PEPPER w/ KASH'D OUT & AURORAWAVE - FORT MYERS

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Along the way, Pepper has sharpened its own "Kona dub-rock" sound — a blend of reggae, alternative rock, island rhythms, and punky spirit — while also building a community of fans and likeminded bands.

That communal spirit runs throughout the band's eighth studio album, Local Motion. After sharing shows for years with their heroes and peers, Pepper's three members — vocalist/guitarist Kaleo Wassman, vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger, and drummer Yesod Williams — are no longer merely artists; they're ambassadors of a scene, bringing people together under an umbrella of positive-minded music and collaboration. Appropriately, they share the spotlight with some of their longtime friends on Local Motion, whose songs feature appearances by Stick Figure, E.N Young and Micah Brown of Iration. A celebration of artistic synergy, brotherhood, and modern reggae music, Local Motion is Pepper's most collaborative record to date, shining a light not only upon the three bandmates themselves, but also upon the wide community they've helped build.

"We're part of a community of bands who have the same mindset," says Wassman. "They're our peers. They're our friends. We all exist on the same plane, and that's why we called this album Local Motion, because this is our local scene. It's where we fit in."

Before Pepper began building a community in its adopted hometown of Southern California, the group held its very first rehearsal in 1997 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. All three members were natives of the Big Island, and together, they made a sound that nodded to their tropical roots while also moving forward into new territory. After earning a local fanbase in Hawaii, they moved to the mainland, where Pepper quickly became a popular live act. Pepper's diverse music allowed the group to tour the country with a wide variety of bands, including reggae icons (The Wailers), punk bands (Pennywise), reggae-rockers (311, Slightly Stoopid), and hip-hop legends (Snoop Dogg). Meanwhile, the band's admiration for DIY-minded groups like NOFX inspired Pepper to launch its own label, LAW Records, which gave the trio complete control over its own music. It also allowed the band to sign other acts, which expanded Pepper's circle even further.

For an album that features nearly a dozen guests, Local Motion was appropriately recorded with several producers, including Stick Figure, the English Beat's Wayne Lothian, E.N Young, Henry Fong, Jinco, the Dirty Heads' Dave Foral, and Jungle Josh. Working with a range of collaborators gave Pepper a chance to experiment with new sounds. The result is an album that pays tribute to the band's past while also pushing forward — and, perhaps, hinting at what might be in store for the next 20 years. There's the brass-filled bounce of "Carnaval," the sexed-up swagger of "Sugar (808 remix)," and the summery grooves of "Warning," all wrapped into a tracklist whose songs celebrate the bright side of a life well-lived.

"When we moved to California, we were playing small clubs," remembers Bollinger, who now plays outdoor amphitheaters, indoor theaters, festivals, and other high-capacity venues with his bandmates. "We felt like we were one of the only bands carrying the flag for this genre in America. These days, it's different. We're seeing some real movement within the reggae scene. This sound has become an established part of American music, and we're grateful for the other bands who are flying the flag, too. Everything is connecting. The energy is right. Incorporating those bands into our new record was the perfect alignment of where we need to be."

"In a world of social chaos," adds Yes Williams, "we wanted a ‘return to community,' that community being the reggae-rock community. We continue to flourish and grow due to the synergy of likeminded bands and fans. Without each other, we are nothing, fom where the music comes from to where it goes. This record is filtered through the community, a true Local Motion that we are lucky enough to be a part of."

Florida based Reggae/Rock band Kash’d Out have been hustlin’ hard since the beginning. After founders Greg Shields (lead vocals) and Jackson Hauserman (guitar) met in a studio session, it wasn’t long before Kash’d Out’s clever lyrics and tasteful guitar riffs were complimented by the unique bass lines of Joey Brohawn, and rhythmic precision of drummer Marshall Hearne. Kash’d Out quickly caught the attention of Hawaiian favorites Pepper, who signed the band to their label LAW Records and released “The Hookup” – Kash’d Out’s first full-length album. Prior to its release, KO hit the road with Pepper and Less Than Jake, which helped the album climb the Billboard Reggae Charts. Since then, Kash’d Out has been no stranger to the open road. Storming the nation with an abundance of full U.S. tours under their belt, KO has supported genre heavyweights such as Collie Buddz, The Expendables, Iration and headlined multiple US tours of their own. The band’s drive and passion has landed them in the line up of Reggae’s most esteemed festivals such as Reggae Rise Up Florida/Utah/Maryland, California Roots, Dry Diggings and One Love.Kash’d Out’s most recent album, “Butter” displays their diversity and mission into their own music path. The band has remained steadfast to originality, yet continues to evolve, revealing different sides to their sound.

aurorawave emerges from the creative depths of former Iya Terra frontman Nathan Feinstein (Aurora), and is the sonic culmination of his musical evolution. With unwavering authenticity, the band manifests as the genuine sound of Feinstein's artistry, a fusion of his diverse musical encounters. aurorawave invites listeners into a world where diverse influences converge, creating a sound that is uniquely and unmistakably it’s own. Masterfully harnessing the raw power of heavier genres and intertwining it seamlessly with the smooth cadence of reggae, aurorawave is a dynamic and genre-blurring force that encapsulates the band's unique musical vision. Brace yourselves for a wave of creativity as aurorawave prepares to flood the music scene with a series of releases and embark on extensive tours in 2024, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the true essence of aurorawave.

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Host or Publisher Deuterman Productions