Just to be clear: You have to be badass to get noticed by Joan Jett.
Vocalist Nina Diaz began singing for Girl In A Coma at age 13, joining sister Phanie Diaz and friend Jenn Alva as they launched into a three-year stint of endless rehearsals before gigging at local punk clubs and eventually hitting the road. In 2006, Jett signed them to her label Blackheart Records, which released their 2011 LP Exits & All The Rest, earning the trio an Independent Music Award for Best Indie/Alt.-Rock Album. In addition to high praises from NPR, Billboard and several other publications along the way, they caught the attention of heavyweights like Tegan and Sara, Amanda Palmer, The Pogues and even Morrissey, whose Smiths song may have inspired the band’s name. Girl In A Coma’s unique delivery of punk and rock with injections of tejano and ranchera was leaving its imprint far beyond their home town of San Antonio.
Fans also began following the band members’ independent projects, like Diaz’ solo work and Alva and Phanie Diaz’ punk band FEA. But the writing was on the wall. Girl In A Coma was ready to call it a day. They wrapped up the final chapter of their journey with The Final Curtain tour, with their last performance happening tonight, Saturday Dec. 9, at Mohawk on the outdoor stage. Doors at 7 p.m., with Tele Novella opening the show.
An end to one chapter, the beginning of several new ones. And to this day, as badass as ever.
