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.”
Lost
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
我卸下了伪装
你的出现让我整个世界都照亮
我不要再去想
没什么能阻挡
oh oh
回到第一次和你遇见的地点
期待着能够和你再次遇见
You make me lost
没你的路
只有你能够照亮
的黑夜
you make me lost
我太孤独
我需要你来照亮
这黑夜
在这没有你的世界
我的思念无法磨灭
想着你忘记了时间
oh
回到第一次和你遇见的地点
期待着能够和你再次遇见
oh
You make me lost
没你的路
只有你能够照亮
的黑夜
you make me lost
我太孤独
我需要你来照亮
The song "Lost in America" by the band Pepper is about the experience of being lost and disconnected from one's own self and country while traveling across America. The lyrics depict a journey that takes the band members from the East Coast to the West Coast, passing through the Midwest and various states along the way. The chorus repeats the sentiment of being lost, feeling disconnected from others and one's own identity. This concept is further highlighted in the second verse where the band members describe the struggles of traversing various parts of the country, from having to pay tolls, eat uncomfortable food, and experience long drives to get to their destination.
The lyrics bring up various points of interest, including specific cities and landmarks, such as the Alamo, Coco, and Hudson. These are likely real places they have visited, giving the song an autobiographical element. The mention of people like Slug and Craig also adds a personal touch to the lyrics, hinting that the song may be influenced by real-life experiences. The repetition of the chorus is a reminder that while traveling and experiencing new places can be exciting and liberating, it can also be quite daunting and cause some form of identity crisis.
Line by Line Meaning
East coast is gonna swallow ya, swallow ya
The East coast is going to consume you entirely, leaving you feeling lost and alone.
Midwest is gonna burn it down
The Midwest is going to crumble and fall apart, leaving behind nothing but destruction and despair.
West coast I'm gonna follow ya, follow ya
The singer plans to go to the West coast and follow their dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
On my way to Kona Town
The destination of the artist's journey is Kona Town, a place where they hope to find happiness and fulfillment.
Drive along the country roads
The artist is taking a road trip across the country, exploring the beauty of America's countryside.
Well, just don't *** on the Alamo
While on this road trip, the singer is reminded not to disrespect important historical landmarks, like the Alamo.
Jump up the station down in coco
The singer is excited to visit a station in Coco and feels like jumping for joy.
Eat sushi on Hudson after the NYC show
After a show in New York City, the artist plans to enjoy some delicious sushi by the Hudson River.
I'm sorry Craig but we got to go
The artist regrets having to leave Craig behind, but they have to continue their journey.
So say hi to slug in the prince disco
Before leaving, the artist asks Craig to give their regards to their friend Slug, who may be found at Prince Disco.
Time was great as the pictures show
The singer has had a wonderful time on their journey, as evidenced by the photos they have taken.
But it's a really long time to where we got to go
Despite having a great time, the journey ahead is long and tiring, and the artist looks forward to reaching their destination.
Lost in America
The singer feels like they have lost their way and is uncertain about the future.
I'm feeling lost in America
The singer is overwhelmed by the challenges and uncertainties of their journey, feeling lost and alone.
No one really knows ya
The singer is in a new and unfamiliar place where nobody knows them or their story.
When you're lost in America
The experience of being lost in a foreign country can be isolating and overwhelming.
I gotta [Incomprehensible] while I pay the toll
The artist is preoccupied and distracted while paying tolls along the way.
Eat day old food uncomfortable
The singer is making sacrifices and facing discomforts during their journey, including eating stale food.
Seattle, AZ, Vegas is the show
The singer is performing in a series of shows across the country, including Seattle, Arizona, and Las Vegas.
Head up to bean town bounce to Chicago
The artist is headed to Boston and later, Chicago, bouncing from one destination to the next on their journey.
Sorry little baby but we got to go
The artist feels regretful about leaving someone behind, but knows they must continue their journey.
Say goodbye to [Incomprehensible] and the town he owns
Before leaving, the artist says goodbye to a friend who owns a town or business, but whose name is unclear.
I'm lost in America
The singer feels completely lost and uncertain about their place in America.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Red Pepper 红辣椒
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind