‘Everybody brings something different to the table’: All-girl punk band inspires others in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The all-female punk band ‘Estrogen Projection’ is made up of Lanie Schlueter, Lyla McConnell, Amilia Breton and Lexie Storm.

All Lincoln women, who say that making music together feels right.

The band released their first album in 2023 and, since then, have performed at Zoo Bar, Duffy’s, The 1867 bar in Lincoln, and all over the state of Nebraska.

Starting during the pandemic, the group began with Schlueter and Breton, but once Storm and McConnell came on board, they say it was an easy collaboration.

“Everybody brings something different to the table, and that’s what makes the band so much fun,” said Schlueter.

“Not one person does all the writing and all of the dictating of what we’re going to do. It’s just totally a collaboration and democracy at every level,” she said.

Their songs always have a message reflecting what is happening around them, from breakups to historical events.

“Music is political, and it’s important to have a balance with talking about the stuff that music can talk about and stand for, and then also just to make it fun, because there’s a balance to everything,” said Breton.

“We have a role to continue to talk about issues that are reflective of what’s going on right now in our political climate,” she said.

The group says they are also combating stereotypes that come along with being an all-girl band.

Schlueter says, “When we got into this, it was a bit of a boys’ club. People would say, ” Oh, you guys were really good for a band of girls, and the caveat isn’t necessary. I’d like to see a world in which that doesn’t happen.”

The girls are making a difference and having an impact that helps them to keep going.

“What inspires me is not only bringing people joy, but also bringing together the community,” said Storm.

She says it creates a ripple effect for other artists like them.

“I really just enjoy the positive impact it has on the arts and music scene, because I feel like often the direction we’re going in society is further away from art,” said Storm.

Lyla McConnell adds, “I feel like everyone should be able to have an outlet for themselves, and music is a great outlet. It’s just so positive.”

Estrogen Projection is having its next show at the Rococo theater in Lincoln on Jan. 31.