Schmillionaires

Natalie Shea (vocals), Ceci Blackwood (bass), Frankie Conover (guitar), Zoe Graham (guitar), and Sienna Blaw (drums) are not just another girl band. They are Schmillion, and they offer an edginess lost in a lot of modern music. No wonder they won Best U18 Band at the Austin Music Awards this year.

A glamorous vibe radiates from all five girls, surprising since they've only been playing together for about a year. They're inspired by Karen O, Radiohead, Joe Strummer, David Bowie, the White Stripes, and the Pixies, and their mix of musical tastes contributes to a unique sound. Their first show together was at the Parlor last year.

“We played all of our songs double time, because we were pretty nervous, but it was still a lot of fun,” explains Zoe.

“I was practically hyperventilating the whole night,” Sienna adds.

When asked if they prefer recording or performing, they agree on performing. “It's a lot of fun to get on stage and portray a different version of myself," Natalie says. "It's almost like acting. When we get on stage and there is so much energy from the crowd, that's the best feeling.” Frankie agrees: “It's the time when you get to really connect to the people who are listening to the music.”

This summer Schmillion will be working on new songs and releasing an EP. Songwriting is a collaboration in this band, with one member bringing in a riff or beat or lyric and building a song around it.

“I like how it can change or further express your mood," Ceci says. "I play our music because it makes me happy and it makes me want to move.”