Pepper is a reggae, ska band originally from Hawaii, but has recently moved to southern California. They play a mix of reggae, dub, ska, and punk.
Pepper's relocation was inspired by Volcom Entertainment's excitement and interest in producing and distributing the band's music. “Given It” is the band's first official release combining dancehall, reggae, punk, hip-hop, and pop. It sparked some initial interest in Warped Tour promoter Kevin Lyman. With Kevin's interest and Volcom's involvement Pepper graced the premiere side stage at Warped Tour 2001.
Immediately following a whirlwind of shows, Pepper took to the studio with Steve Kravac (Less Than Jake, MXPX) to create ground swell album “Kona Town ”. Released in March of 2002, this album, with it's "signature sound" sold over 45,000 copies. This sophomore release by Pepper not only charted for several weeks on the DMA chart in their hometown of Hawaii, but also yielded #1 hit “Give It Up” (aka Dirty Hot Sex) on Clear Channel affiliate Star 101.9 KUCD in June of 2003. KEDJ in Phoenix added the track in September of 2003 which instantly jumped into the TOP 10 “call-out” (or most requested), and still receives recurrent airplay.
Concentrating on live performances and culminating rich sincere relationships with each and every fan, Pepper continued to tour throughout 2003 and into 2004 which included dates with 311 and Snoop Dogg (with Pepper as main support) appearances at the annual Bob Marley Birthday celebration, San Diego's premiere Festival “Street Scene”, some scattered headline club dates and a complete US tour with Slightly Stoopid. This Dub/rock power trio's fan base is not limited, as one would assume, to Southern California surf towns. They have sold out shows in Phoenix, Orlando, Jacksonville, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Seattle, Eugene, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco.