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Olivia McMillen
" Olivia "
Genre: pop
reviewed by Georgia Moncrief
Olivia McMillen’s self titled release is full of the ups and downs we all go through as teenagers. McMillen relays her experiences through her music and reminds us of the joy and sorrow of being a teenager. Her debut CD is strong and passionate for a 15 year old. Although McMillen is just starting out, she seems to know where she wants her next step to be. We’ll be watching… - Georgia Moncrief-GoGirlsMusic.com
Did you miss seeing the Dixie Chicks when they played Main Street Days eons ago? Now is your chance to see and hear the next big thing before she hits the big time.
Olivia McMillen and her band - freshmen at Carroll High school - will perform Saturday evening from 6 to 7 on the Sam's Club Stage as part of Grapevine's Main Street Days.
Don't let their age mislead you into thinking this is just a garage band.
Less than a year ago, David Hall, owner of Hall Music Productions and private music teacher, helped guide McMillen to some of her classmates...It didn't take long for that pot of talent to gel as a band ...They performed at Art in the Square last month.
..."Olivia wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music with David." The band is being paid for their Main Street Days show, McMillen said.
...With the Web at their disposal, Olivia McMillen has been able to promote her self-titled CD, the band's appearances and even provide song samples.
"I write about things that typical teenagers go through, like first love, heartbreak and drama that happens at school", said the precocious 15-year-old.
McMillen's mother sees her daughter as a potential cross between Norah Jones and Avril Lavigne with songs that are appealing to teens while not offensive to parents.
Being able to mix styles and walk a tight line isn't easy, but Olivia seems to be comfortable doing it.
- The Southlake Journal - 5/19/06 by Leslie Rigoulot
Olivia McMillen and her band members, all from Southlake, donated their time and musical talents to perform at the recent North Dallas Relay for Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
The band also plans to play at several area festivals...The musicians are freshmen at Carroll High School, except Sullivan, who attends Dawson Middle School.
McMillen recently recorded her original songs on a CD through Hall Music Productions of Southlake. - Ft. Worth Star Telegram-5/7/06
Discography
Self-Titled CD - "Olivia" contains 10 original songs
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Olivia McMillen is a not-so-typical 15-year-old girl who loves to speak what’s on her mind and in her heart through her music. Her determination to do so was recently proven by the fact that within less than one year, Olivia began writing her first song, completed 21 original songs and professionally recorded 10 of them on her first, self-titled CD, “Olivia”, performing all the vocals and background vocals herself. She is a passionate recording artist/songwriter with recognizable talent to all. Olivia describes her own lyrics as “original songs about experiences typical teenagers go through like first-love, heartbreak, drama that happens at school - things like that.” Her music is self-described as heart-felt pop rock but she brings a passionate twist to the genre with her smoky yet edgy vocal styling. Olivia’s fans range in age, with Generation Y being the core.
Most recently Olivia and her band were paid performers for Grapevine’s Main Street Days in Grapevine, Texas. They were also featured in the “Best of Southlake Youth Talent Showcase” at Southlake’s Art in the Square. Olivia was recently a finalist in the North Richland Hills Pop Sensation Contest, which included over 60 contestants. She is active in her high school and her community as an award-winning dancer and member of the Varsity Emerald Belles Drill Team, an A Honor Roll student and stays very busy performing all types of community service including donating performances for worthwhile causes. Other engagements and awards include being a featured performer at the North Dallas Relay for Life Cancer Fundraiser for the past 2 years, receiving Regional Choir designation and Outstanding Vocal Talent at Dawson Middle School as well as competing in the recent Miss Teen Southlake Pageant in addition to numerous other live performances.
Olivia’s plan is to host a CD release party during Fall 2006 at a local restaurant/venue with a live performance with her band, which consists of all Southlake students like herself. McMillen plans to follow her CD release party with a mini-tour of the Southwest states, hitting major cities including Austin, Albuquerque and Houston. She also plans to perform frequently in Fort Worth, Dallas and Denton.
Olivia’s CD was produced by David Hall of Hall Music Productions. Mastering and reproduction was by Pineapple Studios. Her hope is that fans of all ages can sincerely relate to her music because of either current or past similar life experiences. Although Olivia seems to be a typical, fun-loving 15-year-old girl with a big dream for stardom, her talent and charisma are indisputable. Her ability to persevere shines as she gains popularity and earns reputation.
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