Emerging pop prodigy Pepper Lewis has released her debut EP She Told Me To Sing My Heart Out, the culmination of her recent sparkling pop gems including “Planetarium” and “Same Stuff.” The colorful EP captures the tumultuousness of adolescence through upbeat pop songs while welcoming new single “The Gucci Song” – a hooky feminist anthem that lampoons the harmful societal pressures placed on young girls.
“I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be heard and share songs that I have been writing and re-writing for close to six years,” says Pepper. “Writing these songs was a way for me to make meaning out of my suffering, but the biggest healer of all is if my songs help other kids like me feel understood.”
Fulfilling a promise made to her mother shortly before her passing, She Told Me To Sing My Heart Out is a collection of brutally honest, thoughtful pop songs that feature production and instrumentation by the likes of Mikey Freedom Hart (Taylor Swift, Bleachers), Jack Laboz (UPSAHL), and Norwood Fisher (Fishbone). Preserving Pepper’s mother’s spirit and speaking to owning every facet of her story – even the darker chapters – in the wake of losing her biggest cheerleader at the age of 15, She Told Me To Sing My Heart Out makes meaning out of suffering to validate others and help them heal. The EP follows the release of swirling electro-pop track “Same Stuff,” an authentic attempt to shake off negative emotions that serves as a reminder for us to take care of our mental health, and “Planetarium,” a soulful, funk-infused bop which tells the story of struggling to be vulnerable and open up after putting up walls to protect yourself.
A self-professed “old soul,” Pepper found herself largely outcast by her peers. A prolific songwriter who draws her lyrics, her desire to help and connect with others, and her incredible drive from her own life experiences, Pepper’s 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. “I just wanna make excellent music and write excellent lyrics that connect with my peers and gives them a little hope,” says Pepper. “That’s what I’m working so hard for because that’s what I’m here for.” 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, EllaFitzgerald, Lily Allen, Barbra Streisand — and even Hannah Montana, who showed her that girls could make music, as formative influences. Coupled with her parents’ support, Pepper’s unshakeable and innate work ethic compelled her to spend most of her childhood studying voice, guitar, and songwriting. Auditions for open mic nights led to her first big break – performing Etta James’ “At Last” at the legendary Apollo Theater to a standing ovation. After buying a one-way ticket to LA, she booked herself writing sessions and ended up writing music for TV shows such as Catfish, Vanderpump Rules, and The Real Housewives franchise, all while working tirelessly on her own original songs. You can connect with Pepper Lewis via the following links. Photo credit: Noah Hellman.
