(via Facebook/Keri Prather Music)

More prominent than her sweet and expressive voice, Prather is an incredibly skilled guitarist who plays for multiple USC Popular Music bands.

READ MORE: USC Pop: Sophomore Showcase 2014

Prather's own songs coincide with her cool-girl style, self-described as "guitar-driven with soulful melodies." Her music has the smooth vibes of John Mayer with the edge of artists like Amy Winehouse or Meghan Trainor.

Her newest track, "Mr. Mysterious," is the perfect song to listen to on a lazy Sunday afternoon, complete with a captivating guitar solo and charming lyrics.

Over the years, she expanded her presence on social media, continuing to upload covers and original songs to her YouTube channel, Soundcloud, and Facebook page. She was even featured as a guitarist on a recent episode of "Glee."

She has played at various venues in Los Angeles and in Japan, her home country. Most recently, she performed at Tommy's Place with a full band. Prather, of course, was front and center as lead guitar and singer.

I got the chance speak with Keri Prather in the midst of writing new music, and we discussed her inspirations and plans for the future.

Tell me how you got started in music.

Keri Prather: I first picked up a guitar when I was 11 years old. I was at an instrument store and my mom randomly bought me a guitar. I started practicing on my own and then, I started taking lessons and got really into it. I started singing and performing and found what I really love to do, which is writing music and performing in front of people.

Where do you find your inspiration for songwriting?

KP: It could be anything. It could be something good that happened or maybe just watching videos of something that inspires me. For example, I love John Mayer and he makes me want to write better songs and he inspires me to be a better musician.

How would you describe your sound?

KP: I like to write songs that are guitar-driven but have soulful melodies. I'd say it's a mixture of rock and R&B because I love how artists can both play guitar and sing at the same level. I like the idea of playing intricate guitar solos and blues-y riffs. I try to incorporate that into my songwriting.

What do you find more satisfying: coming up with a good guitar melody or a good lyric?

KP: Probably a guitar melody. I don't know why. I guess because I started playing guitar first. It was my first instrument.

How has USC's Pop Music program influenced you as an artist?

KP: It has influenced me in many ways. I am a songwriting emphasis. However, I am put as a guitarist in Popular Music Performance classes. So, I was really challenged to improve my guitar abilities. I was put into situations where I had to play hard solos and learn three songs exactly as they are on the record in one week. I feel like it has pushed me to become an overall better musician.

You're from Japan. Do you think having that sort of international culture influences your music?

KP: I think it might. I had a Japanese guitar teacher. But I guess moving here from Japan motivates me more just because it was a big decision for me. The fact that I'm here puts pressure on me to do well because I've started a whole new life here in the U.S.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

KP: Hopefully, I'll be making a living doing something in the music industry, whether it's performing, writing, or working in a publishing company. Maybe even sub-publishing because I'm interested in foreign relations with Japanese publishing companies. I really don't know but hopefully I'll be doing something in music because that's why I'm here.

For now, what's your next move?

KP: To continue writing and performing. (laughs) And get good grades.

Reach Staff Reporter Rania Aniftos here.