What is ‘sunshine reggae’? This band performs it

Iration, a reggae-inspired rock band from Southern California, embodies the sunny, easy-going nature of Hawaii, where they grew up.

It’s no surprise, then, that they have been deemed a “sunshine reggae” band, a term that describes their “Aloha spirit.” Over the past decade, they’ve developed their unique sound, blending elements of reggae, rock, and pop.

This year, they released two singles, “Borderlines” and “Fly With Me,” demonstrating the band’s evolution.

We spoke with Micah Pueschel, lead vocalist and guitarist for the group, about Iration’s journey and how they’ve continued to spread their positive message.

They’ll perform with Fortunate Youth and Through the Roots at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 at Music Farm.

Q. How would you describe your sound?

A. Our sound has kind of changed a lot since we’ve started. We started as a more reggae-sounding band, kinda more roots-reggae, and it’s progressed into a little bit more.

We’ve started to play more of the types of music that we listen to and what we’re all kind of into. And I think that’s come out in the last few albums. Just a lot more rock, alternative rock, and pop.

Q. When did that start developing?

A. It started with our album “Automatic” (2013). We worked with Lincoln Parish from the band Cage the Elephant, and that was the first time we started to make the sound lean a little more rock.

And then we released “Hotting Up” (2015) and then an acoustic album called “Double Up” (2016). And those two are kind of leaning in totally different directions, one being an acoustic album with almost zero drums on it, and then “Hotting Up” is much bigger produced, with big drums and big everything.

Q. How did you all meet, and how did the band form?

A. We’re all from the big island of Hawaii. We grew up together for the most part, went to high school together.

… We moved out for college, and we’re all one or two years apart from each other, so once we all ended up (in California) we started to form a band. We basically started as a cover band.

Q. What songs did you guys cover?

A. When we first started, it was strictly reggae. Roots-reggae like Bob Marley, Don Carlos, the kind of acts that, if you’re into roots-reggae, are very familiar.

And then we started to blend it and play other stuff. We’ve covered Tom Petty, Weezer, Billy Idol (chuckles), all kinds of stuff.

Q. What do y’all like to do outside of touring and playing music?

A. We like surfing, other water sports, the outdoors. Like half the group are golfers and the other half are surfers, so (we do) a lot of outdoor activities. It’s an interesting blend.

We’re all from Hawaii, so we like to be outdoors. When we’re on the road we try to be outside as much as possible.

Q. Your website says you look forward to spreading the “Aloha spirit.” What does that mean?

A. The Aloha spirit is kind of like a mantra (in Hawaii). It’s kind of like what the feeling of being in Hawaii is, just people being friendly, generous, positive and nice; it’s just a pleasant feeling.

And that’s what we’re trying to spread is something that’s feel-good, for the most part. Positive music that makes you feel better when you listen to it. Whether it’s a happy song or sad song, there’s always a hint of optimism to it.

This story was originally published November 2, 2017 at 2:04 PM with the headline "What is ‘sunshine reggae’? This band performs it."