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. Ninas voice has been compared to Morrisseys more times than the band can count and the ladies are enjoying a surge of attention and critical acclaim after being signed to Joan Jetts 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 they don't like to reminisce/who knows what name they're screaming now/so I'm saving all my secrets for a deaf man, its 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.
Arlan Hamilton: I saw you guys at PRIDE in LA. I remember I stopped to watch you because they said you were from San Antonio and Im from Dallas, so I wanted to check you guys out.
Jenn Alva: Texas! Yes.
AH: So you were at PRIDE. Are the three of you openly gay?
JA: No, its just me.
AH: Do you hate that the first thing I asked you is that?
JA: (Laughs) No, I dont care!
AH: Well Im what some might call extremely gay myself
JA: Yeah, its totally not a big deal, ya know. Im very proud. But when it comes to Girl in a Coma, we try not to get ourselves categorized too much. Even with being an all-girl band. If we inspire female musicians, thats great. But were really just musicians. Thats what were trying to be known for. But yeah, Im really proud.
AH: Is there anyone that youre dying to tour with, that you havent had a chance to yet?
JA: Well, besides Morrissey (laughs), I guess the Gossip would be great. Were buddies with their guitar player. So it would be nice to hang out with them. Boyskout are our buddies, and I think were going to hit up some shows with them in October.
AH: Oh, thatd be great! Thatd be awesome.
JA: I know that the Smashing Pumpkins are back on tour. Thatd be awesome.
AH: So the dream gig would be something like that?
JA: Yeah, and Morrissey, just to get it out of the way. Cause I heard his opening act was not very good, and has been getting a lot of complaints. We should open for them. Thatd be a good time. Their guitar player is our buddy. And hes been a total sweetheart to us.
AH: So you think (touring with Morrissey) is something that could actually happen?
JA: Yeah I think so. Our buddy handed Morrissey our CD and Morrissey really liked it. Hes been playing it at his concerts before each show in the venues.
AH: Wow. Thats great. So if you had anyone else that you could pass your CD off toany celebrity, or anyone just so you could know that theyve heard it and had it in their collection, who would it be?
JA: Thats a great question. The other day I was just thinking about that! David Johansen from New York Dolls. Thatd be cool. Maybe Natasha Lyonne.
AH: Oh yeah, that might actually help her. She needs help right now, doesnt she?
JA: (Laughs) Yeah, I think so. Oh! I got it. Im going to see Rufus Wainwright this weekend and hes my favorite. I cant believe I had a brain fart and forgot. I want to get there early so I can give him our CD. Originally I wanted to give him a shirt that says, Rufus in a Coma. I didnt have time to do that, but Im so excited to be seeing him.
AH: I guess you guys wouldnt have a lot of time to check out other bands while youre on the road, since you have such heavy schedules, right?
JA: Well actually Phanies the one that researches everything and then she passes it on to us. Shell be like, "Check out 'Robots in Disguise' I think youll like them. And Lady Hawkshes so great." Shes the one who has time to do that, and shell tell Nina and I. Well be like, "Youre right! Its our new favorite song." Shes the one who keeps us up with the times.
AH: And Nina and Phanie are sisters right?
JA: Yes
AH: I noticed that you tend to take on the leadership role when you guys are promoting or talking about the band. Does that just happen naturally or do you do it on purpose to sort of balance everything, or is it even a conscious decision?
JA: Its cause Im an Aries. (Laughs)
AH: (Laughs) Ok.
JA: Im really bossy and theyre both really laid back, so I just do it.
AH: And do you guys protect Nina on the road since shes so much younger?
JA: We used to. I mean, god, we were touring when she was 16-years-old. So wed watch everything she did and who she was talking to. Wed get labeled her cock-blockers, you know what I mean? But we were just taking care of her. I mean she was just a little girl, and shes so mature and has such a mature voice. And peopleguyswould get the wrong idea, ya know. It was like, "Naw dude, chill out, shes only 16!" But now were all best friends and we all do whatever we want. Its really nice and its a relief. We dont have to be the parents anymore.
AH: Would you say that this year has been the year where things are turning a corner for you or has it been sort of steady for you guys over the past six years?
JA: Yeah, this year has been our year. As far as getting signed, doing some TV shows, interviewsthis is a great year. And I feel like its just the beginning. I feel excited to think whats going to happen next year. Is it going to die down? Is it going to get bigger? Its just exciting. And were having a blast doing it.
AH: What are you guys traveling in? Are you doin the van thing?
JA: Yeah were in our van and we call it Cobra Commander. (Laughs) This morning we walked out and the side window was totally broken! And all my bass guitars were in there because Im kind of moving from house to house. So all of my stuff was in there and they just broke the window. We later figured out that next door there are landscapersand were hoping a rock just got chucked at it. The van is actually our #1 home.
AH: I noticed that you guys have some really, hardcore loyal fans that seem like theyve been with you guys for years now.
JA: Absolutely. Some of them have been to our very first show, you know? All we ever wanted was a loyal fan base. Its kind of like Tiger Army has that fan base and theyre not on television or anything. Its not like their music is being fed to the kids. You just like them and fall in love with them. We think thats great.
AH: We were talking about Nina and her mature voice. Are you excited to see what sort of musician and songwriter she becomes as she gets older? Are you guys in awe of her or do you still joke around with her and keep her in her place? 'Cause it seems like shes something of a prodigy.
JA: I agree. You know Ive been in their family for years. Ive always been like the "Kimmy Gibbler" of their family, showin up all the time. At the beginning with Nina, we were like, wow this is amazing. And we realize shes great. But were all just goofballs. Sometimes if we listen to ourselveslike if we have music on shuffle and one of our songs comes on, were like, man shes a great lyricist and a great vocalist. I feel honored to be in the band with her and at the same time, were all best friends.
AH: And Im sure they feel honored to be in the band with you too!
JA: Yeah.
AH: You guys are fortunate to have all found each other.
JA: Exactly. The way things work outI think at one point (before the band formed) I was going to be moving to Denver with my parents (laughs) and Im so grateful that didnt happen!
AH: Whose idea was it for you to guys have your video for Road to Home star (famous transvestite) Amanda Lepore?
JA: When we started the video, we told one of the heads of the record label that we wanted a really, really pretty transgendergirl. So the next day she called us and told us she got Amanda Lapore. We were like, Are you serious?? It was just one of those things. It was perfect timing. She learned all of the lyrics to the song and actually became a fan of the band. And just talking to hersome people might think, "Oh god, plastic surgery, whateverI just think shes so beautiful. Shes very sweet and has this soft voice. Shes perfect.
AH: Yeah I think that was a very interesting, creative, and daring way to do the video, especially since for a lot of people, its the first time theyll be seeing the band.
So how was Warped Tour?
JA: Warped Tour was alright. We were touring with the Dollyrots on a couple of the dates and theyre our label mates. They saw our frustration in the beginning. Kelly (of the Dollyrots) said, Think about it like this girls: a lot of these kids dont even get to go to all-ages shows, because their parents are so strict. So this is one of the only things theyre able to come to. And I thought that was such a great way of looking at it. The next day we rocked out and did our best. Its a good opportunity and there are a lot of great people who work for Warped Tour. They live and breathe it. Thats really interesting to me.
AH: And what was the reaction from people who were seeing you for the first time?
JA: It was pretty good, depending on the time slot, and depending on who we were competing with. We had great crowds and they bought CDs and asked us questions. I think if we could, wed probably do it again, but with a different attitude.
AH: We were talking about Natasha Lyonne earlier, and I read somewhere that you like the movie Freeway 2. Im going to have to talk to you about that.
JA: Yeah, its one of our favorites!
AH: Is it cause of the vomiting, or the hot lesbian shower scene, or?
JA: (Laughs) Its the one liners, man. Our humor is really silly, and when we pay attention to it, those one-liners crack us up.
AH: I was just so disturbed by the movie. But maybe Ill give it another chance.
JA: Did you say you were disturbed by it? Its a dark comedy. And its silly.
AH: Yeah it takes a lot to disturb me. Maybe I need to see it again now that Im older.
JA: Yeah, totally. And be in a really goofy mood when you watch it.
AH: Oh I can do that!
JA: (Laughs)
AH: You guys saw a ghost recently, right?
JA: Yeah we stayed in this old hotelnot a fancy one. Just old. And they put us in a room where a little girl fell out of a window and died. Its a corner room on the fourth floor. They didnt tell us it was haunted until we got to the show. Nina was really, really sick that day too. She was throwing up everywhere, she was so sick. So she went back to the room early, but we didnt tell her that there was a ghost.
AH: (Laughs)
JA: (Laughs) She was in the shower and she swears she saw a ghost really quick. And then she layed down and watched a scary movie. This was before she knew it was haunted. We were like, "Yeah, thats the haunted room." And Nina was like, "Are you fucking kidding!? But yeah, Phanie and I have seen lots of ghosts, starting when we were like 14.
AH: Are you sure you guys just werent drunk?
JA: (Laughs) No! We were 14!
AH: Well you never know. I dont think Id ever stay at a hotel that I knew was haunted. Maybe one day Ill stay at a hotel thats haunted, while watching Freeway 2.
JA: Then you really wont like Freeway 2. (Laughs)
AH: I know! Speaking of superstition, do you guys have any rituals that you do before you perform?
JA: If were doing a big show, well go ahead and do the circle thing and say a quick prayer. Then well start singing the Tiny Dancer song from Almost Famous. But those are the really big shows when were trying to be silly to break the nerves, ya know?
AH: Whats the biggest show you guys have done?
JA: We opened for The Pogues in front of about 2,500 people. It was really nice. We did two nights back to back. The first night, of course we were just so scared. I called my girlfriend back at home and asked her to tell me something nice, something happy. We went on and it was a good show. And then the second night, it was like we were addicted already. The second night we were better. I wish my parents were there to watch us play and see the crowd and everything.
AH: How do your parents feel about everything? Do they understand whats happening and that you have all these fans?
JA: Well my parents are older. My mom had me at 42 so shes like 69 or something like that. Theyre both ill and so that drives me crazy, being on the road. Theyre in a nursing home. It drives me crazy. And my siblings suck. (Laughs)
AH: (Laughs) Ok
JA: Well, yeah, they dont call me to tell me how mom and dad are. They probably called me once while we were on a two month tour. Theyre older and have their own boring lives
AH: Yeah they dont understand what its like to be a rock star. Only a few of us do.
JA: (Laughs) Its a different life with great adventures. I wouldnt trade it for anything.
AH: You guys have probably been asked the same questions over and over in interviews. Is there anything youve ever wanted to talk about in an interview, but no ones ever touched on it?
JA: Yeah, just about me. (Laughs)
AH: (Laughs) Ok, lie back on the couch and well talk.
JA: If you get us all together and were in talking mode, we talk about politics and being vegetarians, and just the things on our minds. We have a lot of respect for a lot of cultures. Once you travel and meet different people, you start understanding more.
AH: Are there any other countries that youre hoping to hit up?
JA: I cant wait to do Japan! They adore music there and they dont take good music for granted. And of course Europewe want to conquer it. Its not even that big. We could totally do it. (Laughs)
AH: You could be huge in Belgium. If youre huge in Belgium, you could walk the streets and everyone would know you. Its like four miles long.
JA: (Laughs)
AH: Nobody takes my advice. Nobody tries to make it big in Belgium. Its perfect. You start there and then the world domination begins.
JA: Well totally take your advice. And then well never come back to San Antonio again.
AH: But then youd miss out on Sea World.
JA: No, we love San Antonio.
AH: And theres nothing that compares to Texas when it comes to Mexican food.
JA: I like Mexican food, obviously. (Laughs)
AH: If I could live in Mexican food, I would. It would be quite messy, but I would do it. I love it that much. Its a beautiful thing.
JA: (Laughs)
AH:Im actually sitting a few feet away from a restaurant that only serves grilled cheese sandwhiches.
JA: Wow!
AH: Theyre open from 8 am - 3 pm, and I cant understand that. Who gets a grilled cheese sandwich at nine in the morning?
JA: I could probably go for a grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast.
AH: Im absolutely fascinated by the whole thing. I took my roommate by it finally because I wanted to give it a chance. And it was closed at 4:30! Like, "Oh. Our work here is done. Lets close shop. What? It blows my mind.
JA: (Laughs)
AH: Im sorry. I get emotional about cheese. I just wonder if theyre back there with irons doing it old school, or if there is a gourmet banquet and chefs flown in from all over the world working with the finest cheeses
JA: Now Im curious. I wanna go there.
AH: When you guys do your LA show, well stop by the place. Well figure it out.
JA: I love grilled cheeseand pickles.
AH: Well maybe its a bring your own pickle situation. Well have to see.
JA: Cant wait!
Girl in a Coma is currently on tour. For more information go to www.girlinacoma.com or www.myspace.com/girlsinacoma
Check out Arlan's blog here
Formed seven years ago on a bunk bed in San Antonio, sisters Nina and Phanie and best friend Jenn make up the trio. Ninas voice has been compared to Morrisseys more times than the band can count and the ladies are enjoying a surge of attention and critical acclaim after being signed to Joan Jetts 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 they don't like to reminisce/who knows what name they're screaming now/so I'm saving all my secrets for a deaf man, its 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.
Arlan Hamilton: I saw you guys at PRIDE in LA. I remember I stopped to watch you because they said you were from San Antonio and Im from Dallas, so I wanted to check you guys out.
Jenn Alva: Texas! Yes.
AH: So you were at PRIDE. Are the three of you openly gay?
JA: No, its just me.
AH: Do you hate that the first thing I asked you is that?
JA: (Laughs) No, I dont care!
AH: Well Im what some might call extremely gay myself
JA: Yeah, its totally not a big deal, ya know. Im very proud. But when it comes to Girl in a Coma, we try not to get ourselves categorized too much. Even with being an all-girl band. If we inspire female musicians, thats great. But were really just musicians. Thats what were trying to be known for. But yeah, Im really proud.
AH: Is there anyone that youre dying to tour with, that you havent had a chance to yet?
JA: Well, besides Morrissey (laughs), I guess the Gossip would be great. Were buddies with their guitar player. So it would be nice to hang out with them. Boyskout are our buddies, and I think were going to hit up some shows with them in October.
AH: Oh, thatd be great! Thatd be awesome.
JA: I know that the Smashing Pumpkins are back on tour. Thatd be awesome.
AH: So the dream gig would be something like that?
JA: Yeah, and Morrissey, just to get it out of the way. Cause I heard his opening act was not very good, and has been getting a lot of complaints. We should open for them. Thatd be a good time. Their guitar player is our buddy. And hes been a total sweetheart to us.
AH: So you think (touring with Morrissey) is something that could actually happen?
JA: Yeah I think so. Our buddy handed Morrissey our CD and Morrissey really liked it. Hes been playing it at his concerts before each show in the venues.
AH: Wow. Thats great. So if you had anyone else that you could pass your CD off toany celebrity, or anyone just so you could know that theyve heard it and had it in their collection, who would it be?
JA: Thats a great question. The other day I was just thinking about that! David Johansen from New York Dolls. Thatd be cool. Maybe Natasha Lyonne.
AH: Oh yeah, that might actually help her. She needs help right now, doesnt she?
JA: (Laughs) Yeah, I think so. Oh! I got it. Im going to see Rufus Wainwright this weekend and hes my favorite. I cant believe I had a brain fart and forgot. I want to get there early so I can give him our CD. Originally I wanted to give him a shirt that says, Rufus in a Coma. I didnt have time to do that, but Im so excited to be seeing him.
AH: I guess you guys wouldnt have a lot of time to check out other bands while youre on the road, since you have such heavy schedules, right?
JA: Well actually Phanies the one that researches everything and then she passes it on to us. Shell be like, "Check out 'Robots in Disguise' I think youll like them. And Lady Hawkshes so great." Shes the one who has time to do that, and shell tell Nina and I. Well be like, "Youre right! Its our new favorite song." Shes the one who keeps us up with the times.
AH: And Nina and Phanie are sisters right?
JA: Yes
AH: I noticed that you tend to take on the leadership role when you guys are promoting or talking about the band. Does that just happen naturally or do you do it on purpose to sort of balance everything, or is it even a conscious decision?
JA: Its cause Im an Aries. (Laughs)
AH: (Laughs) Ok.
JA: Im really bossy and theyre both really laid back, so I just do it.
AH: And do you guys protect Nina on the road since shes so much younger?
JA: We used to. I mean, god, we were touring when she was 16-years-old. So wed watch everything she did and who she was talking to. Wed get labeled her cock-blockers, you know what I mean? But we were just taking care of her. I mean she was just a little girl, and shes so mature and has such a mature voice. And peopleguyswould get the wrong idea, ya know. It was like, "Naw dude, chill out, shes only 16!" But now were all best friends and we all do whatever we want. Its really nice and its a relief. We dont have to be the parents anymore.
AH: Would you say that this year has been the year where things are turning a corner for you or has it been sort of steady for you guys over the past six years?
JA: Yeah, this year has been our year. As far as getting signed, doing some TV shows, interviewsthis is a great year. And I feel like its just the beginning. I feel excited to think whats going to happen next year. Is it going to die down? Is it going to get bigger? Its just exciting. And were having a blast doing it.
AH: What are you guys traveling in? Are you doin the van thing?
JA: Yeah were in our van and we call it Cobra Commander. (Laughs) This morning we walked out and the side window was totally broken! And all my bass guitars were in there because Im kind of moving from house to house. So all of my stuff was in there and they just broke the window. We later figured out that next door there are landscapersand were hoping a rock just got chucked at it. The van is actually our #1 home.
AH: I noticed that you guys have some really, hardcore loyal fans that seem like theyve been with you guys for years now.
JA: Absolutely. Some of them have been to our very first show, you know? All we ever wanted was a loyal fan base. Its kind of like Tiger Army has that fan base and theyre not on television or anything. Its not like their music is being fed to the kids. You just like them and fall in love with them. We think thats great.
AH: We were talking about Nina and her mature voice. Are you excited to see what sort of musician and songwriter she becomes as she gets older? Are you guys in awe of her or do you still joke around with her and keep her in her place? 'Cause it seems like shes something of a prodigy.
JA: I agree. You know Ive been in their family for years. Ive always been like the "Kimmy Gibbler" of their family, showin up all the time. At the beginning with Nina, we were like, wow this is amazing. And we realize shes great. But were all just goofballs. Sometimes if we listen to ourselveslike if we have music on shuffle and one of our songs comes on, were like, man shes a great lyricist and a great vocalist. I feel honored to be in the band with her and at the same time, were all best friends.
AH: And Im sure they feel honored to be in the band with you too!
JA: Yeah.
AH: You guys are fortunate to have all found each other.
JA: Exactly. The way things work outI think at one point (before the band formed) I was going to be moving to Denver with my parents (laughs) and Im so grateful that didnt happen!
AH: Whose idea was it for you to guys have your video for Road to Home star (famous transvestite) Amanda Lepore?
JA: When we started the video, we told one of the heads of the record label that we wanted a really, really pretty transgendergirl. So the next day she called us and told us she got Amanda Lapore. We were like, Are you serious?? It was just one of those things. It was perfect timing. She learned all of the lyrics to the song and actually became a fan of the band. And just talking to hersome people might think, "Oh god, plastic surgery, whateverI just think shes so beautiful. Shes very sweet and has this soft voice. Shes perfect.
AH: Yeah I think that was a very interesting, creative, and daring way to do the video, especially since for a lot of people, its the first time theyll be seeing the band.
So how was Warped Tour?
JA: Warped Tour was alright. We were touring with the Dollyrots on a couple of the dates and theyre our label mates. They saw our frustration in the beginning. Kelly (of the Dollyrots) said, Think about it like this girls: a lot of these kids dont even get to go to all-ages shows, because their parents are so strict. So this is one of the only things theyre able to come to. And I thought that was such a great way of looking at it. The next day we rocked out and did our best. Its a good opportunity and there are a lot of great people who work for Warped Tour. They live and breathe it. Thats really interesting to me.
AH: And what was the reaction from people who were seeing you for the first time?
JA: It was pretty good, depending on the time slot, and depending on who we were competing with. We had great crowds and they bought CDs and asked us questions. I think if we could, wed probably do it again, but with a different attitude.
AH: We were talking about Natasha Lyonne earlier, and I read somewhere that you like the movie Freeway 2. Im going to have to talk to you about that.
JA: Yeah, its one of our favorites!
AH: Is it cause of the vomiting, or the hot lesbian shower scene, or?
JA: (Laughs) Its the one liners, man. Our humor is really silly, and when we pay attention to it, those one-liners crack us up.
AH: I was just so disturbed by the movie. But maybe Ill give it another chance.
JA: Did you say you were disturbed by it? Its a dark comedy. And its silly.
AH: Yeah it takes a lot to disturb me. Maybe I need to see it again now that Im older.
JA: Yeah, totally. And be in a really goofy mood when you watch it.
AH: Oh I can do that!
JA: (Laughs)
AH: You guys saw a ghost recently, right?
JA: Yeah we stayed in this old hotelnot a fancy one. Just old. And they put us in a room where a little girl fell out of a window and died. Its a corner room on the fourth floor. They didnt tell us it was haunted until we got to the show. Nina was really, really sick that day too. She was throwing up everywhere, she was so sick. So she went back to the room early, but we didnt tell her that there was a ghost.
AH: (Laughs)
JA: (Laughs) She was in the shower and she swears she saw a ghost really quick. And then she layed down and watched a scary movie. This was before she knew it was haunted. We were like, "Yeah, thats the haunted room." And Nina was like, "Are you fucking kidding!? But yeah, Phanie and I have seen lots of ghosts, starting when we were like 14.
AH: Are you sure you guys just werent drunk?
JA: (Laughs) No! We were 14!
AH: Well you never know. I dont think Id ever stay at a hotel that I knew was haunted. Maybe one day Ill stay at a hotel thats haunted, while watching Freeway 2.
JA: Then you really wont like Freeway 2. (Laughs)
AH: I know! Speaking of superstition, do you guys have any rituals that you do before you perform?
JA: If were doing a big show, well go ahead and do the circle thing and say a quick prayer. Then well start singing the Tiny Dancer song from Almost Famous. But those are the really big shows when were trying to be silly to break the nerves, ya know?
AH: Whats the biggest show you guys have done?
JA: We opened for The Pogues in front of about 2,500 people. It was really nice. We did two nights back to back. The first night, of course we were just so scared. I called my girlfriend back at home and asked her to tell me something nice, something happy. We went on and it was a good show. And then the second night, it was like we were addicted already. The second night we were better. I wish my parents were there to watch us play and see the crowd and everything.
AH: How do your parents feel about everything? Do they understand whats happening and that you have all these fans?
JA: Well my parents are older. My mom had me at 42 so shes like 69 or something like that. Theyre both ill and so that drives me crazy, being on the road. Theyre in a nursing home. It drives me crazy. And my siblings suck. (Laughs)
AH: (Laughs) Ok
JA: Well, yeah, they dont call me to tell me how mom and dad are. They probably called me once while we were on a two month tour. Theyre older and have their own boring lives
AH: Yeah they dont understand what its like to be a rock star. Only a few of us do.
JA: (Laughs) Its a different life with great adventures. I wouldnt trade it for anything.
AH: You guys have probably been asked the same questions over and over in interviews. Is there anything youve ever wanted to talk about in an interview, but no ones ever touched on it?
JA: Yeah, just about me. (Laughs)
AH: (Laughs) Ok, lie back on the couch and well talk.
JA: If you get us all together and were in talking mode, we talk about politics and being vegetarians, and just the things on our minds. We have a lot of respect for a lot of cultures. Once you travel and meet different people, you start understanding more.
AH: Are there any other countries that youre hoping to hit up?
JA: I cant wait to do Japan! They adore music there and they dont take good music for granted. And of course Europewe want to conquer it. Its not even that big. We could totally do it. (Laughs)
AH: You could be huge in Belgium. If youre huge in Belgium, you could walk the streets and everyone would know you. Its like four miles long.
JA: (Laughs)
AH: Nobody takes my advice. Nobody tries to make it big in Belgium. Its perfect. You start there and then the world domination begins.
JA: Well totally take your advice. And then well never come back to San Antonio again.
AH: But then youd miss out on Sea World.
JA: No, we love San Antonio.
AH: And theres nothing that compares to Texas when it comes to Mexican food.
JA: I like Mexican food, obviously. (Laughs)
AH: If I could live in Mexican food, I would. It would be quite messy, but I would do it. I love it that much. Its a beautiful thing.
JA: (Laughs)
AH:Im actually sitting a few feet away from a restaurant that only serves grilled cheese sandwhiches.
JA: Wow!
AH: Theyre open from 8 am - 3 pm, and I cant understand that. Who gets a grilled cheese sandwich at nine in the morning?
JA: I could probably go for a grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast.
AH: Im absolutely fascinated by the whole thing. I took my roommate by it finally because I wanted to give it a chance. And it was closed at 4:30! Like, "Oh. Our work here is done. Lets close shop. What? It blows my mind.
JA: (Laughs)
AH: Im sorry. I get emotional about cheese. I just wonder if theyre back there with irons doing it old school, or if there is a gourmet banquet and chefs flown in from all over the world working with the finest cheeses
JA: Now Im curious. I wanna go there.
AH: When you guys do your LA show, well stop by the place. Well figure it out.
JA: I love grilled cheeseand pickles.
AH: Well maybe its a bring your own pickle situation. Well have to see.
JA: Cant wait!
Girl in a Coma is currently on tour. For more information go to www.girlinacoma.com or www.myspace.com/girlsinacoma
Check out Arlan's blog here
I love that their van is the 'Cobra Commander.'