A white Mercedes coupe once inspired the name Prizilla, but today it symbolizes much more. The band, led by Isabella Duncan, a sociology senior at UF, has carved out its own distinctive identity. The addition of the "z" to the car's name was purely aesthetic, aiming to create a cool and funky vibe that resonates with their pop-funk sound. Despite standing out from the indie and punk bands that dominate Gainesville's music scene, Prizilla has managed to find its place through relentless effort and innovation.

Prizilla's uniqueness often leaves audiences puzzled when they perform alongside other genres. However, this hasn't deterred Duncan from promoting her band at various venues and festivals. One such event is the Playground Music + Arts Festival, where Prizilla made an impressive debut earlier this year. Duncan's dedication extends beyond performing; she also organizes events like the Sunshine Music and Arts Festival, which aims to unite the local music community. This festival, held annually at Heartwood Soundstage, showcases not only Prizilla but also other talented artists, fostering a collaborative environment. Last year, the festival was free thanks to First Magnitude Brewing Company's support, while this year it featured a modest entry fee and included performances by Jacob Sigman and Madwoman.

The formation of Prizilla traces back to a series of coincidences and hard work. Duncan's journey began in sixth grade when she joined the jazz band on a whim after forgetting to sign up for an elective. There, she discovered her love for the saxophone, a skill that would later define her role in Prizilla. Her musical path crossed with bassist McKayla Keels, another UF student, during their time in the university's jazz band. Their shared experiences and mutual respect solidified their friendship and musical partnership. When Duncan received an offer to join a cover band as a vocalist, she knew Keels had to be part of the project. Since then, Prizilla has grown from a solo endeavor into a full-fledged band, releasing its first EP "People Person" in November 2023 and gaining significant traction on Spotify.

Looking ahead, Prizilla aims to expand its reach beyond Gainesville, hoping to perform in larger cities and open for renowned acts like Lake Street Dive. The band's long-term goal reflects a deep commitment to pursuing their passion for music. While the music industry can be unpredictable, the members of Prizilla remain steadfast in their pursuit of their dreams. As drummer Justin Stirrat aptly puts it, "If you truly love what you do, why waste time doing anything else?" Prizilla's story is one of perseverance, creativity, and unwavering dedication to their craft, inspiring others to follow their passions with similar fervor.