Drummer Phanie Diaz is the drummer for San Antonio’s Girl in a Coma. When she took time to answer some questions the band was on an extensive tour of the USA to support the band’s new record, Exits & All The Rest, on Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records.
How did the band wind up on the label?
“We were in New York being filmed for a documentary on up and coming bands. Joan was supposed to surprise us at the end of the show and give us advice and that would be that,” she says. “ She showed up at a rehearsal we were having and then ended up coming to our gig later that evening at The Knitting Factory and signed us as soon as we were done. It wasn't planned and was a surprise for all of us.”
When asked if, at gunpoint she had to hang a label on the band she answers simply; “I mean if I HAD to...Rock and Roll.”
And they do play rock n roll, as is evident from their rocking live show. Their recorded material shows they can do more than just rock, with indie pop songs that you could probably play for your mom. That isn’t an insult; just saying there is depth and breadth to their work.
This is also a band who hits the road for their music. They have opened for the likes of Morrissey (they get their name from one of his songs), Tegan and Sara, Social Distortion, Frank Black and The Pogues.
How is it playing for such divers audiences?
“We have somehow managed to connect with almost every audience of the tours we have been on. With Sia and Tegan and Sara , the connect was we were females making music,” she says. “WIth Morrissey , perhaps the type of music we were playing along side the mutual respect. If you have an appreciation for music.. then you should be able to see the beauty in any band no matter the genre.”
How did the band wind up on the label?
“We were in New York being filmed for a documentary on up and coming bands. Joan was supposed to surprise us at the end of the show and give us advice and that would be that,” she says. “ She showed up at a rehearsal we were having and then ended up coming to our gig later that evening at The Knitting Factory and signed us as soon as we were done. It wasn't planned and was a surprise for all of us.”
When asked if, at gunpoint she had to hang a label on the band she answers simply; “I mean if I HAD to...Rock and Roll.”
And they do play rock n roll, as is evident from their rocking live show. Their recorded material shows they can do more than just rock, with indie pop songs that you could probably play for your mom. That isn’t an insult; just saying there is depth and breadth to their work.
This is also a band who hits the road for their music. They have opened for the likes of Morrissey (they get their name from one of his songs), Tegan and Sara, Social Distortion, Frank Black and The Pogues.
How is it playing for such divers audiences?
“We have somehow managed to connect with almost every audience of the tours we have been on. With Sia and Tegan and Sara , the connect was we were females making music,” she says. “WIth Morrissey , perhaps the type of music we were playing along side the mutual respect. If you have an appreciation for music.. then you should be able to see the beauty in any band no matter the genre.”
They were out on a headline tour at their recent Chicago show and that will not be the end of it. Diaz says the best part of touring is traveling, meeting people and chatting with them at shows. The worst part?
“Watching venues close and record shops out on the road because kids are starting to not support them anymore. Go out to shows! Discover music at your local record shops..not just the internet!” says Diaz
Get out to your local record store!
“Watching venues close and record shops out on the road because kids are starting to not support them anymore. Go out to shows! Discover music at your local record shops..not just the internet!” says Diaz
Get out to your local record store!
The band has four full-lengths and several eps-a pretty extensive output for a young band. Where does Diaz see them heading musically as time goes by?
“We hope to last as long as we can and have tons of records under our belts such as Sonic Youth or the Pixies. We love music and no matter where the road leads us... we want to always release GIAC records.” says Diaz.
Diaz says the songs start with Nina Diaz (Phanie Diaz’ sister) who records and demos the song—complete with guitar riffs and vocals.
“Jenn Alva (bassist) and I take the demos home with us and start arranging our parts. We come together as a band and play and work out all the kinks and give each other feedback.” Says Diaz.
Keep an eye out for the band on the road—they plan to play extensively to support Exits & All The Rest.
-photos and text by Patrick Ogle
“We hope to last as long as we can and have tons of records under our belts such as Sonic Youth or the Pixies. We love music and no matter where the road leads us... we want to always release GIAC records.” says Diaz.
Diaz says the songs start with Nina Diaz (Phanie Diaz’ sister) who records and demos the song—complete with guitar riffs and vocals.
“Jenn Alva (bassist) and I take the demos home with us and start arranging our parts. We come together as a band and play and work out all the kinks and give each other feedback.” Says Diaz.
Keep an eye out for the band on the road—they plan to play extensively to support Exits & All The Rest.
-photos and text by Patrick Ogle
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