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Kaleo Wassman – Vocals/Guitar
Bret Bollinger – Vocals/Bass
Yesod Williams – Drums
“It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done as a band to make this record,” says guitarist/vocalist Kaleo Wassman of Pepper, in speaking on the recording process of their new self-titled album. “It speaks loudly and widely to a broader audience while maintaining everything good about the band, which, first of all, is our positive attitude.” After releasing five albums, Pepper has opened a new chapter in their storied career. Drummer Yesod Williams adds, “This record feels very cohesive in a way our past releases maybe didn’t. I think it’s an album that can appeal to everyone, as well. We’ve been pigeonholed in the past so this is an opportunity to transcend all that and spread our wings even wider.”
The trio, who formed in 1997 and moved to the mainland from their hometown of Kailua Kona, Hawaii in 1999, pressed pause after the release of their fifth album, Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations, in 2008. There was a sense of fatigue and disunity amongst the three musicians, who took some time off from music both apart and together before rejoining to create an EP, Stiches, in late 2010. The songs on that release re-energized the group, revealing an urgent desire to make a new album that reflected where they are in their lives and career now. After some tour dates in support of the EP, Pepper sat down and focused on their sixth album, a self-titled released that swings open the door on this new chapter.
The musicians went into the studio with Matt Wallace, a producer known for his work with Maroon 5, O.A.R. and Faith No More, in early 2012. Matt helped focus the group’s vision and expand their musical knowledge base, an experience the band members compare to being in their own version of college. The album was recorded in various studios over the course of a year, honing in on Pepper’s re-defined self-identity and how that focus was reflected in the songs.
“We learned so much,” Yesod says. “Matt help us really focus on the art of songwriting. He sat in the room with the three of us with a fine-tooth comb and went over every word, every melody, every sound. He showed us that it’s important what you do play as well as what you don’t play, creating both spaces in the songs. We learned how powerful simplicity can be. Plus, we had such a good time recording this album and I think that shows.”
The resulting album, self-titled to accentuate where the band feels they are presently, broadens Pepper’s style, veering into new sonic territory while still retaining all the fun elements that make the band so beloved by their fans. The ever-present sense of life surges through the tracks, bolstering the sense of optimism throughout. The party anthems, the beach hang melodies, and the boisterous rhythms are all there, each song carefully crafted to best express these sunny moments by the ocean.
“This album is basically 12 snapshots of where we are,” vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger says. “There are songs that will remind you of your favorite Pepper songs, but by the end you’ll hear some unexpected things. You’ll realize that the songwriting is so much more refined. And there’s laughter in the background of the songs. That’s how good the vibe is on the record.”
Pepper has toured extensively with groups like 311, Slightly Stoopid, Flogging Molly and Sublime With Rome, and spent several summers on Warped Tour – and this live sensibility shows. You can almost feel the sand in your toes and the sun on your back as the album progresses, the musician’s amiable personalities palpable beneath the island rhythms and mellow tones. The band’s music – both live and on their releases – is really about enjoying life and being grateful for each experience, a sensibility that’s very familiar to the three musicians currently in their career. From their 1999 debut Give’n It to their 2006 standout album No Shame, which was recorded with 311’s Nick Hexum, No Doubt’s Tony Kanal and Butthole Surfers’ Paul Leary, Pepper has embodied not only a style of music but a lifestyle, one that’s most easily found on beaches across the world, but also one that’s relatable to anyone anywhere.
Released via their own label LAW Records, their universal appeal has led their music being placed in various movies and TV shows, including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Good Luck Chuck, as well as several video game soundtracks. The band’s story to date has been a prolific one. But as Pepper turns the page into a fresh chapter with this new album, it’s clear that the band’s passion for music and life will continue on for years to come.
“We’re so blessed to be in this position,” Kaleo says. “We want to do the best we can with it. We had humble beginnings in our small town in Hawaii and we’re still that same humble band. We don’t take any of this lightly. Every day I wake up and think about how I have the best job in the world. The level of gratitude and happiness I have that we’re able to do this is incredible and I hope people can hear that when they listen to our new songs.”
Stone Love
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A forty four in the background
A platinum selector of the time
Don't watch my size in this hall
While my backs against the wall
Take a ride, competition take a ride
Pull it operator watch the other side
Thought you were over, so far from done
As they dance into the sun
Some big up new style holding trophy cups
Rory select while these speakers erupt
Sound sweeter in an echo chamber
Don't you know they are the danger
Three bottles of Cristal and it's agreed
The best could only come from the Don Wesley
Close my eyes while I take a ride
Fold up the bag in a yard style
Don't worry bout that you see it's all natural
Police chasing this bandilero
Running down the road with my thick payroll
One stop was my music shop
When I heard this guitar screamin'
Pepper's song Stone Love is a celebration of music and the power it has to bring people together. The lyrics speak of a sound system, Stone Love, which is the number one in its time and has a forty-four in the background, which is likely referring to a type of amplifier or speaker. The selector, or DJ, is described as a platinum one and despite his small size, he dominates the hall with his music. The competition is challenged to take a ride, while the operator is instructed to watch the other side. All the while, the party-goers are dancing into the sun, clearly indicating that this is a long and lively celebration.
The lyrics then speak of a new style holding trophy cups, likely referring to a new musical trend that is being recognized and celebrated. The singers are described as sounding sweeter in an echo chamber, which could mean that the music is reverberating around the room or that the sound system is using some sort of effect to enhance the sound. However, the lyrics also suggest danger, warning listeners that they should be aware. Three bottles of Cristal are mentioned, which is a high-end champagne, further reinforcing the idea that the celebration is one of luxury and excess, and that the music is playing a key part in it.
The lyrics then switch to a more personal tone and describe the bandit's journey. The singer talks of running down the road with a thick payroll after leaving their music shop, presumably after closing up for the day. While they're on the move, the sound of a screaming guitar catches their attention, and they seem to be drawn towards it. All throughout the song, the music is an integral part of the action and the emotions, suggesting that it cannot be separated from the people involved and the life they lead.
Line by Line Meaning
Stone love with the number one sound
There is a great love for music with the most popular sound.
A forty four in the background
The music is accompanied by a loud drum beat.
A platinum selector of the time
The DJ playing the music is very good and popular.
Don't watch my size in this hall
Don't underestimate the DJ's ability just because they are not physically big.
While my backs against the wall
The DJ feels like they are in a difficult position, but will not give up.
Take a ride, competition take a ride
The DJ challenges others to listen to their music and compete if they can.
Pull it operator watch the other side
The DJ requests the sound engineer to pay attention to the sound quality on both sides.
Thought you were over, so far from done
People doubted the DJ's talent, but they are proving them wrong as they continue to create great music.
As they dance into the sun
People continue to dance to the music until daylight.
Some big up new style holding trophy cups
Some people are celebrating a new music style and their success with it.
Rory select while these speakers erupt
The DJ named Rory is selecting music as the sound system is delivering loud, powerful sound.
Sound sweeter in an echo chamber
The music sounds better when there is an echo created in the space.
Don't you know they are the danger
The DJs and their music are a force to be reckoned with, and people should be aware of this.
Three bottles of Cristal and it's agreed
After drinking three expensive bottles of champagne, it is clear to everyone that the best music comes from a DJ named Don Wesley.
The best could only come from the Don Wesley
Don Wesley is widely regarded as the best DJ.
Close my eyes while I take a ride
The DJ is so in tune with the music that they feel like they are going on a journey with it, eyes closed.
Fold up the bag in a yard style
Packing up equipment in the style of a Jamaican 'yard' party.
Don't worry bout that you see it's all natural
The DJ isn't worried about the process of packing up because it comes naturally to them.
Police chasing this bandilero
The DJ is speeding away in a car with their earnings, trying to avoid the police.
Running down the road with my thick payroll
The DJ is running with a large sum of money.
One stop was my music shop
The DJ's music was available at one particular place.
When I heard this guitar screamin'
The DJ was inspired to make more music when they heard a great guitar solo.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CLAYDES SMITH, JAMES TAYLOR, GEORGE BROWN, CURTIS FITZGERALD WILLIAMS, DENNIS THOMAS, RONALD BELL, ROBERT BELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind