PepperAlley

Where did you grow up?
Mostly in Boulder, Colorado. I lived there from age 7 to 14 so that's the easiest answer.

When did you start getting into music?
When I was six years old and I got my first record.

Who was it?
"Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5". I decided then I was going to be a singer.

What other bands/artists/albums have influenced you over the years?
I was mostly into R&B growing up, although my parents were hippies, so I had Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, Natalie Cole and Stevie Wonder in one ear, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Neil Young, Janis Joplin, The Who, and The Beatles in the other ear.

Who are some of your current favorites?
Currently...Elliot Smith, Wilco, and Radiohead.

Who are some of your favorite local bands?
Stewboss, Marjorie Fair, Renee Stahl, Chuck Lee Bramlet, Alex Davis, Joe Purdy.

Any previous bands, musical experiences you want to talk about?
I've mostly been a solo artist, although I was in an all-girl band once called "Urban Blond". We only lasted a summer...too many cat fights.

Here are the lyrics to the first song I ever wrote (I was in 4th Grade):
-Is it only now that we think
-Of the money that we drink
-Is it only now that we realize
-We've been given so many tries
-Is it only now that we feel
-For the Indians that we kill (my first false rhyme!)
-Now, now, now, is it only now
-Now, is it only now
-Now is it only now
-Now, now, now, is it only now

Leslie and the Boys...

Tell us about the project/album you're working on?
Right now I'm mostly working on promoting the album I finished this year. The only current project I'm working on is a song for a short film. The film is called "Do You Want The Elephant Music". The director is Leslie Dektor. It's a documentary about the circus. Leslie shot some amazing footage of circus performers 30 years ago in South Africa. I wrote a song for the end of the film. It's really a beautiful piece. Keep your eyes out for it at film festivals.

What's your plan for the near future?
I'm playing in Boulder, Colorado in July (my old home town). I'm working on a video for "Beautiful".

What brought you to LA?
After ten years in Santa Barbara, I literally woke up one day and said, "Wasn't I supposed to be doing something with my life?", packed my car and moved down.

What's your take on the overall music scene here?
I love the music that comes out of Los Angeles. There is an amazing pool of talent here. The club scene is a little clicky, but I thinks that's true of any city. I am really inspired by this shift that seems to be happening in this last year or two, where musicians are supporting each other more. There is more of a sense of community than before. I attribute that to the collapse of the music industry. I think it's had a positive effect on the relationship between musicians. Less competition, people are more empowered to do their own thing and support each other. We used to all be vying for those same 50 record deals available, than it was those same 25 record deals, then 10, now it's like 3. I think it's a beautiful thing.

What things would make the scene better?
I think what might make the scene better is more venues booking a wider range of music. It seems like a new club opens and all of a sudden we're hearing new acts. Then it becomes the "hip" place to play, and you're only hearing the top 10 "hip" acts of the year. I think venue owners need to open it up a little.

How do you get turned onto new music?
Well, KCRW of course. After that? Friends, clubs.

Pink Tree by Leslie King

What else do you like to do when you're not playing music?
I'm really into painting right now. I'm also writing a screen play and dabbling in acting.

Is there anything you'd rather not be doing?
I'd rather not be promoting myself. It's my least favorite part of the business.

What are your favorite clubs/music venues?
Hotel Cafe, The Derby, Tangier.

Any favorite bars/restaurants?
Not really. How about Whole Foods?

Any other places you like to hang?
I'm not much of a "hanger". I like to hang at home with my dog.

Do you like to cook? What’s your specialty?
Not particularly. I make mean Moussaka though.

Anything else you'd like to add?
You guys are the coolest:)