Surrounded by pedal boards next to potting soil, a bong made out of a yam and full faces of goth makeup peering back from the crowd, the Gnomes of Neptune took the stage at a local house show.
The band describes itself as “eclectic post-punk augurgaze.” The three band members tell the story of the Gnomes of Neptune, a race of whimsical creatures who have come back from 4.5 billion years in the future to prevent humanity’s downfall. Audience members who join the front row of the crowd are bestowed their very own “gnome hats,” and the band’s amp stack even has a gnome perched on top.
In addition to touring venues throughout Florida, the Gnomes have their own “Gnome Home,” a house that serves as a DIY venue where the band hosts affordable shows featuring itself and other local artists.
DIY venues are spaces run by the community that lack the traditional corporate structure of larger concert halls and arenas. They’re meant to promote freedom of expression, as they lack typical venue restrictions. These venues don’t make lots of profit, and are instead focused on giving a space for people to express themselves. And they’re often in unconventional locations, like basements, warehouses, or in the case of the Gnome Home, simply someone’s house.
Ruarai McKenna, the band’s 22-year-old drummer, emphasized the importance of supporting the local music scene.
“We realized there was a scene and a community that could be expanded upon and built into something strong.” McKenna said.
Gainesville’s alternative scene has deep roots. Since the 1980s, bands like Roach Motel and Hot Water Music have created a legacy of punk attitude in the city. Each year, thousands gather downtown for The Fest, a massive punk music festival. That attitude persists through modern acts like the Gnomes.
“The community that I want to support has open communication of ideas, open-minded people who are not afraid to express their views and have views that are not harmful to other people.” McKenna said.
Creating an accepting community is important to him, he said. Alternative scenes help provide a space for people to be themselves, outside the mainstream Gainesville social scene, he said.
“There needs to be a separate community for people who don’t identify with traditional ideas of society, and that’s exactly what they’re allowed to do at our shows,” McKenna said.
The open expression of ideas is integral to the scene. The Gnomes’ own music is full of ideas imbued with anger and social justice. The chorus of one of their most popular songs, “Trickle Down,” is an impassioned critique of former President Ronald Reagan, with lyrics critiquing the former president — in quite explicit terms.
The DIY scene also requires a low barrier of entry, said 21-year-old Gnomes bassist Walker Pawlik. That means smaller bands can perform more easily. Large corporate venues need proof that an act can make money; they won’t take a risk on a band they aren’t sure will turn a profit, Pawlik said.
Meanwhile, DIY venues only need one thing from performers: energy. In fact, Pawlik performed his first show even before learning how to play an instrument. He describes running a DIY venue as doing it “for the love of the game.”
“It was awesome to be able to give other bands and other artists a platform to play,” Pawlik said. “Because we can provide a platform for other artists in the city, it's kind of our duty to put our time into making that happen, because the DIY scene won't exist if people don't make the time for it.”
Terrence Joseph, a 22-year-old UF biology and African American studies senior, has recently started diving into the Gainesville countercultural scene and appreciates how unique all of the bands are.
“There’s a sense of individuality that I see in these bands that I think that the industry needs right now,” said Joseph.
The counterculture scene in Gainesville is a breeding ground for new ideas and free expression. Whether it’s an audience member “getting their gnome on” or a punk-rocker protesting the politics of today, this unique space gives attendees the opportunity to speak — and sing — their mind unfiltered.
Contact Christopher Rodriguez at crodriguez@alligator.org. Follow him on X @ChrisRodri29386
