United States 
Peppermint hosts Deutsche Bank and INvolve’s New York Gala
2 years ago
Pepper has solidified their position as reggae rock pioneers, blending island rhythms with punk rock energy across two decades of touring and eight studio albums.
Pepper co-founded and operates LAW Records, their own label. This venture allows them complete control over their music releases and serves as a platform for reissuing albums by other artists like Steel Pulse and Jimmy Cliff, as well as releasing new music from over 20 different artists. This demonstrates their commitment to community building within the reggae genre.
The band, and specifically Kaleo Wassman, is associated with KALA Brand. Wassman is noted for his reggae-rock musician work, songwriting, and as a founding member of Pepper, while also collaborating with other artists. The band's admiration for DIY-minded groups inspired them to launch LAW Records.
Pepper partnered with award-winning winemaker Thomas Booth for their wine collection. Their "Blend 2" wine won Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Competition in 2019, and they have other wines like "Skullconut Malbec" and "In With The Cab." Kaleo Wassman has stated that the band actively participates in the wine's creation.
In April 2023, Pepper collaborated with the surf, skate, music & entertainment clothing company Volcom for a new clothing line called "Volcom x Pepper." The collection was created with longtime Pepper artist and Volcom-sponsored surfer Ben Brough.
Pepper, a three-piece reggae rock band, originated in 1996 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, formed by Kaleo Wassman (vocalist/guitarist), Bret Bollinger (vocalist/bassist), and Yesod Williams (drums, backing vocals). The trio relocated to San Diego, California, establishing a musical foundation influenced by Hawaiian artists and groups like Sublime. They quickly gained recognition, opening for established acts such as Burning Spear and Shaggy. Their initial recording efforts included a seven-song demo in 1997. In 1999, Pepper secured a partnership with Volcom Entertainment, leading to the release of their debut album, “Give’n It,” in 2000, which featured a blend of dancehall, reggae, hip-hop, and pop genres. This debut positioned them to participate in the 2001 Vans Warped Tour.
Building on their early success, Pepper released their second album, “Kona Town,” in March 2002, which reached number 2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. This period included extensive touring, with appearances alongside artists such as 311 and Snoop Dogg, and at events like the Bob Marley Birthday celebration. Their third album, “In With The Old,” released in March 2004, charted on the Billboard Heat Seekers and Independent Albums charts. The band continued to evolve its sound and reach, releasing “No Shame” in 2006, which included collaborations with Nick Hexum of 311 and Tony Kanal of No Doubt, and peaked at number 96 on the Billboard 200. This era also marked the establishment of their own label, LAW Records, which provided them with independent control over their music and allowed them to support other artists.
Pepper maintained an active recording and touring schedule through the late 2000s and 2010s, releasing albums like “Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations” (2008) and their self-titled album “Pepper” (2013). Their 2019 album, “Local Motion,” reached number 1 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. Beyond music, Pepper has diversified its ventures, including a wine collection launched in 2016 and a clothing line partnership with Volcom in 2023. They continue to tour and release new music, celebrating their 20th anniversary of “Kona Town” in 2022 with a special tour and single releases, demonstrating ongoing artistic commitment and community engagement.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
