Girl in a Coma

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Girl in a Coma is an American indie rock band from San Antonio, Texas. The group features Nina Diaz (vocals/guitar), Phanie Diaz (drums) and Jenn Alva (bass). They formed in 2006 and were signed to Blackheart Records after Joan Jett discovered them. The band name comes from The Smiths’ song “Girlfriend in a Coma.” They previously performed under the names Sylvia’s Radio and Girls in a Coma.

Phanie started playing guitar at 11. Jenn and Phanie met in eighth grade, became friends, and asked Nina, who had written a song, to join. Nina played her first show just before turning 14 and left high school at 16 to focus on the band. In 2009, Nina co-wrote “In Your Mind” with Tiësto. She took a break in 2014 to work on solo material. The Diaz sisters and Alva are Mexican American and grew up listening to Tejano music, including Selena, which influences their sound. They also draw on punk and classic rock influences. They have expressed interests in a future Spanish-language album and dislike being boxed into labels.

Career highlights include opening for Morrissey in 2007, and SXSW performances in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012, plus the True Colors Tour in 2008. They won Independent Music Awards for Clumsy Sky (Best Punk Song, 2008) and for Exits & All the Rest (Best Indie/Alt Album, 2012). In 2009, Jenn Alva and Nina Diaz were briefly arrested in Houston on felony assault charges; the charges were later dropped.

Discography (highlights): Both Before I’m Gone (2007), Trio B.C. (2009), Adventures in Coverland (2010) — a covers collection, Exits & All the Rest (2011). They also released the Hiding My Trail EP (2009) and the Gira O Morir demo (2005). They made nine music videos from 2007–2012, including Clumsy Sky, Road to Home (featuring Amanda Lepore), Say, Their Cell (filmed in a jail), El Monte, Static Mind, As the World Falls Down (David Bowie cover, directed by Robert Rodriguez), Walkin’ After Midnight (Patsy Cline cover) and Smart (2012).

Breakup and reunion: The band announced its breakup in September 2018. Afterward, Jenn Alva and Phanie Diaz formed Fea, also on Blackheart Records. In 2025, Girl in a Coma reunited and began touring again, including Riot Fest in Chicago, with a new album in the works. The members say their return feels tentative and they remain focused on making music. They have spoken about not wanting to be boxed into identities and about addressing social issues, including LGBTQ and Latino communities, through their work. Their song “Hope” addresses immigration policy, reflecting their activism.