San Antonio natives Girl in a Coma have had quiet the last couple of years. Since the 2007 release of their debut album Both Before I’m Gone, the all girl three piece has toured extensively. That included tour dates with Morrissey, Tegan & Sara and Toadies.

As a further testament to the awesomeness that is GIAC, the band has been selected to play SXSW again this year. Later in 2009 Girl in a Coma is also expected to release their follow-up sophomore effort which is eagerly anticipated among fans and critics alike.

Drummer Phanie Diaz took time to answer some questions for Austin Sound Check. Read on after the jump to read GIAC’s SXSW advice for bands as well as their favorite Austin restaurant and what fans can expect from the new album.

You can see Girl in a Coma three times during SXSW. On Wednesday, March 18, they will play the SESAC Day Stage at the Austin Convention Center at 1pm, followed by a performance at Maggie Mae’s later that night at 10:30pm. On Saturday, March 20th at 3:30pm, Girl in a Coma will play a free, open to the public day show at The Viper Room (Black & Tan / Rusty Spurs).

Ana Wolken: GIAC are SXSW veterans. Do you have any survival tips for first time bands?

Phanie Diaz : SXSW can be very hectic and there is so much going on and so many bands playing. Stay focused on showing what you have and be social! It’s all about meeting people who can help your band with booking or advice. Even other bands to tour with.

AW : Who are you excited to see at SXSW when you’re not busy playing?

PD : Ladyhawke, Magneta Lane, Amanda Palmer, PJ Harvey.. but more then likely.. we have a show

AW : Whats your favorite place to eat in Austin?

PD : Veggie Heaven!!

AW : GIAC has been on an undoubtedly crazy ride since the release of Both Before I’m Gone. What are some of your favorite memories from the last two years?

PD : Playing in Paris with Morrissey , Tegan from Tegan and Sara hanging with us in our dressing room during our tour together, seeing Joan Jett at our show front row.

AW : How is the sophomore album coming? What can fans expect from the new release?
PD : The new album has come out amazing..we really put a lot into it.. and I think the fans will be pleasantly surprised. It’s alot of 90s influence mixed in with some rockabilly. They can also expect tons
of touring from us. We would not have it any other way

Post from: Austin Sound Check

Girl in a Coma is far and away my favorite act to come out of San Antonio, which I’ve repeated here several times. We here in Austin are lucky, as the girls recently played a MySpace Latino showcase at Mohawk and will be showcasing at SXSW in just two short weeks.

GIAC performed in-store at Amoeba Records in Los Angeles last October, in support of their debut album Both Before I’m Gone. The thirty-three minute live video below includes several favorites from that album as well as a few unnamed songs that will probably appear on their forthcoming sophomore release.

You can see Girl in a Coma during SXSW at the SESAC Day Stage at The Austin Convention Center, at 1pm and Maggie Mae’s at 10:30pm, both on March 18th.

Thanks to our friends at SaucidoSlant for the tip!

Post from: Austin Sound Check

The San Antonio-based band plays in Austin regularly year round and has built up a solid local following. Their debut album Both Before I’m Gone was received well by fans and critics alike, which has only intensified the buzz around their forthcoming sophomore release, reportedly out in 2009.

The video for Girl In a Coma’s Say is below for your viewing pleasure.

Post from: Austin Sound Check