PepperAlley

Where did you grow up?
Born in San Diego, grew up in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

When did you start getting into music?
Very young

What were you listening to?
I was moved by the theatrics of Kiss and the melancholy sounds of Simon and Garfunkel. My dad's record collection is what really opened my eyes to music. He wasn't musical at all, but he had great taste - bands like Moody Blues, Black Sabbath, Zeppelin, Stones and Fleetwood Mac as well as songwriters like Jim Croce, Harry Chapin and Gerry Rafferty. My grandma bought me my first guitar at ten and that was it - she always encouraged me...my Dad was married a number of times, and I would just hide in my room and play to escape the weirdness in the house. Family drama always fuels art.

What other bands/artists/albums have influenced you over the years?
There are obviously so many, but let's see... Decade - Neil Young, Sabbath - Paranoid, Jeff Buckley - Grace, anything by Ron Sexsmith, Pink Floyd - Dark Side and Wish You Were Here, Moody Blues - Days of Future Passed, Cat Stevens - Greatest Hits,  on and on..

Who are some of your current favorites?
Well...Kings of Leon rules - I love both records a lot - they are bringing back rock and rock stars, I love Flaming Lips, Doves, Beck's last record was sheer perfection, I liked the Ima Robot record, Ron Sexsmith - did I say him already? That's OK - I think he's a genius. 

Any local favorites?
I love AM - he's just a Jedi songwriter, Quincy's got a voice that really makes me feel, DeadRockWest really have great band sound and fun show, so many in town... another songwriter that's comin’ up, but not local is Paul Curreli - I met him at the Folk Alliance in San Diego - one of the best finger-style guitarists and lyricists alive indeed. Look him up. Also, Sophie Raymond from Melbourne Australia – she is an amazing talent.

The Wall of Sound - the home rig and most of Shane's guitars

Any previous bands, musical experiences you want to talk about?
I had played guitar in lots of bands and about seven records before I started Damone. Damone was a LA rock band - U2 meets Zeppelin is what we were going for.
We were together for about five years, it was the first time I fronted a band - we had a good run, made two records, sold the name to a band on RCA, and parted as friends. Since then I've been a solo artist - I play by myself or with a revolving band of bass, drums, piano and a back-up singer...I like not having to haggle my way through all of my songs and being able to trust my gut as a writer, but I do miss the comradery of a regular band.

Tell us about the project/album you’re working on?
I have just finished my first full length solo record (I also  released an EP in 2004)  w/ Rogers Masson producing - it's called The Middle Way and I'm really proud of it.
It was the first time I got to really express myself as a solo artist, not just as a band member - I had a great time and had a number of great musicians come in.

What’s your plan for the near future?
I am planning to tour the West Coast in May and hope to tour Europe by June or early July.

What brought you to LA?
Truth be told, I came to LA to go to GIT (Guitar Institute in Hollywood). It was just my excuse to get out of Pennsylvania, but it offered me the chance to improve myself and get to play w/ great musicians from all over the world (and, of course, to party like a Viking).

Lava Lounge 2004

What’s your take on the overall music scene here?
I think the scene is thriving after a long dry spell. In the past two or three years, I have seen more talented artists in the clubs than I ever have. I also think we're a compassionate bunch, and really do our most to encourage and support one another - very sappy I know, but true.

What else do you like to do when you’re not playing music? Any other skills or hobbies you’d like to mention?
Most of my free time is spent playing and singing truthfully, but I do love to get out and hike and camp and fish when I can. I have been a Buddhist for almost ten years which has really opened my life up and gotten me in rhythm with my surroundings. Going to see live music is really one of my life's greatest pleasures - I am always moved by great performances. Seeing friends kick ass always makes me so happy - I think there's room for all of us.

Shane's basset hound Grady (aka "the Grades")

What are your favorite clubs/music venues? Any favorite bars/restaurants? Any other places you like to hang?
Eating out is one of my biggest vices and I do as often as I can - Anarkali on Melrose, Yamashiro, Chan Dara, the Buddha Bar in Westlake. Genghis Cohen has the best Kung Pao Shrimp in town. As far as bars, I'm not a big bar guy...Coach and Horses is cool. I always liked Bar Deluxe which is gone now. Some favorite LA venues are the Hotel Cafe, Largo, Room 5, the Wiltern and the Greek.

Do you like to cook? What’s your specialty?
I am a spoiled bastard - I like to be cooked for...but, I do know my way around a grill.

Anything else you’d like to add?
I want to thank PepperAlley for doin’ their part to help get good music to the people. For an artist, the only goal is to connect with as many people as you can and have a good time doing it - I appreciate all your efforts to help the music community grow. See you soon!