PepperAlley

Where did you grow up?
Cleveland Ohio (but don't blame me)

When did you start getting into music?
When I was about 8 years old

What were you listening to?
Doobie Brothers and Bee Gees anything with harmony

What other bands/artists/albums have influenced you over the years?
I was influenced by singers from broadway shows at a young age such as A Chorus Line and barbara steisand – it was alive and had character

Nancy wilson (the jazz diva not the singer from heart)

My first 45's were "Take It To the Limit" by the Eagles.. I love that falsetto part and "Sara Smile"by Hall and Oates; Jonatha Brooke in my 20's.. loved her dissonance. I loved bands like Toto, Chicago, Styx and Queen; a lot of top 40 songs that were poppy... again... anything with harmony or I'd make my own

little rini

Who are some of your current favorites?
Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Elbow, Talk Talk (their spirit of eden period and after) Radiohead, Sam Phillips

Who are some of your favorite local bands?
LA is filled with such a lovely array of talent so it's hard to answer this question but 2 that stick out for me are: Marjorie Fair and Trespassers William

Any previous bands, musical experiences you want to talk about?
I have sung with many artists and enjoy doing so.. I play the recorder and the mouth trumpet

teen queen

Tell us about the project/album you’re working on?
I am currently working on my second record (there is something romantic about calling it that). I am in the mixing/mastering stage-it's very exciting! also some friends and I started an "artists coop" called BALA- Bel Air Liberation Army" we are 4 independent acts that play in each others bands.. I am learning the bass...it's sexy so it's 4 bands in one....

What’s your plan for the near future?
To shower tomorrow morning and I am working on touring and continuing to get my music in films, tv shows and commercials, etc.

What brought you to LA?
I moved to LA from NY to act in a movie.

What’s your take on the overall music scene here?
Los Angeles has a strong community amongst such talent and a lot of support .. that has been my experience

renee and band (and members of B.A.L.A.)

What things would make the scene better?
More writers in the round/artists continuing to support other artists at their shows.. having a table selling other cd's besides their own..hmmm maybe I will do that. I know paper sun is doing that and soul satisfaction is into helping and building community. something that upsets me is that if a band doesn't bring in enough of a crowd they lose money playing a show when bands should be paid to play! something I miss that I used to do with my friend Josh is jam session parties that was fun and necessary.. we need music and connection

How do you get turned onto new music? (ie recordstores, clubs, radio stations, etc.)
I talk to friends.. listen to KCRW and go to Amoeba and listen at the listening stations

What else do you like to do when you’re not playing music?
Take baths.. read, yoga, hike, travel, meditate, & eat olives

dreaming of olives

Any other skills or hobbies you’d like to mention?
I love to dance.. Is there anything you’d rather not be doing? I don't want to have to work for anyone else anymore..I would like to be able to make my living as an independent artist full time

What are your favorite clubs/music venues?
Hotel Cafe, Room 5 and I just played at the Cutting Room in NYC and it was great - venues where people can really hear and listen to the music I also LOVE the what club... I hope it opens again

Do you like to cook? What’s your specialty?
Yes.. more so lately ..I make a great pesto!

Anything else you’d like to add?
I am so happy that I have been given the gift of song!!!!! and a shout out to the coolest cat on the planet LB....