Nashville’s indie-pop outfit COIN are all the rage. From collaborating with production legend Jay Joyce to touring across the United States with Passion Pit and friends, the band is taking the world by synth. With unstoppable tunes and dancey melodies, COIN leaves it all on the table, giving a new meaning to “keep the change.” Recently, the band sat down with us and chatted about music, tour, their new album and how much they adore their fans.
Any interesting stories or moments from recording this album?
There was one specific night where our energy was depleted and we were in the middle of tracking a song, so our producer Jay told us to call as many of our friends as we could to come over. He wanted us to feel like we were playing a show. He turned the lights off and turned on these little party lights and bulbs and told us to play like we were playing on live television or at a music festival. That night was really special because we ended up keeping the take to use for the record.
What was it like working on project with Jay Joyce?
It was such an incredible experience. He’s a true genius. He paces often. He yells things out that may not make total sense at first, but end up coming to life a day or two later. You can see his brain moving a thousand miles an hour through his eyes. Jay not only helped us unlock the sound we wanted for our first record, but also helped us become a better live band. He pushed us on so many levels and helped us break down our walls/a comfort level that we’d established without even knowing it. We really needed Jay to make this record special.
You guys have been on the fast track to success for the past couple of years, how do you guys keep yourselves grounded?
That is a great question, and something we actually love to talk about. In our eyes, there’s no reason not to be grounded. We honestly are so surprised every day by the fact that we even met each other and were able to form this band, let alone see any “success” from what we’ve created. We stay grounded by establishing a culture rooted gratitude and humility. This is unbelievable to us; everything we’re getting to do right now. Music is a career, too, you know? It’s not a vacation. It’s not: “sign a record deal and the world will unfold before your eyes”
We’re so thankful to be able to work, and work hard at this. It just so happens that doing this is something we’re passionate about and have longed for. That’s where (SOME, not all) folks get lost in this, I think. They treat their music career like something that it’s not once they get to their “destination” Like a movie. Or they try to transcend society somehow. They use the pretty photos taken of them, the large crowds, and the words of affirmation to create a world around them that isn’t somewhere to plant your feet. It’s so cool to see it all happen, but you have to have a home base internally, or you’re in danger to fall to absolute pieces if things change… And, they will.
Photo By: Kara Smarsh
We aim to be (and feel it’s our duty) to be “grounded” guys first, musicians second. What we do isn’t as important to us as who we are, and how we represent ourselves– individually, and collectively as COIN. Our parents, close friends, girlfriends, etc. would giggle at us if we pretended to be something we’re not, or hid behind sunglasses. We’re just guys who wanted to play music. Reflecting often and having moments of gratitude for each step of this process, not just the “success” portion has helped us gain perspective on the fact that this industry is not glamorous. It’s very difficult to sustain as a young band, with or without a record deal. There’s no “golden ticket,” really. You work so hard to get recognized by industry folk, and then have to work 10x when you get signed because there’s such a large ocean of amazingly talented bands to “compete” with, but it’s also important to befriend them and realize that we’re all in it together… There’s no reason for us to think or act like we’re above anyone or any career, so we don’t, and don’t plan to. We’re just happy to get to play in front of people at this point, haha. That’s so cool for us. To see people at shows, and to get to engage with them afterward.
We’re lucky to get to share this music with people finally, and we want them to be just as much apart of what we’re doing as we are.
What’s your favorite track from the album overall? Which one is your favorite to play live?
We all agree that “Better” came out very charming and has a special feeling to it. It isn’t traditionally a “COIN-like” song. It was a result of all the music we listened to with Jay prior to tracking. Our favorite to play live is “Fingers Crossed” because it’s so fast and punky. It’s currently our closer and we sort of wrestle on stage near the end. No one has been hurt yet, haha.
What was the biggest challenge while recording the album?
Letting Jay take the reins when needed, as mentioned earlier. We were so used to doing it all ourselves and had never had that producer wisdom available to us. It’s tough to let go sometimes.
If you could go back and change one thing about your time leading up this project, what would it be?
We wouldn’t change anything, because otherwise, we may not have met! It was so serendipitous how it all happened; meeting at school, having mutual friends, essentially bumping into each other and starting the band. We’re not questioning anything!
Photo By: Kara Smarsh
Who would be your dream collaborations for future projects?
Brandon Flowers, Calvin Harris, David Byrne, and Brian Eno.
How do you manage to maintain your childlike wonder in this album?
The music is so much fun to play, and a lot of the lyrical content and our brand overall is pertinent to growing up; moving out of your parents’ house and taking the world by storm. We’re living in it right now, so it’s easy to maintain!
What do you want listeners to take away from the album?
We want them to have fun listening to it, but also sense that it’s heartfelt and has a thematic nature to it. The songs are primarily upbeat. Even if you don’t listen to alternative or pop, people should be able to put on the record and find something (italics) to connect to.
What’s next?
Our record comes out June 9th, and then we are touring all Summer! First with Betty Who, then Neon Trees. Then we go off to play Mo Pop Festival, Lollapalooza, Lou Fest, etc. Lots of travel. And meeting lots of new friends, hopefully.
Photos by: Kara Smarsh
