Peppertown
The latest musical offering out of Bright Indiana, Peppertown, is a roots driven rock band with a unique sound of their own. Peppertown formed in late 2005 after the break up of another local/national band Pure Grain. Drummer, Brian DeBruler and percussionist, Michelle D’Amico, rhythm section of Pure Grain, joined forces with vocalist, Scott Seifferman and guitarist, Ryan Baker of the acoustic duo Peppertown just over a year ago. After 3 bass players the group has finally settled in with friend Artie Chaney. Chaney had done some sub work for Pure Grain in the past.
Since forming the group, Peppertown has made a name for itself around town performing throughout the tri state area. In May 06’ the group released a self-titled EP that remains on the radio charts and has introduced Peppertown to most of the midwest and southeastern United States. Locally, Peppertown is featured on WNKU and WEBN’s Native Noise. Peppertown appeared on Fox 19 in the morning(Cincinnati) and played many regional festivals, fairs and clubs last summer, the highlight being an invitation to perform “Take me out to the ballgame” for the Cincinnati Reds. The band recently performed in Nashville, TN at the Americana Tonight showcase. The showcase was well attended and has sparked interest from management and publicity firms in Nashville. The positive response has laid the foundation for the groups’ debut full length CD, “Firefly”.
Taking the DIY approach, "Firefly" was recorded by DeBruler at his studio Bright Audio. The studio has been in Bright, IN since 1994. Though most people have never heard of it, Bright Audio has been a starting block for many great local artists. Dallas Moore, Roger Drawdy and the Firestarters, Indica Blue, Pure Grain and a young band way back when called Us and Them, who later morphed into local music heroes, The Greenhornes, who now perform in the Racontuers. Years later, DeBruler has established himself and his independent label, SOL Records, with several regional and national releases. Peppertown’s “Firefly” is being released under the SOL Records imprint. Some of the bands instruments are even locally made. Peppertown endorses Tanner Creek acoustic guitars. Tanner Creek guitars are hand built in neighboring Guilford Indiana. The only non local elements to the disc are being mastered in Florida, and manufactured in New Jersey.
Firefly is a collection of songs, reflective of a midwestern lifestyle. The band blends elements of rock, country and blues into a unique sound all of their own. The disc covers a lot of ground and takes you from one end of the spectrum to the other. From gritty, bluesy, guitars to edgy rock, to an almost country flair, the band has a classic sound with a modern edge. Strong hooks and infectious melodies have you singing along by the second chorus. The bands sound seems to win over the hearts of both rock and country fans. “This group has a fresh sound in a day when so many singers and bands sound alike.” ERIC BOULANGER- PROGRAM DIRECTOR - EAGLE 99.3 FM
As many have asked “Why the name?” Peppertown takes its name from a county road in southeast Indiana. The name began when Baker and Siefferman first met and performed together at a party on Peppertown road. The group frequented that area because both had family residing on Peppertown road, and became know as the Peppertown Boys. Eventually dropping the boys part, they hung on to just Peppertown, especially fitting now that they have a girl in the band. Michelle D’Amico grew up on Peppertown road. Coincidently D’Amico and Baker, upon meeting in the band found out they were related by marriage, but had otherwise had no contact with each other before the band. Talk about a small world and a small town. DeBruler’s grandmother ran the hand pump on the organ at church for Siefferman’s great grandmother. Artie Chaney’s father, a long time friend to DeBruler has performed with DeBruler in several bands over the years. Passing the torch to the next generation, Artie gets to jam with his dad, Art Chaney, when he sits in with the band on harmonica. This band is truly like family and their music reflects it. The chemistry between them is obvious and can be felt at any live performance and on the CD.