COIN
Biography
COIN is an American pop-rock band that was formed in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2012. The original members were Chase Lawrence (vocals, synthesizers), Joe Memmel (guitar, vocals), Ryan Winnen (drums), and Zach Dyke (bass guitar). Lawrence, Memmel, and Dyke were students at Belmont University, where Lawrence and Memmel met in a music theory class. They were later introduced to Winnen and Dyke through mutual friends.
Formation and Early Years
The band began by recording four songs at their university and releasing them online for free to secure live show bookings. Their early sound was a blend of indie-rock and '80s-inspired synths. They quickly gained a loyal following in the Nashville music scene. Before their full-length debut, they released two EPs: "Saturdays" in 2012 and "1992" in 2013.
Musical Style and Influences
COIN is known for their bright, synth-spiked alternative pop sound. Their music often incorporates elements of new wave, alternative rock, and post-punk. Early on, the band cited influences such as The Cure, as well as more contemporary acts like Passion Pit and Two Door Cinema Club. Their sound has been compared to bands like Walk the Moon and The 1975.
Career Highlights
Debut Album and "Talk Too Much"
In 2015, COIN released their self-titled debut album via Columbia Records, which featured the single "Run". This song gained significant airplay and brought them mainstream attention. Their breakout hit, "Talk Too Much," was released in 2016 and became the lead single for their second album, "How Will You Know If You Never Try" (2017). This track was their first to chart on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart. "How Will You Know If You Never Try" also marked their debut on the Billboard 200 chart.
Subsequent Albums and Independent Work
Bassist Zachary Dyke departed from the band in 2018. The remaining trio released their third album, "Dreamland," in 2020 on their own independent label, The Committee for Sound & Mind. This was followed by the "Rainbow Mixtape" project in 2021, which consisted of three EPs. Their fourth studio album, "Uncanny Valley," released in 2022, explored themes of artificial intelligence and humanity.
Recent Work and Disbandment
The band's fifth studio album, "I'm Not Afraid of Music Anymore," was released on September 13, 2024. In January 2025, lead singer Chase Lawrence announced that COIN had disbanded. The decision came after Lawrence was made aware of unspecified misconduct allegations against guitarist Joe Memmel and former drummer Ryan Winnen.
Discography
Studio Albums:
- COIN (2015)
- How Will You Know If You Never Try (2017)
- Dreamland (2020)
- Uncanny Valley (2022)
- I'm Not Afraid of Music Anymore (2024)
Key Singles:
- Run (2015)
- Talk Too Much (2016)
- Crash My Car (2019)