By Ellen Eldridge
I’ll be honest; with a name borrowed from a Smith’s song and a history of hooking up in Junior High School, Girl In A Coma instantly recalled my first attempts at starting a girl group. My basement band never found fruition because my best friend and I couldn’t come up with a decent enough guitarist. It seems not only have the ladies of Girl In A Coma found a threesome worthy enough to tour in sisters Nina Diaz (who joined last) and Phanie Diaz, and Jenn Alva. The hard work and ability to stay true to their ideas led them to the forthcoming release of their fourth studio album, Exits & All the Rest, on Black Heart Records, Joan Jett’s label.
Exits & All the Rest does a fine job of showcasing the girls’ ability to write a good song with a catchy melody and introspective lyric line. Fans who discovered Girl in a Coma because of the 2010 release, Adventures in Coverland, can now find original songs like “Adjust” with a Joan Jett influence and “Control” with a David Bowie vibe, without actually covering songs fans love. Don’t get me wrong though, covering a great song like the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” instantly shows fans from where a newer band’s inspiration comes and showcases the raw talent as well as the ability to make a classic song their own. With the release of Exits, Girl in a Coma breaks free from its roots and starts making its own name.
Jenn Alva took the time to speak with Atlanta Music Guide about the new album and tour.
AMG: Your name comes from the Smiths’ song “Girlfriend in a Coma” – does that song have any special meaning or was it just a favorite at the time? Do you ever cover it?
Jenn Alva: It was one of our favorite songs at the time, and it’s funny because over time favorites change. If I thought about it now a new favorite would be “Wonderful Woman;” it’s such a beautiful song. Morrissey’s song “Ordinary Boys” could have fit us, possibly, if we were Ordinary Girls instead. As far as playing “Girlfriend in a Coma” live – it’s forbidden. I have joked around – only at practice – by playing the bass line though. Read more about Q&A With Girl In A Coma’s Jenn Alva; Playing The Red Palace, July 13th …