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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.”
Mirror
Pepper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I bet you plastic is always approved
You got so much at anytime you want
You want so much, you forget what you want
Are you a product of a spoiled youth
Is the subject of your past taboo
Maybe your just occupied with wealth
Do you listen or only talk?
Well, I hope you think about that
Just a little more, baby
Do you open doors or only knock?
Well, I hope you think about it
Just a little more, baby
Can't you see me here how I've been?
Locked up inside your mirror
Maybe you'd see clearer
If you looked at something else
I wish you were here with me
Step back away from the mirror
Maybe you'd see clearer
If you looked at something else
The latest fashion crumpled on the floor
Your phone I ringing bit you press ignore
You keep the morning at a distance please
The fun last might has got no memories
Time to motivate get out the sack
And pour a cup and watch the steam relax
Up in the high rise looking down on me
As I walk around the empty streets
Do you listen or only talk?
Well, I hope you think about that
Just a little more, baby
Do you open doors or only knock?
Well, I hope you think about it
Just a little more, baby
Can't you see me here how I've been?
Locked up inside your mirror
Maybe you'd see clearer
If you looked at something else
I wish you were here with me
Step back away from the mirror
Maybe you'd see clearer
If you looked at something else
The song "Mirror" by Pepper is a powerful critique on materialism and self-absorption. The lyrics speak of an individual who is completely detached from reality, consumed by their own image as reflected in the mirror. The first stanza accuses this person of being obsessed with money, plastic and possessions – a product of a spoiled upbringing which has left them devoid of any sense of identity or empathy. The second stanza questions whether this person is capable of listening to others or is only interested in self-promotion. Pepper seems to suggest that this individual is lost in their own bubble, neglecting the people around them and ultimately themselves.
The chorus of "Mirror" highlights the isolation and introspection that comes from this self-absorption. Pepper urges the subject of the song to step back from the mirror and look at something else – to consider the world beyond their own image. The pre-chorus acknowledges the distance between the singer and the person in the mirror, and the sense that they are not being heard or seen. The bridge speaks of a lonely morning after a night of excess – a striking image of an empty existence with no lasting memories. The final lyrics express a desire to be connected to this person and to try to break through their self-obsession in order to see them more clearly.
Overall, "Mirror" is a poignant exploration of the dangers of narcissism and materialism, and a plea for greater empathy and connection in our interactions with others.
Line by Line Meaning
I bet you like your money more than you
You prioritize money over other things
I bet you plastic is always approved
You only use credit or debit cards to make purchases
You got so much at anytime you want
You have an abundance of material possessions
You want so much, you forget what you want
Your desire for more causes you to lose sight of what you truly want
Are you a product of a spoiled youth
Did growing up with a lot of material possessions cause you to become spoiled?
Is the subject of your past taboo
Is there something from your past that you don't like to talk about?
'Maybe your just occupied with wealth
Perhaps your focus on acquiring wealth is taking up all your attention
Maybe I'm just talking to myself
Maybe you're not really listening to what I'm saying
Do you listen or only talk?
Are you actually paying attention to others, or just talking about yourself?
Well, I hope you think about that
It's important to consider this and make changes if necessary
Just a little more, baby
Take a little bit of time to reflect on this
Do you open doors or only knock?
Do you help others or only ask for help?
Can't you see me here how I've been?
Do you see how I'm feeling?
Locked up inside your mirror
Feeling trapped by your own self-image
Maybe you'd see clearer
Perhaps you'd have a better understanding
If you looked at something else
If you shifted your focus to something other than yourself
I wish you were here with me
I wish we were connected
Step back away from the mirror
Take a break from focusing on yourself
The latest fashion crumpled on the floor
Your obsession with the latest trends is leading to clutter and waste
Your phone is ringing but you press ignore
You're avoiding important calls or responsibilities
You keep the morning at a distance please
You avoid starting your day or facing reality
The fun last night has got no memories
Your constant partying is leading to a lack of meaningful experiences
Time to motivate, get out the sack
It's time to create a plan and take action
And pour a cup and watch the steam relax
Take a moment to relax and enjoy the simple things
Up in the high rise looking down on me
Feeling superior or disconnected from the rest of the world
As I walk around the empty streets
Feeling alone or disconnected from society
Contributed by Caden R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
FIatlineProductions
The video, The music, The lifestyle, the relaxation. This song brings it all to me.
Mestre da Espiritualidade
amo! <3
CL129
Great video for this song. Perfection!
Frank
My favorite video. Reminds me of the good old days surfing on the Florida gulf coast. Growing up local. Now that's all gone from new construction and people moving here. Everything's slick and new and modern and expensive and rented out. But I try to carry those good times with family and friends with me everywhere.
Joey Malloy
UNREAL this has not so many likes! 2020JoJo JAMS all day!!
Jay Gee
Bruce irons, Danny fuller, Gavin beschen and rothman to name a few. All great Hawaii surfers.
Wilson Ferreira Cordeiro
Du caralho !!!!!
Kevin Lopez
Sick vid! Great tune
Adriano Andrade
#ROCK&NATUREZA
Live Nation Clubs and Theaters
Check out this exclusive interview with the band Pepper. They're scared of Alf, celebrating almost 20 years together, and going out on the Vans Warped Tour this summer, check it out! https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_id=Ra1EYAycYyo