Indie rock fans will be able to catch New Orleans-based band Generationals on Sunday at the High Dive as the band begins its spring 2017 tour.
Generationals, who describes its music as a mix of new wave and indie rock, will be playing alongside Baltimore-based band Raindeer on its tour.
Charlie Hughes, a singer-songwriter and the creator of Raindeer, said that while the tour doesn’t officially start until Friday, the band is already excited just getting ready to leave.
“It’s so great to be able to tour with a band as good as Generationals,” Hughes said. “It really makes a big difference playing with someone every night who you really respect.”
Raindeer was created by accident in 2010 when Hughes was originally doing a recording project that evolved into a fully formed band consisting of friends Hughes made while playing music over the years.
Hughes spoke fondly of his two other band members, Jason Iden, the bass player, and Jordan Goodman, the drummer. Hughes said the second anyone meets Iden, they immediately leach off his excitement and happiness. Hughes also said Goodman improves the band’s music mentally and sonically with his drumming.
Goodman, who had prior commitments and couldn’t attend the tour, will be filled in by Kenny Fisher.
Hughes said that while Raindeer is excited to travel 15 hours to escape the Baltimore winter and explore Florida, this tour is much more than just a vacation. He said it’s about giving back to their audience through music.
“I hope anyone who sees us will just get a hint of what inspires the music transferred into their heads,” Hughes said. “We let people space out for a while, and then maybe they get to dance, be sad, be happy and forget about their life for a little bit and be in the moment.”
Raindeer’s drive to provide positive vibes through its music is showcased through the band’s new album, “Neon Death.”
“‘Neon Death’ is mainly focused on being happy with yourself and not letting anyone influence you too much,” Hughes said. “There are songs about friends being in abusive relationships and people who feel like they can’t be who they really are because of a fear of criticism or even violence. I want those people to be happy and have fun.”
Me-Sa Vu, a 20-year-old UF linguistics sophomore who described herself as a High Dive frequenter, said she’s been wanting to see Generationals live ever since she discovered them a year ago, and High Dive is the perfect venue to see them.
“I just love the vibe of the High Dive and the feel of live music versus the studio version,” Vu said.
While Vu said she’s looking forward to hearing her favorite Generationals songs live, “When They Fight, They Fight” and “TenTwentyTen,” it’s not the only thing she’s excited about.
“To be honest, I’m really excited to take home a guitar pick or the set list,” Vu said. “I usually convince the band to give those to me. It’s sort of a collection.”
The concert opens at 8 p.m. and starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets can be bought in advance from ticketfly.com or Hear Again Music.
