Bret Bollinger –Vocals/Bass

Yesod Williams –Drums

“It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done as a band to makethis record,” says guitarist/vocalist Kaleo Wassman of Pepper, in speaking onthe recording process of their new self-titled album. “It speaks loudly andwidely 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 Williamsadds, “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 isan opportunity to transcend all that and spread our wings even wider.”

The trio, who formed in 1997 and moved to the mainland from theirhometown of Kailua Kona, Hawaii in 1999, pressed pause after the release oftheir fifth album, Pink Crustaceans andGood Vibrations, in 2008. There was a sense of fatigue and disunity amongstthe three musicians, who took some time off from music both apart and togetherbefore rejoining to create an EP, Stiches,in late 2010. The songs on that release re-energized the group, revealing anurgent desire to make a new album that reflected where they are in their livesand career now. After some tour dates in support of the EP, Pepper sat down andfocused on their sixth album, a self-titled released that swings open the dooron this new chapter.

The musicians went into the studio with Matt Wallace, aproducer known for his work with Maroon 5, O.A.R. and Faith No More, in early2012. Matt helped focus the group’s vision and expand their musical knowledgebase, an experience the band members compare to being in their own version ofcollege. 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 reflectedin the songs.

“We learned so much,” Yesod says. “Matt help us really focuson the art of songwriting. He sat in the room with the three of us with a fine-toothcomb and went over every word, every melody, every sound. He showed us thatit’s important what you do play as well as what you don’t play, creating both spacesin the songs. We learned how powerful simplicity can be. Plus, we had such agood time recording this album and I think that shows.”

The resulting album, self-titled to accentuate where theband feels they are presently, broadens Pepper’s style, veering into new sonicterritory while still retaining all the fun elements that make the band sobeloved by their fans. The ever-present sense of life surges through thetracks, bolstering the sense of optimism throughout. The party anthems, thebeach hang melodies, and the boisterous rhythms are all there, each songcarefully crafted to best express these sunny moments by the ocean.

“This album is basically 12 snapshots of where we are,” vocalist/bassistBret Bollinger says. “There are songs that will remind you of your favoritePepper songs, but by the end you’ll hear some unexpected things. You’ll realizethat the songwriting is so much more refined. And there’s laughter in thebackground of the songs. That’s how good the vibe is on the record.”

Pepper has toured extensively with groups like 311, SlightlyStoopid, Flogging Molly and Sublime With Rome, and spent several summers onWarped Tour – and this live sensibility shows. You can almost feel the sand inyour toes and the sun on your back as the album progresses, the musician’samiable personalities palpable beneath the island rhythms and mellow tones. Theband’s music – both live and on their releases – is really about enjoying lifeand being grateful for each experience, a sensibility that’s very familiar tothe 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’sNick Hexum, No Doubt’s Tony Kanal and Butthole Surfers’ Paul Leary, Pepper hasembodied not only a style of music but a lifestyle, one that’s most easilyfound on beaches across the world, but also one that’s relatable to anyoneanywhere.

Released via their own label LAW Records, their universalappeal has led their music being placed in various movies and TV shows,including Forgetting Sarah Marshalland Good Luck Chuck, as well asseveral video game soundtracks. The band’s story to date has been a prolificone. 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 foryears to come.

“We’re so blessed to be in this position,” Kaleo says. “Wewant to do the best we can with it. We had humble beginnings in our small townin Hawaii and we’re still that same humble band. We don’t take any of thislightly. Every day I wake up and think about how I have the best job in theworld. The level of gratitude and happiness I have that we’re able to do thisis incredible and I hope people can hear that when they listen to our newsongs.”