New self-titled Pepper album drops Fall 2013!!

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.”

Lucy
Pepper Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yea yea yea
Aw oh whoa
Yea yea yes
Lucy drinks and Lucy talks
Love to watch oh Lucy Loose her thoughts
Well don't nobody talk to Lucy
Yeah
Seen her at the hotel bar but don't ask Lucy how come she don't drive a car

Thanks too many deuce for Lucy
Yeah
Cause after a while my Lucy falls down
And all them smiles they turned to a frown yes
Cause after a while
Yea yea yea
Aw oh whoa
Yea yea yes
7 o clock the sun is up
Well here comes Lucy in the back of a pick up truck. Truck.
Oh yea oh yea oh yea
Now its time to pull up cash from the street
Lucy wants a nickel or a dime
But a quarter'd be sweet
No Lucy don't spend your money now, now, now, now, no.
Cause after a while my Lucy falls down
And all them smiles they turn to a frown yes
Cause after a while
Seems almost like yesterday
They tried to take poor Lucy so far away yeah
Oh uh uh
And it seems like almost yesterday
Why would they ever ever want to mess with Lu Lu Lu Lucy doll
Cause after a while my Lucy falls down
And all them smiles they turn to a frown yes
Cause after a while
And all them smiles
After a while
It keeps on playin'
Yea yea yea yea
Oh aw oh

Mu little Lucy
My little Lucy doll

Overall Meaning

The song "Lucy" from Pepper tells the story of a girl who drinks heavily and seems to have lost control of her life. The song portrays Lucy as someone who loves to drink and talk, but her excessive drinking has caused her to fall down many times. The song warns not to give Lucy any money when she asks for it because she might spend it on drinking. The lyrics also suggest that Lucy may not have a car because she has gotten into too many accidents due to her drunken state.

The song begins with a catchy upbeat instrumental that automatically sets the tone. The lead singer then comes in and starts singing the lyrics with a melancholy tone, which nicely contrasts the instrumental. The chorus is repeated several times throughout the song with an ad-lib at the end, making it more memorable. The repetition of the chorus also drives home the message about Lucy's struggles with alcoholism.

In terms of interpretation, the song could be seen as a warning against the dangers of drinking heavily and losing control of one's life. It could also be seen as a call to help those who are struggling with addiction and need support. Overall, the song is a poignant reminder that we all need to take care of our mental and physical health and seek help when we need it.

Line by Line Meaning

Yea yea yea
Expressing agreement or positive affirmation.

Aw oh whoa
Exclamation to express excitement or surprise.

Yea yea yes
Repeating the agreement or affirmation of the previous line.

Lucy drinks and Lucy talks
Lucy likes to drink and talk.

Love to watch oh Lucy Lose her thoughts
The artist enjoys watching Lucy lose her inhibitions and express herself freely.

Well don't nobody talk to Lucy
No one engages in meaningful conversation with Lucy.

Yeah
A word used to indicate agreement or confirmation.

Seen her at the hotel bar but don't ask Lucy how come she don't drive a car
The artist has seen Lucy at a hotel bar, but doesn't know why she doesn't drive a car.

Thanks too many deuce for Lucy
Lucy has likely spent too much time playing craps or other gambling games, referred to as 'deuce' here.

Yeah
A word used to indicate agreement or confirmation.

Cause after a while my Lucy falls down
Lucy can't handle her alcohol and eventually becomes inebriated to the point of falling down.

And all them smiles they turned to a frown yes
Lucy's happiness or good mood is fleeting, and she eventually becomes upset.

Yea yea yea
Expressing agreement or positive affirmation.

Aw oh whoa
Exclamation to express excitement or surprise.

Yea yea yes
Repeating the agreement or affirmation of the previous line.

7 o clock the sun is up
A time reference, indicating that it's morning.

Well here comes Lucy in the back of a pick up truck. Truck.
Lucy arrives in the back of a pickup truck, emphasizing her unconventional lifestyle or behavior.

Oh yea oh yea oh yea
Expressing agreement or positive affirmation with emphasis.

Now its time to pull up cash from the street
Lucy needs to find money, possibly to buy alcohol or drugs.

Lucy wants a nickel or a dime
Lucy is asking for small amounts of money to use for her needs.

But a quarter'd be sweet
If someone were to give Lucy more money, she would be pleased.

No Lucy don't spend your money now, now, now, now, no.
The artist advises Lucy not to spend her money impulsively or unwisely.

Cause after a while my Lucy falls down
Lucy can't handle her alcohol and eventually becomes inebriated to the point of falling down.

And all them smiles they turn to a frown yes
Lucy's happiness or good mood is fleeting, and she eventually becomes upset.

Cause after a while
Repeating the previous lines, highlighting the cyclical nature of Lucy's behavior and mood.

Seems almost like yesterday
The singer reflects on how recently Lucy was taken away or institutionalized.

They tried to take poor Lucy so far away yeah
Lucy was likely committed to a psychiatric hospital or rehabilitation center due to her behavior or addiction.

Oh uh uh
Expressing sadness or regret.

And it seems like almost yesterday
Reflecting on how recent the attempt to take Lucy away was.

Why would they ever ever want to mess with Lu Lu Lu Lucy doll
Questioning why anyone would want to interfere with Lucy or try to change her behavior.

Cause after a while my Lucy falls down
Lucy can't handle her alcohol and eventually becomes inebriated to the point of falling down.

And all them smiles they turn to a frown yes
Lucy's happiness or good mood is fleeting, and she eventually becomes upset.

Cause after a while
Repeating the previous lines, highlighting the cyclical nature of Lucy's behavior and mood.

And all them smiles
Lucy's happiness or good mood fades over time.

After a while
Repeating the previous lines, again emphasizing the cyclical nature of Lucy's behavior and mood.

It keeps on playin'
This cycle of behavior and mood continues and repeats over time.

Yea yea yea yea
Expressing agreement or positive affirmation.

Oh aw oh
Exclamation to express excitement or surprise.

My little Lucy
An affectionate reference to Lucy, despite her struggles and issues.