Pop prodigy Pepper Lewis has released her debut single “Planetarium” via AWAL. Cowritten with Rory Adams, “Planetarium” is a soulful, funk-infused ode to the awkward and those who struggle to be vulnerable after putting up walls to protect themselves.
“I never got asked to any of my school dances or proms and I didn’t have anyone to give me dating advice,” says Pepper. “In the song, the date that I’m on is supposed to take place in a planetarium, while I’m a little bit high, stepping on the guy’s shoes while we’re trying to dance… Which is a perfect metaphor for my love life.”
A self-professed “old soul,” Pepper found herself largely outcast by her peers. “I remember getting bullied when I was 8 years old because I was really into Janis Joplin and kept trying to recommend her to the other kids,” she says, laughing. Her passion for music found her filling notebook after notebook with lyrics and making demo CDs on her lunchbreak in the school library.
Pepper uses the message in her music to validate others and provide them with the support network she had always wanted for herself growing up. Raised in Queens and Long Island, Pepper knew she wanted to be a musician at a young age and counts Bruce Springsteen, Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lily Allen, Barbra Streisand — and even Hannah Montana, who showed her that girls could make music, as formative influences.
How did you become an artist?
I’m not sure there has been one moment that inspired me to become an artist or would define me as an artist. It’s just something that I am and always have been.
How do you think “Same Stuff” is different from “Planetarium”?
I think “Same Stuff” is a little more upfront in terms of, “this is how I’m feeling right now, take it or leave it.” I wrote it about how it feels when I don’t take care of my mental health and how my point of view changes when I’m depressed.
Which is your favorite out of your singles and why?
These songs are like my little babies, so it’s hard for me to pick a favorite because I love them in different ways.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording them?
My producer Jack Laboz and I have so much fun in our sessions. Unfortunately, we made the song on zoom due to COVID – but we still found ways to laugh and gossip.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
Fiona Apple’s Fetch The Bolt Cutters was such a triumph in terms of being authentic, storytelling, and musicianship. I think she produced the drums with pots and pans in her kitchen and sampled her dog barking. She truly meant every word she said and you can tell. I want to write like that.
Who is an artist or band that you look up to these days?
I really love Lil Nas X because he integrates comedic relief with his music. I also love that he puts an incredible amount of energy into his music videos and cover art. I’m also very into Remi Wolf, Bleachers, and Mariah Carey right now.
Any future projects?
I’m gonna be making songs till I am an old raisin lady! Currently, I’m working on my second EP. 🙂
What does music mean to you?
I care so much about music that I’m actually getting teary eyed thinking about this question. Music is constant, it doesn’t leave or backstab you, it’s cemented in the ground. It’s a part of the human experience. I really am not qualified for anything else.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Hmmm. Meaningful pop songs inspired by funk music, jazz, and rock and roll.
