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, Barbara 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. “I’m so excited,” concludes Pepper of her debut. “I just wanna make excellent music and write excellent lyrics that connect with my peers and gives them a little hope. That’s what I’m working so hard for because that’s what I’m here for.” You can connect with Pepper Lewis via the following links. Photo credit: Noah Hellman.
