"Home" is a COIN Show
Concert Photos by Erin Christie
by Erin Christie
It seems to typically be the case that, at least for music-lovers like myself, the bands and artists that tend to stick with you do so because of something specific. In the case of a small Nashville, Tennessee- hailing foursome known as COIN—comprised of lead singer and keyboardist Chase Lawrence, drummer Ryan Winnen, guitarist Joe Memmel, and bassist Matt Martin—it was their genuine ability to fill me with the utmost euphoria no matter the situation.
My relationship with COIN began roughly five years ago when I was introduced to their charming, synth-based indie pop sound via Twitter, a means of finding valuable artists that certainly hasn’t faded since then. On first listen, I was immediately hooked and have been since, having traveled around the east coast for years to soothe an itch that can only be scratched when I see them perform live.
On the eve of Sunday, February 10th, I had the opportunity to see COIN for what felt like the millionth time over. This time, though, was different: I was able to view all of the action through the lens of my DSLR. As the lights dropped, my heart fell from my chest and butterflies began to flit around in my stomach. “Welcome Home,” Lawrence greeted the audience, as they launched into the first track and I immediately knew his words to be rooted in truth.
Throughout the night, I experienced an amount of joy that I can only associate with songs such as “Fingers Crossed” (which I happen to have a tattoo dedicated to) and “Don’t Cry 2020.” It’s surreal to watch a band that you’ve continuously supported for years triumph in a city that you consider a home away from home, and at Paradise Rock Club that night, that rarity became a reality.
From side-stage, I witnessed the palpable love present in the room—from audience members enthusiastically shouting the lyrics back at Lawrence with each passing song, to the emotion that was present on the band members’ faces at the sight before them. It was a night that filled me with the utmost pride, knowing that this teeny band that has given me so much—from tracks that have sound-tracked my life since sophomore year of high school, to meaningful connections with other fans—has been able to achieve the success that I wholeheartedly believe that they deserve.
Throughout the years, I’ve become more and more infatuated with their serotonin-inducing sound, and alongside that love for their music comes my love for their fanbase that I sit beside. So many of my life-long friendships began as a result of a shared love for their music.
Like any “quirky” teenager who “no one understood,” I found solace online, whether in terms of the friendships that I forged or the music that I was able to discover. For me, COIN was able to provide both. Online friendships are oftentimes overlooked or seen as less valid in the sense that there is a lack of the intimacy that comes with being face-to-face and in close proximity. Despite this, though, due to the personability of social media—in the sense that one can keep in contact with people from all over the globe on a near constant basis—online friendships like the ones that I have gathered via my love for COIN have continued to flourish.
“Since I saw them on their first opening tour they always make me feel valued and [like they] genuinely appreciate me being at their shows!!” said Ciara Burke (22) of Norristown, PA. Burke and I met when, on a whim, we both decided to travel to Uncasville, CT where COIN was performing to a small crowd in the middle of the infamous casino, Mohegan Sun. Since that night—which happened to be my first time seeing the band—we’ve kept in touch. Along with relationships like the one I have with Burke, I’ve made countless friends through a shared love of COIN’s music, including my participation in a publication called Heart Eyes Magazine, named after a track from COIN’s sophomore record and conceived with the band and a communal love of music in mind.
“COIN has given me a place to call home, surrounded by such ‘family members’ who I have met either online, at shows, or other event but connecting because of COIN,” said Emily Usallan (17), a fan and fellow Heart Eyes staff-writer from Miami, FL. Their shows, to her, become a place where she and her peers can “getaway together and fall in love with the music again and again.” Going to see COIN live, in that sense, is truly like a family reunion, a means for fans to revel in their undying appreciation for the band, and celebrate such together.
Most recently, the boys of COIN have been anything but at a standstill, releasing spectacular singles, one after the other in preparation for the release of their third record. As us fans sit in anticipation, we know that what they’re about to spring onto the world is about to be life-changing.