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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.”
Illuminate
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What was under the bridge and under the snow
She came along and she went so fast, but I saw a little line
Fantasticly on the bright side she was, living on hozizons too
Why don't you wake up your mind, and why don't you turn on your life
All I want is to illuminate you, break the hold of whatever's sailing you
This ain't nothing but philosophy, i
Yea
All I want is to invigorate you, flick the flame and I'll elevate you high, higher than any chemistry, now you feel it in your symmetry baby
You are, you are, you are
My baby
You are, you are, you are, yes you are,
Amazing
There was a time when we wasn't close, always walking up the hills and putting out cloths
Time after time after time, she was leaving alone in a lie
When will I know, when will I see
How would ya know what I did if you never want to see,
I was picking the apple, I was climbing the tree,
I'm gonna find you there I'm gonna set you free
All I want is to illuminate you, break the hold of whatever's sailing you
This ain't nothing but philosophy, i
Can feel it coming over me
All I want is to invigorate you, flick the flame and I'll elevate you high, higher than any chemistry, now feel it in your symmetry baby
You are, you are, you are
My baby
You are, you are, you are,
So tell me baby, does it seem like, your world is spinning around
And does it feel like your feet have left the ground
Tell me does it feel like, does it feel like
All I want is to illuminate you, break the hold of whatever's sailing you
This ain't nothing but philosophy, i
Can feel it coming over me
All I want is to invigorate you, flick the flame and I'll elevate you high, higher than any chemistry, now feel it in your symmetry baby
The song "Illuminate" by Pepper tells the story of a person who is desperately trying to help their partner see the light and improve their life. The lyrics describe a time when they were once close and she was more open about what was going on in her life, but that connection faded and the singer cannot seem to get through to her. They express the desire to "illuminate" her, to break the hold that whatever is troubling her has over her, and elevate her to a higher level of happiness.
The song speaks to the idea of wanting to help others, but being powerless to do so without their cooperation. The singer is frustrated by the fact that their partner won't allow them to help, and so the only thing they can do is keep trying and hoping for a breakthrough. There may be a sense of longing for the way things used to be, and the hope of recapturing that connection.
Overall, "Illuminate" is a hopeful song about trying to help those you love. It recognizes that sometimes it's impossible to make someone change, but it also encourages persistence and faith that things can get better.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a time when she let me know, what was going on
In the past, she used to inform me about the happenings in her life
What was under the bridge and under the snow
She used to share everything with me, no matter how deep or hidden it was
She came along and she went so fast, but I saw a little line
Even though she left quickly, I noticed a small sign of hope
Fantasticly on the bright side she was, living on hozizons too
She was an optimistic person who had great plans for the future
Why don't you wake up your mind, and why don't you turn on your life
You should start using your intelligence to make smart decisions and take positive steps towards a better life
All I want is to illuminate you, break the hold of whatever's sailing you
I want to help you see the light, and let go of anything that's keeping you stuck or lost
This ain't nothing but philosophy, i Can feel it coming over me Yea
My words may sound like just theories, but I truly believe in them and feel empowered by them
All I want is to invigorate you, flick the flame and I'll elevate you high, higher than any chemistry, now you feel it in your symmetry baby
I want to awaken your passion and excitement, and inspire you to reach new heights of happiness and balance
You are, you are, you are My baby
You mean so much to me, and I care about your well-being deeply
You are, you are, you are, yes you are, Amazing
You are truly incredible and capable of achieving amazing things
There was a time when we wasn't close, always walking up the hills and putting out cloths
At some point, we were distant and had to face many challenges and obstacles
Time after time after time, she was leaving alone in a lie
Repeatedly, she chose to deceive herself and others, and ended up feeling isolated
When will I know, when will I see
I am eager to understand and perceive the truth about her life and intentions
How would ya know what I did if you never want to see, I was picking the apple, I was climbing the tree, I'm gonna find you there I'm gonna set you free
If you don't bother to look, you can't judge or assume anything about me. I am exploring new opportunities and taking risks, and I will eventually find her and help her break free from her fears and doubts
So tell me baby, does it seem like, your world is spinning around And does it feel like your feet have left the ground Tell me does it feel like, does it feel like
I sense that you are struggling and feeling lost, and I want to know more about your experience and emotions
Contributed by Samuel F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dahoboman
I heard this song when they put out their album for a preview. Listened to the whole album, this was the only song that really caught my attention. There's a few other good songs on there, but this is the best one by quite a bit in my opinion.
@mattshipley1825
I love it! Great album.
@sarahroberto240
This is my favorite song on the new album and I lOve the new album so much!
@caribbeanrocker11
Being a huge Pepper and reggae fan I'm not so impressed with this album, but this song I'm really enjoying, very catchy and different. I like it when bands experiment with new sounds but still stick to their roots.
@DyersEveZ
I literally don't understand what the hell all of you are tripping about haha this song is classic Pepper like how the in the world can none of you hear it? This song sounds like it could've been on No Shame!
@kayladrake8373
I agree!
@MrSkeefoo
To each their own. Pepper is full of love and that's good enough for me
@roldansalinas4184
I just love pepper nuff said lol
@GOMI99
You guys are tripping this album is sick. Turn it up and turn up the bass. That kona town sound is tired and simple. Step your game up!
@davidschlomobergwitzsteino4434
this isnt that bad actually