“Peppered” was a culmination of care between Romantic Dividends and Annabelle Freedman. This song began remotely after the artists were introduced by the publishing company, Score A Score. Romantic Dividends initially created the plentiful expanse of live instrumentation for “Peppered,” including vintage synthesizers, live drums, bass guitar, guitar, and percussion. In response, Annabelle wrote the lyrics, recorded the melodies, harmonies, and added their symphonic strings to further the cinematic nature of the piece. The opening lyrics offer a sensory experience, proclaiming, “Peppered brown sugar was the trail today that smelled just like its color…” which draws the listener right into the space. “Peppered” expands into a detailed song of admiration and gratitude for a relationship that is both nourishing and exciting. Contrary to many pop depictions of infatuation, this slow-burning song musically and thematically offers a sustained and building gratification kind of love.
lyrics
Peppered brown sugar was the trail today that smelled just like its color
Foggy little memory ya have to stay don’t leave just like the others
I was afraid to say it
Friendship was so amazing
But who knew?
Can't believe it's you
Bodies of water weigh in
Listen to what they’re sayin’
Feel the truth
I’ve always loved you
And I’m grateful for you everyday
For your gentleness and your grace
The softness of your morning face
Each and every edge I trace
Peppered brown sugar was the trail today that smelled just like its color
Foggy little memory ya have to stay don’t leave just like the others
Tucking into each other
Intentional like your mother
Always knew,
You see it through
You huggin Ms. Rosita,
A cypher of “nice to meet ya”
Speak your truth,
The light follows you
And I’m grateful for you everyday
For your gentleness and all your grace
The softness of your morning face
Each and every edge I trace
Don’t mind me I’m adoring
When you buoy me in your stories
And I root for you
I always do
That’s how I know
That’s how I know
When
The doubt rings you dry
I’m here to remind
Don’t you ever dim your light
I love when you shine (shine shine shine shine)
(shine)
I love when you shine (shine shine shine shine)
You shine (shine)
I love when you shine (shine shine shine shine)
Shine (shine)
I love when you shine (shine shine shine shine)
You shine (shine)
That's how I know
That’s how I know
credits
released August 4, 2023
Annabelle Freedman: Writing, Vocals, String Composition, Violin
Josh Wiener: Bass, Guitars, Organ, Percussion
Allen Blickle: Drums, Piano, Glockenspiel, Percussion
Produced & mixed by Romantic Dividends
Mastered by Mark Dobson
Cover Art by Annabelle Freedman
Artists and friends across Virginia make up the collective 202; here, they work together to create folk-inflected R&B about love and loss. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 28, 2022
Breezy, lush R&B perfect for warm weather, inspired by Afro-Indigenous artist Clara Kent's heritage, culture, and personal journey. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 6, 2023
The Montréal-based R&B artist marries the complexity of her experiences to the groove of the beat on her third EP. Bandcamp Album of the Day May 27, 2022
Love in all its manifestations—romantic, friendship, and self—are embraced on this debut EP from a classical trombonist turned R&B crooner. Bandcamp Album of the Day Jul 15, 2021
