you and your dad recording or going on tour together?

A. Oh, I would love to record with my father. And I definitely want to go on tour with him. I think it would be even more fun especially now that I'm older.

Q. Do you ever watch some of his old school performances?

A. Yes, I do on YouTube. It's so funny to see him with that long hair and those hippy clothes. They have come such a long way. (Lots of laughter).

Q. What's your favorite Doobie Brothers song?

A. I really do like "Listen to the Music," but "Long Train Runnin'" is probably my favorite because it gets me pumped up and rocking out. And my dad wrote it.

Q. What's your favorite song to perform?

A. Aretha Franklin's "Respect."

Q. Didn't you perform "Respect" on MTV's "Rock the Cradle" show and was that a good experience for you?

A. I did sing "Respect." My father loves the song too and likes how I sing it. I was on "Rock the Cradle" last year. It was a good platform. It gave me added exposure. "Rock the Cradle" was like an "American Idol" type show where children of famous musicians perform and are judged to see who is the most talented. Although I didn't win--Crosby Loggins, Kenny Loggins son did--it was still a lot of fun.

Q. What are some of the other entertainment areas you'd like to pursue?

A. Maybe movies. I'd be open to doing some acting. Right now though, I'm totally concentrating on my music career. Music is ingrained in me. I can't imagine my life without it.

Editor's Note: For tour dates and more information on Lara Johnston check out her Web site at www.larajohnston.com or on her blog at LaraJohnston.com/News.