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Drummer Yesod Williams from the Kailua-Kona reggae-rock band Pepper is a local boy at heart, even though he's lived in California since the group relocated in 1999. Yesod and his bandmates, Bret Bollinger and Kaleo Wassman, have gone on tour all over the world, but they still come back to the Islands frequently. They'll be in concert Saturday night at Pipeline, with another local star, Anuhea. We caught up with Yesod recently to talk about everything from touring with the popular SoCal band Pennywise to his love for local grinds.
Career wise, what are you up to these days? Will there be a new album any time soon?
We've started touring a lot overseas these days, breaking those markets. Japan was epic this summer. And just the usual, ya know, trying to milk as much time off as possible, ha! And yes, we'll be hitting the studio, starting at the end of this year, to have a new album out in 2010. It will be our sixth studio album, called, "I Can't Believe It." Besides that, we're releasing other great music on our label, Law Records.
What was it like for you guys touring earlier this year with Pennywise?
It was a dream come true, touring with (our) heroes! We used to listen to Pennywise while driving to Banyans to get amped to surf from the time we were like 15, so to be sharing the stage with them and to consider them friends these days is unbelievable. It's so amazing getting respect as a band from a band who had such an influence on your life. It's a true blessing.
Where was the first place you ever played on the Islands, as a band?
In Kona, at our friend Keli and Chad Campbell's garage. I believe it was for graduation the year Bret and I graduated high school in 1997.
Do you have any favorite local performers, DJs or bands from Hawaii?
Oh ya! Natty Vibes, PonchoMan, Ho'aikane, Arena Productions, Anuhea, Splinta, Three Plus, Fiji... and the list goes on and on. So many talented musicians in Hawaii, it's unbelievable!
We know you guys grew up in Hawaii and still come back frequently. When you do come back to the Islands, where are your favorite spots around Honolulu to chill with friends?
Dukes Canoe Club!!! But my personal favorite is chilling on the North Shore in front of my boy from Kona, Ariel's house. It's so unreal.
Got any favorite nightclubs/bars?
Femme Nu, ha!
Besides the big venues like Pipeline and Blaisdell, is there anywhere else you've performed on Oahu, or would like to perform at?
The Waikiki Shell is AMAZING! We played there once with 311. But seriously we've played all over the Island. I remember a show for New Year's Eve in Kailua at Jaron's (now Boardriders), that was a RAGER! Hawaiian Hut was good, back in the day.
Tell about your favorite restaurants in Honolulu and what you like to order?
Of course Roy's Restaurant, is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. Blackened ahi, ribs, misoyaki butterfish, souffle, pretty much anything you order is good. Also, Cafe Haleiwa for the breakfast burrito, Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, and Ono Hawaiian Food. Kalua pig dipped in the poi, poke, lau lau also dipped in poi, lomi salmon, ahhhhhhhh, I'm so hungry now!!!
What's your favorite local food joint?
Kona Mix Plate across the board... best plate lunch in the world. Bulgogi, Korean chicken and broiled mahi, broke da mouth!!! The kim chee is the meanest too.
Any "hidden gem" restaurants in Honolulu that you think are too good to pass up?
Ono Hawaiian Food.
What's your favorite beverage - alcoholic or otherwise?
A mai tai from the Kona Inn, but they are like rocket fuel so you need to be ready.
Where's your go-to restaurant late at night or after a show?
Wailana Coffee House.
For more information about Yesod and the boys from Pepper, check out www.pepperlive.com.
