COIN, 18 October 2024

In the world of new music, there are few bands who have staked their claim quite like COIN. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, this pop-rock outfit has won people around the globe over with its infectious melodies, relatable lyrics, and a sound that feels like it could actually find a cozy spot on modern radio. Well, in the past decade, the transition of COIN from a college project into a key feature and part of the alternative music scene — with a strong and loyal fan base that they have cultivated along the way — has been well supported by a string of successful albums that document their growth as artists.
COIN is a three-piece created in 2012 by Chase Lawrence, Ryan Winnen, and Joe Memmel while attending Belmont University in Nashville. It didn't take the three much time to dive into what they liked about indie rock and electronic music, and soon they began experimenting with creating their own sound. Their early work, abound with an upbeat tempo, catchy hooks, and youthful exuberance, resonated deeply with their peers.
The band's first self-titled debut EP, released in 2012, only very lightly introduced the band's sound but did lay a ground for what would come later. While it wasn't until the release of their second EP, 1992 that same year of 2013, where COIN's effort started gathering further steam. Featured on the EP was the standout track "Atlas", displaying the way in which the band had the chops to put together anthem songs that were instinctual yet irresistibly danceable.

Breakthrough Success: The Self-Titled

COIN had their defining moment when their eponymous debut album dropped in 2015. Produced by Grammy-nominated Jay Joyce, their sophomore follow-up was a slick smorgasbord of tracks that retained the early sound of the band while maneuvering it in different directions. Singles like "Run" and "Fingers Crossed" showcased the band's acumen for writing righteously catchy pop with a rock edge, winning radio station spins and amassing their following.
The breakthrough album became the turning point for COIN. They got their first proper national tour and started playing to truly sold-out audiences, opening for acts like Walk the Moon and Passion Pit. It was this experience of touring and playing live that finally honed the sound of the band to perfection and set the stage for what will now happen in the next phase of evolution for the band.

Experimentation and Evolution: "How Will You Know If You Never Try"

Following the triumph of their debut album, COIN went back into the studio to work on their sophomore effort, "How Will You Know If You Never Try?" The 2017 release strayed far from the sound of old, embracing heavy experimental tendencies both in songwriting and production. Rooted in much of the pop-rock sound that marked their early career successes, this album managed to incorporate bits of synth-pop, new wave, and even R&B.
Their lead single, "Talk Too Much", from the record chimed a radio-ready chorus without abandon and clocked the band in millions of streams, unlike previous recordings that had never gained much attention. An infectious hook with contemplative lyrics encapsulates the thoughts and tribulations of coming of age, sticking to the brainwaves of modern listeners teeming with the complexities of life.
Other highlights from the album, such as "I Don't Wanna Dance" and "Feeling", saw the continuation of such genre-bending and new sounds gaining further elucidation. "How Will You Know If You Never Try" indeed solidified the fact that COIN would definitely be backing down from taking these kinds of chances and trying new things.

Growth and Reflection: "Dreamland"

Released in 2020, "Dreamland" is the band's third studio album, representing COIN's musical and personal growth. The album was penned over the years as the pressures of success, constant touring, and finding creative fulfillment were wrangled by the band members.
"Dreamland" is a poignant album, self-reflective, and absolutely introspective about who you are: mental health and discovery of oneself. Take tracks such as "Crash My Car" and "Simple Romance", which forge danceable, uptempo melodies with the lyrical tales to delve into modern relationships and finding oneself find in an ever-confusing world.
Certainly, the lush arrangements, intricate synth work, and more polished sound do vouch for the evolution of the band. Indeed, a cohort of gifted musicians has grown from the music that used to define the band into COIN. It should not be surprising, therefore, that "Dreamland" received wide critical acclaim and was considered an ambitious record with boundless emotional depth, solidifying COIN's position in the pantheon of modern alternative music.

The Future of COIN: Continuing to Innovate

As COIN continues to evolve, what remains constant is the band's activity — a real buzzing live wire. What's different for this band is that they're innovators and adapt well, too, which will keep them literally ahead in the larger run — one that shall make them not just stay, but remain relevant in the changing landscape of music. Now they have simply adopted new processes with emerging technologies and varying platforms, connecting with their fans through anything from social media to streaming platforms while retaining their authenticity and relatability that had seemed to lie within them.
In 2022, COIN once again struck in experimenting with their sound with their release of "Uncanny Valley", a collection filled with upbeat tracks, juxtaposed with introspective ballads focusing on subjects of technology, disconnection, and the pursuit of meaning in an increasingly digital world. Singles, such as "Cutie" and "Chapstick", found the band retaining that knack for coming up with memorable, catchy songs that leave impressions on music fans.
A live performance to COIN is an integral part of their brand. They never lack energy when performing live, and for that reason, their concerts always capture the audience's attention. Besides, they frequently perform live while on their many tours, contributing to them being considered one of the most interesting alternative bands playing today.

COIN's Impact on the Modern Music Scene

COIN transcends its music. The 4-year-old group is setting examples for new generation artists that work in genre-free zones with no rules or limits on sonic experimentation who put authenticity above all else. Their success has been hugely inspiring for countless other budding musicians to follow their vision, no matter the confines of traditional genre limitation.
What is more, the commitment of COIN to their craft and their willingness to accept the evolution of new pathways of music have caused even their most vehement critics to hold them in high regard. Critics create music that is loved and is able to relate to the commercial market simultaneously, but their music is also ambitious and provocatively creative, a combination that is hardly seen in the present music industry.

While COIN looks to the future, their legacy has already been secured, featuring one of the defining bands of a generation. With a decade-long discography full of some of the most memorable pop-rock songs of the 2010s and 2020s, really COIN put in an inimitable stamp on the contemporary music scene.
From college buddies trying out for sound to international recognition, the talent, determination, and taking of risks have become so real. With them continuously pushing the envelope on their music, COIN is guaranteed to be a force of life in alternative music for many years to come.