“Its a different life with great adventures. I wouldnt trade it for anything.”
– Jenn Alva, Girl in a Coma
I find the band Girl in a Coma fascinating for several reasons: First – lead singer/guitarist Nina Diaz has a voice thats so powerful and seasoned, sometimes its easy to forget shes only 19-years-old. Second – bassist Jenn Alva is an out and proud lesbian. And third – Phanie Diaz has a name that reads like fanny but sounds like fawn-ie. To say the ladies are charming is an understatement – they have beauty, brains and all the gumption one would expect from a sassy Texas trio. Still, its their music – loud and clear alternative rock that has been compared to The Smiths, The Pixies, and the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs – that takes center stage.
Formed seven years ago on a bunk bed in San Antonio, sisters Nina and Phanie and best friend Jenn make up the trio. Nina’s voice has been compared to Morrissey’s more times than the band can count and the ladies are enjoying a surge of attention and critical acclaim after being signed to Joan Jett’s Blackheart record label.
Relentless touring and hundreds of shows (including a recent stint on the Warped Tour) have helped the band gain a loyal following, one sweat-drenched fan at a time. With an electric live show, sweeping vocals that haunt long after each song is over, and lyrics like tattooed lovers, it’s okay to believe the hype.
I spoke with Jenn while they were relaxing before hitting the road for an extensive US tour. If you happen to catch a show, make sure to put on your best 12-hour eyeliner and prepare for plenty of open-mouth girl-on-girl kisses from the audience as you enter what I like to call, the happiest place on earth.
Read our exclusive interview with Jenn Alva of Girl in a Coma on SuicideGirls.com.
