Ohana: The Hawaiian word for family, which is used to convey the sense
of togetherness that transcends blood ties.For Pepper paying homage to
their roots is essential over a decade in to their celebrated career.
The Southern California trio, who formed in 1997 and moved to the
mainland from the three musicians hometown of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in
1999, know that where they come from should always be infused in the
music they create. On Ohana, the groups seventh full-length album
(4/29/16, LAW Records), Pepper embraces the feelings and sounds that
encouraged them to become a band in the first place. Over our past few
albums, we had been departing from our original sound and exploring
new directions, Bret notes. On this album, we wanted to come back to
our classic style and revisit our roots. The writing and recording
process was a conscious effort to do that.We wanted to strip the band
down to its natural state, Kaleo adds. Weve always been a three-piece
band with good songs and energy and our goal was to showcase that.
Were all were really pleased with how the music came out and how it
conveys the strengths of our band.It was important to the musicians to
self-produce Ohana, which marks the first time Pepper has helmed the
production of one of their albums. From their 2000 debut Given It to
their 2006 standout album No Shame, which was recorded with 311s Nick
Hexum, No Doubts Tony Kanal and Butthole Surfers Paul Leary, Pepper
has explored various methods of recording, always hoping to embody not
only their signature style of music but their lifestyle in the songs.
Ohana was recorded last fall in the bands own Kona Inn Recording
Studio in Redondo Beach. The building is the former home of Pennywises
Stall #2 studio and embodies a positive vibe for Pepper, who have
recently begun recording other artists in the space. It was time for
us to take the reins, Bret says. Weve been through the process with
several really cool producers in the past and weve learned a lot from
them. We have the knowledge now and its about not being complacent
anymore. We wanted to do it ourselves, so its from our family to
yours.I really wanted to simplify everything and not overthink things,
Yesod adds. We wanted to go jam in a room and hit record. I think we
found a great balance in the studio and the end result was pure
Pepper, condensed down to its purest form. It was really gratifying to
be in control of the process from start to finish and know that we
created every aspect of the album.The resulting album features Peppers
surf rock songs, showcasing the upbeat, positive vibe elements that
make the band so beloved by their fans. There is, as usual, an
ever-present sense of sunshine throughout the tracks, bolstering the
musics sense of optimism. The party anthems, the beach hang melodies,
the boisterous rhythms are all there, each song carefully crafted to
best express sunny moments by the ocean. Vacation, a fun, upbeat
reggae-tinged number, was co-written by Bret and production duo Diji
Parq and seems, to the band, like the Beach Boys at their goofiest.
The soulful Never Ending Summer is about taking full advantage of
something before it ends while Wait evolved throughout the writing
process and eventually became a propulsive crooner that feels like
signature Pepper. Every song on this album is a great example of what
we wanted to do, Kaleo says. Thats why there are only ten of them. We
wanted to give the music our concentrated, focused attention. Its not
about the singles, but about being a whole piece. Thats why we gave it
the most powerful name we know. Growing up in Hawaii your Ohana
defines you, Yesod says. It is you. And it's not just family through
blood it's family through spirithood, brotherhood and sisterhood.
Ohana is truly the strongest bond that can ever be made. Its how we
feel about each other as friends and as a band, and we wanted that
spirit to come through in the music itself. These songs come together
to create their own version of Ohana. Over the years, Pepper have
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 on the album, released on the groups
own LAW Records. The bands music both live and on their releases is
really about enjoying life and being grateful for each experience.
They want to give their all to every performance and share their
passion with their fans and with younger artists. Were still growing a
lot, Bret says. Our live show continues to improve and evolve and we
always give it our all onstage. We have so much fun playing, even all
these years later. And weve gotten to work and tour with so many
different artists. Weve learned a lot from them. Everything we do is
done from love. We feel good to all be sitting at a table, laughing,
twenty years later. Its the three of us, just like when we were kids.
Because we were together long before we were a band and were still
such good friends. We cant stop doing this and we dont want to ever
stop enjoying it. Cost: 22.50 to 25.00 Categories: Concerts & Tour
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05/03/2020 Last update