In a way, this band could only hail from a place called Open Beach. The uniting thing about their music is its sense of carefree abandon; it’s the sound of an endless summer, a spring break that’s everything you could possibly want and more. Needless to say, it’s pretty awesome that way.
One of the most impressive things about the band is that in their nineteen years as a band they’ve been built around the same core duo of founding members, multi-instrumentalists and childhood friends Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald. Their chemistry and artistry, not to mention their friendship, have been the driving forces behind the band in a way that few bands before or since have replicated.
They formed the band in high school and soon afterwards they were discovered by Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell, who signed them to his label where in 1996, they released their debut album “Slightly $toopid”. They’ve since released a total of seven studio albums but for all their quality and experience as musicians, it’s the bands live show that’s made them the band they are to this day.
Few bands have a more welcoming, inclusive spirit at their shows than Slightly Stoopid, both the founding members of the band credit their fans with making them what they are today. That gratitude is pretty much tangible when they perform, and they give back in turn with every riotous skank, every crowd surfing bass player, and every ounce of positivity they possess.
They may be a cult band, but they’re the kind of cult that welcomes newcomers of all shapes, sizes and colours. Anyone would do very well to be a part of it the next chance they get.
“Anything that sounds good is good,” says Stephen Marley, paraphrasing Duke Ellington. Don’t be surprised to hear the King of Reggae’s son referencing Harlem’s master of the jazz orchestra. Never one to limit his musical horizons, Stephen has always listened without prejudice, letting his inspiration set him free as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer—whether collaborating with his illustrious musical family, or with Lauryn Hill, Nas, or Erykah Badu.
Beginning his lifelong musical journey at the age of six, Stephen shared historic stages with his legendary father and toured the world with his brother Ziggy and sisters Cedella and Sharon, The Melody Makers. The Tuff Gong instilled in all of his children a strict work ethic and an awareness that “music is way more than just music.”
Over the past 45 years, Stephen has won no fewer than eight Grammy Awards—three with The Melody Makers, twice as a producer of his younger brother Damian Marley, and three times as a solo artist. Every one of his solo projects to date has topped the Billboard Reggae charts. Stephen Marley’s place in music history is already secure. He does not really need to push the envelope, to defy expectations, to let the whole world into his world. And yet that is just what he’s decided to do.
Stephen Marley’s highly anticipated new single Old Soul just dropped on his birthday April 20, 2023; the first work off his new studio project in 5 years which is set to release later this year --and comes as a complete revelation and many new surprises.
Stephen is excited to bring another ‘Babylon By Bus’ Summer Tour on the road this summer!!
Stay tuned for more updates and music coming soon, visit stephenmarleymusic.com for more information.
Along the way, Pepper has sharpened its own "Kona dub-rock" sound — a blend of reggae, alternative rock, island rhythms, and punky spirit — while also building a community of fans and likeminded bands.
That communal spirit runs throughout the band's eighth studio album, Local Motion. After sharing shows for years with their heroes and peers, Pepper's three members — vocalist/guitarist Kaleo Wassman, vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger, and drummer Yesod Williams — are no longer merely artists; they're ambassadors of a scene, bringing people together under an umbrella of positive-minded music and collaboration. Appropriately, they share the spotlight with some of their longtime friends on Local Motion, whose songs feature appearances by Stick Figure, E.N Young, Micah Brown, Iration, The Green, Tribal Seeds, and Reel Big Fish's Billy Kottage. A celebration of artistic synergy, brotherhood, and modern reggae music, Local Motion is Pepper's most collaborative record to date, shining a light not only upon the three bandmates themselves, but also upon the wide community they've helped build.
"We're part of a community of bands who have the same mindset," says Wassman. "They're our peers. They're our friends. We all exist on the same plane, and that's why we called this album Local Motion, because this is our local scene. It's where we fit in."
Before Pepper began building a community in its adopted hometown of Southern California, the group held its very first rehearsal in 1997 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. All three members were natives of the Big Island, and together, they made a sound that nodded to their tropical roots while also moving forward into new territory. After earning a local fanbase in Hawaii, they moved to the mainland, where Pepper quickly became a popular live act. Pepper's diverse music allowed the group to tour the country with a wide variety of bands, including reggae icons (The Wailers), punk bands (Pennywise), reggae-rockers (311, Slightly Stoopid), and hip-hop legends (Snoop Dogg). Meanwhile, the band's admiration for DIY-minded groups like NOFX inspired Pepper to launch its own label, LAW Records, which gave the trio complete control over its own music. It also allowed the band to sign other acts, which expanded Pepper's circle even further.
For an album that features nearly a dozen guests, Local Motion was appropriately recorded with several producers, including Stick Figure, the English Beat's Wayne Lothian, E.N Young, Henry Fong, Jinco, the Dirty Heads' Dave Foral, and Jungle Josh. Working with a range of collaborators gave Pepper a chance to experiment with new sounds. The result is an album that pays tribute to the band's past while also pushing forward — and, perhaps, hinting at what might be in store for the next 20 years. There's the brass-filled bounce of "Carnaval," the sexed-up swagger of "Sugar (808 remix)," and the summery grooves of "Warning," all wrapped into a tracklist whose songs celebrate the bright side of a life well-lived.
"When we moved to California, we were playing small clubs," remembers Bollinger, who now plays outdoor amphitheaters, indoor theaters, festivals, and other high-capacity venues with his bandmates. "We felt like we were one of the only bands carrying the flag for this genre in America. These days, it's different. We're seeing some real movement within the reggae scene. This sound has become an established part of American music, and we're grateful for the other bands who are flying the flag, too. Everything is connecting. The energy is right. Incorporating those bands into our new record was the perfect alignment of where we need to be."
"In a world of social chaos," adds Yes Williams, "we wanted a ‘return to community,' that community being the reggae-rock community. We continue to flourish and grow due to the synergy of likeminded bands and fans. Without each other, we are nothing, fom where the music comes from to where it goes. This record is filtered through the community, a true Local Motion that we are lucky enough to be a part of."
Sublime is one of my favorite bands of all time. Sadly I did not get to see the original band but Sublime with Rome. Rome was wonderful and made the concert live greatly up to my expectations. The band was amazing, and the concert was high energy, although the audience was very laid back. ;) They not only played the hits, but other songs as well. I had a blast during the concert, did a lot of dancing, the music was great, and I think Rome did a great job replacing Bradley. The venue of the show was wonderful, and the experience was up close and personal for the most part. The atmosphere and crowd were amazing and everyone had a great time. That night was unforgettable. If you are unsure about seeing Sublime because of Rome, DO NOT HESITATE. The show will be amazing and keep you dancing all night long. Rome sure can sing and strum a guitar. All the songs I wanted to hear were played! Not only was Sublime great but the opening act was a ton of fun and very talented too. I had a wonderful time at this concert, and I will definitely recommend it to everyone. Hopefully I will be able to see them again some day.
Slightly Stoopid is a band known for their southern California sound. Though you don't need to be a surfer to enjoy their great live concerts. With songs ranging from ska, reggae, rock and even the surprising hip-hop inspired tunes it's no surprise the band have accumulated such a diverse audience.
There is no shortage of variety at a Slightly Stoopid concert. Whether the song has clean guitars, or dirty punk rock distorted guitars. Even the occasional saxophone, bongos or keyboards. The vibe is always consistent. Amazingly the band's shows feel like a fun backyard party even when there are hundreds of die hard fans rocking out. Everyone in the crowd feel like friends rather than crazed fans. Perhaps it's because the band doesn't have the outrageous "Rock Star" look. They're just guys wearing shorts and t-shirts.Dancing along to their chill "Sublime-esq" music, or moshing to their early 90's inspired punk rock jams. The crowd at a Slightly Stoopied concert always seem to be having nothing short of an amazing time.
So if you're sick of the cliche rock band and want to see something with a little bit more flavor check these guys out! Who knows? Maybe you'll end up finding yourself in the crowd dancing along with everyone else having the time of your life.
He is so amazing in concert. He really interacts with the crowd. And he will play bongo drums sometimes too. I really love when he does one of his father's songs. And of course when he does a show with his brothers it is absolutely amazing. Also, I love that he always meets his fans and interacts with them after the show.
I had some "crazy love" for the Pepper & Dirty Heads concert last night at The Warfield in San Francisco! I really enjoyed the atmosphere brought about by both bands, as they shared positive energy to the audience that captured memories for many. Their adoration for San Francisco and talented musical skill enhanced loud cheers, singing, and dancing.
I have been listening to Pepper and Dirty Heads back in the early 2000s when I was in High School, so I was really appreciative when they played some of their old songs along with their new ones. For example, Dirty Head's performance for "Stand Tall" was equally impressive as their newest song "Burn Slow. I had hoped Dirty Heads had played more of their old songs such as, "Driftin'," "Ring the Alarm," "Antelope," "Sails to the Wind," and "State of Mind," but their amazing performance enticed me to download and buy their newer albums. For example, their new songs, "Believe," and "Medusa," blew me away-- they are now songs that I intend to overplay on my iTunes. Pepper too performed, "Crazy Love," "Ashes," "Like your style," and "Stormtrooper," all classics! Pepper especially showed admiration for their old school listeners, dedicating some of these songs to the crowd.
I now have two T-shirts by both bands that I will forever treasure as a reminder of how extraordinary and lively this night was! Thank you Pepper & Dirty Heads for the awesome time!