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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.”
B.O.O.T
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
verse 1: So lock it up lock it up cause were on our way now and if we see one light on this town is going down. Now do you see what I see this place is lookin so very tasty and I think I smell yes I smell a golden opportunity.
pre-chorus: So when the dance gets hot, don't look for reasons why not. Come on in its time to begin whether your ready or not.
CHORUS
PRE-CHORUS
CHORUS
The song "B.O.O.T" by Pepper, which stands for "Blow Out Of This Town," talks about the desire to escape from a small town and the yearning for bigger and better things. The chorus, "So here I go with the bass line low, nothing you can do we blew out of this town," highlights the determination of the singer to leave the small town behind and chase their dreams. The first verse talks about locking up and leaving the town behind while seeing it as an opportunity to seek further success.
Additionally, the pre-chorus, "So when the dance gets hot, don't look for reasons why not. Come on in, it's time to begin whether your ready or not," encourages the listener to take chances and to pursue their dreams. The second verse introduces a sense of disappointment in having to leave the small town behind but also boasts about not changing their style or appearance when they reach their destination.
In essence, the song is about chasing one's dreams and leaving behind the monotony of a small town, but also staying true to one's identity while striving for success.
Line by Line Meaning
So lock it up lock it up cause were on our way now
We're leaving and taking everything with us, so lock up tight because we won't be back.
and if we see one light on this town is going down.
If we see any sign of life in this town, we'll destroy it all because we're leaving for good.
Now do you see what I see this place is lookin so very tasty
Do you see what I see? This town is ripe for the taking and we're going to cash in on the opportunity.
and I think I smell yes I smell a golden opportunity.
I smell the chance to make some serious money and we're not going to pass it up.
So when the dance gets hot, don't look for reasons why not.
When things start heating up, don't hesitate. Just go with it and don't make excuses for why you can't join in.
Come on in its time to begin whether your ready or not.
Join us now because it's time to start, whether you're prepared or not doesn't matter.
So here I go with the bass line low, nothing you can do we blew out of this town.
I'm leaving with the beat of the music guiding me, and there's nothing anyone can do to stop us as we leave town.
I don't know how far we came, but it's time to leave.
I'm not sure how far we've traveled, but it's time for us to move to the next destination.
That's always a shame. The pleasure was all mine if its all the same.
It's sad to leave this place, but I enjoyed my time here nonetheless.
Were on the road you see were not on MTV but when we get there we won't shave our hair or be fags like Creed.
We may not have achieved fame through television, but when we do reach our destination, we won't conform to society's expectations or be like popular band Creed.
So when the dance gets hot, don't look for reasons why not.
When things start to pick up, don't hesitate or make excuses. Just go with the flow.
Come on in its time to begin whether your ready or not.
It's time to start, whether or not you feel prepared for what's to come.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind