PepperAlley

Where did you grow up?
All over. My Dad was a defense industry migrant. They're hiring at Aerojet, we move to Sacramento. They're hiring at Thiokol, we move to Utah. They're hiring at SRI, we move to Palo Alto. I was always the new kid.

When did you start getting into music?
Three. I would rock in front of the record player in a trance till somebody turned it off. I'm still that way. First guitar at 8.

What were you listening to?
Weird crap. Kingston Trio. Caruso. Ventures. Also the normal crap. My first record was Ray Charles "What I Say". I still have it.

What other bands/artists/albums have influenced you over the years?
Beatles, Stones, Byrds, Springfield, Grape, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, Buck Owens, Zepplin, Neurosis, Nick Cave, Bela Bartok, Muddy, Wolf, Robert Johnson, Skip James

Who are some of your current favorites?
Aimee Mann. Can't get her off my player or out of my head.

"his trusty guitar sparky"

Who are some of your favorite local bands?
Renee Stahl, Leslie King, Stewboss. But I might be biased. Oh, and Quincy of course.

Any previous bands, musical experiences you want to talk about?
I was in the Violets, great northwestern roots-pop band in Portland, Oregon. We got signed and moved to Nashville and all hell broke loose. I was in Gingersol in LA for about a year. Great band. Now they're in Brooklyn. Check 'em out.

Tell us about the project/album you're working on?
Shakespeare Bridge. All Acoustic (you can hear the words). With special guests.

What's your plan for the near future?
Survive divorce, survive election, release album, tour UK next fall (drop you damn euro).

What brought you to LA?
Born here. I've been all around, and I just love this place.

"at casa cretaceous"

What's your take on the overall music scene here?
More mediocre insincere crap than anyplace else, but if you dig, there are great artists scattered among.

What things would make the scene better?
Bookers that follow an aesthetic rather than a draw. People outside of LA go out to hear music and stay all night and hear new stuff. In LA they file in, see their band, leave.

How do you get turned onto new music? (ie record stores, clubs, radio stations, etc.)
Friends know what I dig and turn me on to it. Classical only on my car radio (for serenity). And PepperAlley of course.

What else do you like to do when you're not playing music?
Political agitator.

"get a job!"

Any other skills or hobbies you'd like to mention?
I make a mean carrot/apple/beet juice (with my trusty Champion juicer).

Is there anything you'd rather not be doing?
Nothing comes to mind.

What are your favorite clubs/music venues?
Hotel, Room 5, Tangiers, Mercury Lounge (NY), Casbeers (San Antonio), Filling Station (Cardiff, Wales)

Any favorite bars/restaurants?
Mustard Seed, Hugo's, Jamba Juice, If I drank I would like the front room at Tangiers.

Any other places you like to hang?
My closet if the next album tanks (just kidding).

Do you like to cook? What's your specialty?
I'm a vegan, so I would have to say salad w/lime juice & baked tofu.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Nada. Thanks, PepperAlley.