856

Pepper Rabbit announces breakup, says its hard to be an indie band; Luc drumming for Islands

Pepper Rabbit @ BV-CMJ showcase (more by Amanda Hatfield)
Pepper Rabbit

I wrote back in October that “there’s a rumor that the BV [CMJ] showcase [at Music Hall of Williamsburg] may have been Pepper Rabbit‘s last show ever.” Looks like that was unfortunately true. Facebook letters from Xander (who talks about how hard it is to be an indie band) and Luc (who points out he’ll be drumming for Islands this spring) below…


LETER FROM XANDER:

I told myself I would never write something like this. And I’m sorry if this feels somewhat dramatic. I’m not one to let the general public in on the happenings of my life, but I think the people reading this aren’t really the general public, and that’s kind of the point, but more on that later. First paragraphs are important, as I guess this one is. So to start, I guess I should say that I’m writing this on my own accord and it only represents my own views. Normally I would give a rough draft of this to my friends or parents, but I’m quite past the point of caring. Sorry to digress, and we go forth. By the way, I told myself I would say this by the end of the year…so I’m saying it.

Pepper Rabbit will live on only in the realm of the 2 records and any live shows that have already been performed. There will be no more Pepper Rabbit records or shows.

Let me start by saying that I am incredibly proud of the two Pepper Rabbit Records. Speaking of Beauregard, I have to thank Adam LaClave and Jonathan Allen for their help on that one. Without those two, I would have never taken to high dive into the world of starting a band. Inspiration is a great thing, something I believe we can all find in those whom we surround ourselves with, and without Adam and Jonathan, Pepper Rabbit would have never been. So I urge anyone who reads this to welcome with open arms the support of your loved ones, friends and family.

For Red Velvet Snow Ball (yes its 4 separate words, and no I’m not from New Orleans or India) I have to thank my parents for allowing the record to happen, as well as Ryan Hadlock, Taylor Carroll and Grant Hathaway. As well as Howie Weinberg, whom I begged to master the record. Enough thanks cannot be expressed.

A separate paragraph for RVSB. I have never been more proud of anything that I have ever done in my entire life. For all of you who have listened to it on good headphones or speakers, it was made for you. Just a sad day when people rely on the quality of music coming from their ipod headphones. (don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of apple and any music I have ever made has been on their products, but their headphones suck.) I really put my heart and soul into that record, and I really don’t want to whine and complain about how it didn’t do so well. So for everyone that liked that record, thanks for understanding pop music.

I want to say something real quick about the song “Older Brother”. There is a reason that song was Pepper Rabbit’s most popular song. It was the most honest song I ever wrote. I am so happy for everyone’s response to that song, and it really warms my heart that so many people connected with it. I think a little bit more honesty in the music industry would do it some good. But most importantly, to share a feeling, and and experience with so many people who I’ve never met has been the greatest thing I’ve experienced in my life. And to the person I wrote it about, I deeply miss you and think about you everyday.

In summation, it doesn’t matter why Pepper Rabbit had to end, that will stay within the people involved. But I have to say that everyone who ever bought a record, illegally downloaded a record, came to or snuck in to one of our shows, I thank you dearly from the bottom of my heart. And to everyone professionally involved with Pepper Rabbit, and to all the bloggers and publications that supported the band, I can’t thank you enough for your support. Not many people take chances on other people, let alone themselves. I never took a chance on myself until Pepper Rabbit. And I am thankful everyday that I’ve learned to take a chance on myself. Speaking for myself, I’ll of course be writing music and making many more records in the future, and I will keep you all updated on the goings about in my musical life. Though I will be exploring many other opportunities in the music world, nothing will ever keep me from making records. And the encouragement that all of you have given me, keeps me driven to make more and more and more music, and I hope you will enjoy whatever I come up with. And if not, thats okay too 🙂

One more “in summation”. It’s very hard to be an “indie band” these days. You spend 100% of your time trying to get the band to another level, 75% of the time on tour losing money, and the rest of your time in either complete elation, or complete doubt. So I urge your all to support your friend’s bands, support your favorite bands. Support bands that you don’t even like, because everyone deserves the time of day, everyone deserves your respect until the proven otherwise. Everyone deserves a chance, so give it to them, it doesn’t take much effort. It doesn’t take much effort to help people explore their passion. And that counts for life, not just music. At the end of the day, bands break up for many reasons, and at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter why. All that matter is the music. Remember that.

Support each other, respect each other, and be kind to one another. If you do that, there is no way you can find yourself unhappy. And in the end of the day, your happiness is the most important thing. So be happy. I’m happy. It’s not as difficult as it may seem.

– Xander Singh

LETTER FROM LUC:

Happy New Year everyone.

As an addendum to Xander’s post, I’d like to thank all of you for your kind words. The real measure of a bands success is the fans they have and the quality of their support. It’s been an amazing two years meeting all of you and having you hear our two records that I am incredibly proud of.

I’ve always wanted to be a musician who played with many different people, and have many different experiences. I understand that if it wasn’t for Pepper Rabbit, this dream would never have come true. Since I moved to L.A. in the fall 2009, Pepper Rabbit met and made friends with many amazing musicians and people who make this world of Indie music work. Thank you to all who acknowledged us, believed in us, and helped us become the band we were.

Now with Xander and I moving on into the world of music, I am happy to say all of our touring showed me that I love this, at times, challenging lifestyle. This spring I’ll be on tour playing drums with Islands and I hope I continue to see all of you in my future endeavors.

There really isn’t much wealth to be had in Indie music, but there is a wealth of incredibly kind and talented musicians and fans.
Thank you to all of you,

Luc Laurent