Facebook www.faceboo… Read Full Bio ↴New self-titled Pepper album drops Fall 2013!!
Facebook www.facebook.com/pepperlive; Twitter www.twitter.com/pepperlive; Instagram www.instagram.com/pepperlive
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.”
Do Something
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know you feel this
Are You ready?
I don't think so
Somebody give me my truck
So I can ride on the clouds
So I can turn up the bass like...
Somebody pass my guitar
So I can look like a star
And spend this cash like...
What you gonna do when the crowd goes A-yo?
Why you standin' on the wall?
Music startin' everywhere
So why don't you just move along?
[Chorus]
I see you lookin' at me
Like I'm some kind of freak
Care to buy me a seat
Why don't you do somethin'?
I see you lookin' at me
Like I got what you need
Get on up and,
Why don't you do something?
Now you all in my grill
Cause I say what I feel
Only rocks on what's real
Baby bump bump
But I can't do that with you
Only here with my crew
I can roll if you can
Don't be a punk punk
What you gonna do when the crowd goes A-yo?
Why you standin' on the wall?
Music startin' everywhere
So why don't you just move along?
[Chorus: x 2]
Na nananananana
Uh!
Na nananananananana
I see you lookin' over here
Cant you tell I'm havin' fun
If you care like I know
You would stop
starin' at us
And get your own space
And do something
[Chorus: x 2]
Fuck!
Do something
Ow!
Why don't you do something?
The song "Do Something" by Pepper is an upbeat, energetic song with a call-to-action message. The lyrics seem to be directed at someone who is hesitant to let loose and join in on the fun. The singer encourages this person to "do something" and join in on the party.
The lyrics begin with a series of questions and statements that set the tone for the song. The singer asks if the listener is feeling the music and if they're ready to join in on the fun. They then proceed to request their truck and guitar so they can ride through the clouds and play like a star. The lyrics are filled with energy and excitement, urging the listener to get up and move their body.
The chorus drives the message of the song home, with the singer indicating that they see the listener looking at them and then urging them to "do something." They sing that the listener is looking at them like they're a freak but then suggest that they buy them a seat so they can join in on the fun. Finally, they tell the listener to get on up and "do something."
Overall, the song "Do Something" is an upbeat, high-energy song that encourages the listener to join in on the fun and live life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you feel this
Can you sense the excitement and energy in the air?
I know you feel this
I can tell that you're picking up on the vibes too
Are You ready?
Are you prepared for what's about to happen?
I don't think so
I have doubts that you're truly ready for this
Somebody give me my truck
I need my vehicle to drive off and escape reality
So I can ride on the clouds
So I can feel like I'm floating on air and free from worries
So I can turn up the bass like...
So I can blast my music and get lost in the beat
Somebody pass my guitar
I need my instrument to showcase my talents and shine like a star
So I can look like a star
So I can appear and be treated like a celebrity
And spend this cash like...
And use my money to show off and have a good time
What you gonna do when the crowd goes A-yo?
How will you react when everyone else is losing themselves to the music?
Why you standin' on the wall?
Why are you hesitating and not joining in on the fun?
Music startin' everywhere
The beat is picking up all around us
So why don't you just move along?
So why don't you jump in and start dancing with us?
I see you lookin' at me
I notice that you're staring my way
Like I'm some kind of freak
As if I'm an oddity or someone to be judged
Care to buy me a seat
Would you be willing to pay for my spot or ticket?
Why don't you do somethin'?
Instead of just staring, why don't you take action and join the party?
Like I got what you need
Like I possess something that you desperately want or desire
Get on up and,
Start dancing and letting loose
Now you all in my grill
Now you're getting up close and personal with me
Cause I say what I feel
Because I'm honest and speak my mind
Only rocks on what's real
I only focus on what's true and authentic
But I can't do that with you
But I can't be my true self around you
Only here with my crew
I'm only comfortable and my real self when with my group of friends
I can roll if you can
I can let loose and have a good time, but only if you do too
Don't be a punk punk
Don't be scared or hesitant to let loose and have fun
Na nananananana
A playful and energetic sound, meant to hype up the listener
Uh!
An exclamation of excitement and anticipation
I see you lookin' over here
I can see that you're still watching me
Cant you tell I'm havin' fun
Can't you tell that I'm enjoying myself and being carefree?
If you care like I know
If you truly care about having a good time like I do
You would stop starin' at us
You would join us and stop just watching from afar
And get your own space
And create your own area to dance and have fun
And do something
And let loose and enjoy yourself like everyone else
Fuck!
An expression of frustration or anger
Ow!
A sound to show pain or pleasure
Do something
An urgent plea to the listener to take action and enjoy themselves
Why don't you do something?
A question to encourage the listener to join in on the fun
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISTOPHER DOOLEY, EARL WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind